Consult sram.com/service whenever a separate manual is referenced in this document.
Read the full warranty policy for your components at sram.com/en/service/warranty.
For information about trademarks used in this manual, visit sram.com/website-terms-of-use.
Highly specialized tools and supplies are required for the installation of your SRAM components. We recommend that you have a qualified bicycle mechanic install your SRAM components.
Chain printing may vary by model and year it was manufactured. You must consult the compatibility map at www.sram.com/service for the compatible SRAM Chain for your drivetrain system.
Use the appropriate PowerLink or PowerLock with the matching stamped SRAM chain.
The PowerLock is designed for one-time use only. The PowerLock can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be reused. Install a new PowerLock each time a new chain is installed. Reusing a PowerLock may result in a broken chain that could result in a crash.
Use the appropriate PowerLock with the matching stamped SRAM chain.
The T-Type PowerLock only works with T-Type stamped chains. The Eagle PowerLock only works with Eagle stamped chains. The PLCK D1 PowerLock works with all Road Flattop D1 and E1 chains.
Failure to size or connect the chain properly may lead to chain failure or cause the rider to crash, resulting in serious injury and/or death.
Chain Length sizing differs for Full Mount Rear Derailleurs. For new system installation, consult the user manual for instructions. For chain replacement, use the information below to determine your chain length and chain installation.
Consult the SRAM Full Mount Chain Length Guide or use the SRAM AXS app to determine the chain length for your bicycle based on the chainring size and chainstay length.
SRAM Full Mount Chain Length Guide
If you cannot access the SRAM Full Mount Chain Length Guide or the SRAM AXS app, consult the Chain Length Table section to determine the chain length for your chainring size and chainstay length combination.
The SRAM Full Mount Chain Length Guide offers the most accurate recommendations and should be used whenever possible and referenced as the default. Recommendations provided by the chain guide may differ from the Chain Length Table.
1. Count down from 126 to the number of chain links determined by the Chain Length Chart.
2. Use an approved chain breaker tool to break the chain at the inner link. Set the chain aside.
For a list of approved chain tools, consult the Eagle, Flattop, and 11 Speed Chain Compatible Tools document.
Full Suspension Frames: To size the chain, the rear shock must be fully compressed. Deflate or remove the rear shock if necessary.
Idler Pulley: Frames that use an upper idler pulley requires a lower idler pulley for sufficient chain wrap and drivetrain performance. Failure to use a lower idler pulley may result in improper chain tension, noise, and performance.
1. Wrap the chain around the large chainring and the largest cassette cog.
For Oval Chainrings, rotate the crank arm to the 1 o'clock position.
2. For full suspension and idler pulley bicycles, add one inner link and one outer link where the chain starts to overlap.
For hardtail bicycles, add two inner links and two outer links where the chain starts to overlap.
3. Use a chain breaker tool to break the chain so that the inner link is exposed. Discard the outer link and excess chain.
Full Suspension Frames: To size the chain, the rear shock must be fully compressed. Deflate or remove the rear shock if necessary.
Idler Pulley: Frames that use an upper idler pulley requires a lower idler pulley for sufficient chain wrap and drivetrain performance. Failure to use a lower idler pulley may result in improper chain tension, noise, and performance.
1. Wrap the chain around the large chainring and the largest cassette cog.
2. For full suspension and idler pulley bicycles, add one inner link and one outer link where the chain starts to overlap.
For hardtail bicycles, add two inner links and two outer links where the chain starts to overlap.
3. Use a chain breaker tool to break the chain so that the inner link is exposed. Discard the outer link and excess chain.
1. Wrap the chain around the large chainring and largest cassette cog with the flat edge facing away from the chainring and cassette.
2. 2x systems: Add one inner link and one outer link where the chain starts to overlap.
1x systems: Add two inner links and two outer links where the chain starts to overlap.
Chain length sizing differs for Full Mount Rear Derailleurs, including 13 Speed XPLR AXS. Consult the Prepare - XPLR section for specific chain length information.
3. Cut the chain.
For a list of approved chain tools, consult the Eagle, Flattop, and 11 Speed Chain Compatible Tools document.
1. Measure the chain in the shortest desired chainstay length position.
2. Wrap the chain around the chainring and cog.
3. Identify where the chain meets and add up to one inner and one outer link to accommodate the tensioning and wheel removal needs of the frame.
4. Use a chain breaker tool to break the chain so that the inner link is exposed. Discard the outer link and excess chain.
Consult the frame manufacturer's instructions for chain tensioner and wheel tightening.
This section covers preparing the chain and derailleur for installation on bicycle frames not listed in the SRAM Full Mount Chain Length Guide or AXS App.
The SRAM Full Mount Chain Length Guide offers the most accurate recommendations and should be used whenever possible and referenced as the default. Recommendations provided by the chain guide may differ from the Chain Length Table.
