SRAMS relatively new flattop chain has been available for a while now so we thought we would do a deep dive into everything that has to do with the flattop chain. Why is the top of the chain flat? What are the benefits to this? Does it make the chain stronger or help with shifting? Are there any negatives to the flattop chain? Is the flattop chain compatible with the rest of SRAMs components? All of this and more will be answered in the article below.

Here is what SRAM has to say about the Flattop Chain:

"What if you could add range to your drivetrain while also smoothing the gear progression with smaller differences in tooth count between neighboring gears? And what if you could gain that without losing drivetrain efficiency or having to replace your chain more frequently? Our unique Flattop chain link design is a key element that makes all of these improvements possible.

To gain a wider gear range with smaller gearing steps, the chain has to get narrower. With Flattop, we’ve added material on the flat side of the chain plates to strengthen every link. The Hard Chrome surface treatment on the pins, inner plates, and rollers also extends the life of the chain and keeps it shifting precisely over the long haul. Additionally, Flattop chains feature longer wearing large diameter rollers that help deliver the same drivetrain efficiency as our 11-speed drivetrains. All of these technologies together have enabled us to engineer a narrower 12-speed chain that lasts 36% longer than our 11-speed chains.

With the Flattop chain design it’s like having your cake and eating it too… except this cake actually helps you to be faster on the bike… and you don’t have to buy cake as often… There might be a better metaphor to explain it, but we like cake, so we’re sticking with it." - SRAM

So the flattop chain is stronger and will last longer as a result of the material added to the chain plates to strengthen every link. But what is the compatibility of the SRAM flattop chain to the rest of their components?

Compatibility:

SRAM flattop chains were designed to work with the rest of SRAMs new Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which is their new fully integrated and interdependent wireless transmission system. All of this new stuff is designed to be used as a complete system. So it's not compatible with existing Eagle 12-speed parts except for the AXS shifters. All of the drivetrain parts are marked with the "T-Type" on them to indicate compatibility. In order to run transmission, you'll need to use the chainrings, cassette, chain (flattop), and derailleur as a group. The new flattop chains are available in four different transmission drivetrain options: GX, XO, XX, and XXSL. You can see each of these models in the compatibility chart below.

Differences Between Each Flattop Chain Model:

As mentioned above, the flattop chains are available in four different drivetrain options: GX, XO, XX, and XXSL. So what are the differences between each of the models?

As you can see in the photo above, there isn't too much difference between the four chains. One of the biggest differences is the XX SL version has cutaways in the link plates. The GX, XX, and XX SL models come in silver while the XO model comes in a "dark polar" colour. The weights of the four models can be found below:

GX Eagle Flattop Chain Weight - 244 grams

XO Eagle Flattop Chain Weight - 262 grams

XX Eagle Flattop Chain Weight - 247 grams

XX SL Eagle Flattop Chain Weight - 240 grams

The price is also a factor that differentiates each chain. The retail prices of the four models can be found below, and there is a fairly big difference:

GX Eagle Flattop Chain Retail Price - $75.00CAD

XO Eagle Flattop Chain Retail Price - $146.00CAD

XX Eagle Flattop Chain Retail Price - $182.00CAD

XX SL Eagle Flattop Chain Retail Price - $218.00CAD

PROS and CONS of the Flattop Chain:

PROS

1. The Hard Chrome surface treatment on the pins, inner plates, and rollers extends the life of the chain and keeps it shifting precisely over the long haul.

2. Flattop chains feature longer wearing large diameter rollers that help deliver the same drivetrain efficiency as their 11-speed drivetrains.

3. Lasts 36% longer than SRAM 11-speed chains.

4. SRAM’s Flattop technology has been developed to allow the chain plates to be thinner without sacrificing any strength or durability. The effectiveness of the design also means that the chain is lighter, quieter, more responsive, and longer lasting.

CONS

1. Flattop chains are more expensive than regular SRAM chains. For comparison the SRAM GX Eagle 12 speed chain retails for $52.95CAD while the SRAM GX Eagle Transmission Flattop T-Type 12 speed chain retails for $75.00CAD.

2. Flattop chains can only be used with transmission drivetrains, which means their use is limited to only specific parts that they are compatible with.

---

Our Take

Flattop chains are designed to be used with transmission drivetrains, which when it comes to wireless transmission systems is the best of the best. The transmission drivetrains are not cheap, but if you can afford it, it is worth every penny. The flattop chains are the strongest mountain bike chains SRAM offers, and with smooth and precise shifting capabilities you would not want to run anything else. SRAM has clearly spent a lot of time developing these chains, and the quality and performance speak for itself.

In need of a SRAM flattop chain? We stock the XO Eagle T-Type 12 speed flattop chain and you can purchase it here. If you are looking for a regular mountain bike chain we have 21 options in stock and you can shop all of our mountain bike chains here. Remember that we offer free shipping on all orders over $149CAD. All orders are processed and shipped within 24 business hours as well. Spend less and ride the best with TBS Bike Parts.