1. Measure the direct distance from the bottom bracket axis to the hub axis with the frame fully extended at 0% travel to determine the chainstay length (A) in millimeters.
2. Consult this chart to determine the length of chain links needed for your T-Type chain according to the chainring and chainstay length (A) combination on your bicycle.
Purple Chart Cells: Some bicycles may require more than one aftermarket chain to achieve the required length. Use a second compatible PowerLock to connect the chains and place the PowerLocks as far from each other as possible.
3. Count down from 126 to the number of chain links determined by the chart.
Use an approved chain breaker tool to break the chain at the inner link.
For a list of approved chain tools, consult the Eagle, Flattop, and 11 Speed Chain Compatible Tools document.
This section covers preparing the chain and derailleur for installation on bicycle frames not listed in the SRAM Full Mount Chain Length Guide or AXS App.
The SRAM Full Mount Chain Length Guide offers the most accurate recommendations and should be used whenever possible and referenced as the default. Recommendations provided by the chain guide may differ from the Chain Length Table.
1. Measure the direct distance from the bottom bracket axis to the hub axis to determine the chainstay length (A) in millimeters.
2. Consult the chart below to determine the length of chain links required according to the chainring and chainstay length (A) combination on your bicycle.
Purple Chart Cells: Some bicycles may require more than one aftermarket chain to achieve the required length. Use a second compatible PowerLock to connect the chains and place the PowerLocks as far from each other as possible.
Orange Chart Cells: Use a Standard 45 mm chainline crank with bicycle chainstay lengths less than 415 mm.
3. Count down from 126 to the number of chain links determined by the chart.
Use an approved chain breaker tool to break the chain at the inner link.
** If using a 114 link Flattop chain countdown accordingly.
For a list of approved chain tools, consult the Eagle, Flattop, and 11 Speed Chain Compatible Tools document.
1. Place the chain onto the smallest cassette cog. Route the chain through the rear derailleur pulleys, and above the tab in the cage.
Move the chain to the smallest cassette cog.
1-2. Rotate the derailleur cage forward and press the Cage Lock lock button to lock the derailleur in the extended position.
3. Route the chain through the derailleur pulleys. Make sure to route the chain below the tab in the cage.
PINCH HAZARD
The derailleur is spring-loaded and will return from the Cage Lock position rapidly. Keep your fingers clear of pinch points.
For a list of approved chain tools, consult the Eagle, Flattop, and 11 Speed Chain Compatible Tools document.
1. Pull each end of the chain together and install the PowerLock.
2. Press the PowerLock connector links together.
3. Check that the two halves of the PowerLock are aligned and properly engaged.
4. Use chain link pliers to lock the PowerLock.
The PowerLock is designed for one-time use only. The PowerLock can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be reused. Install a new PowerLock each time a new chain is installed. Reusing a PowerLock may result in a broken chain that could result in a crash.
1. Pull each end of the chain together and install the PowerLock.
2. Press the PowerLock connector links together.
The PowerLock is designed for one-time use only. The PowerLock can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be reused. Install a new PowerLock each time a new chain is installed. Reusing a PowerLock may result in a broken chain that could result in a crash.
3. Release the Cage Lock by rotating the cage forward then carefully letting it return to the unlocked position.
PINCH HAZARD
The derailleur is spring-loaded and will return from the Open Mode position rapidly. Keep fingers clear of pinch points.
4. Rotate the crank until the PowerLock is above the chainstay.
5. Check that the two halves of the PowerLock are aligned and properly engaged.
6. Apply the rear brake (6a) and firmly push the crankarm down (6b) to lock the PowerLock. You should hear and feel the PowerLock click into place.
7. Check the PowerLock by hand to make sure it moves freely.
The PowerLock is designed for one-time use only. The PowerLock can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be reused. Install a new PowerLock each time a new chain is installed. Reusing a PowerLock may result in a broken chain that could result in a crash.
1. Pull each end of the chain together and install the PowerLock.
2. Press the PowerLock connector links together.
If chain link pliers will not be used to install the PowerLock, continue to step 9.
3. Check that the two halves of the PowerLock are aligned and properly engaged.
4. Use chain link pliers to lock the PowerLock.
The PowerLock is designed for one-time use only. The PowerLock can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be reused. Install a new PowerLock each time a new chain is installed. Reusing a PowerLock may result in a broken chain that could result in a crash.
For a list of approved chain tools, consult the Eagle, Flattop, and 11 Speed Chain Compatible Tools document.
1. Pull each end of the chain together and install the PowerLock.
2. Press the PowerLock connector links together.
The PowerLock is designed for one-time use only. The PowerLock can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be reused. Install a new PowerLock each time a new chain is installed. Reusing a PowerLock may result in a broken chain that could result in a crash.
3. Rotate the crank until the PowerLock is above the chainstay.
4. Check that the two halves of the PowerLock are aligned and properly engaged.
5. Apply the rear brake (5a) and firmly push the crankarm down (5b) to lock the PowerLock. You should hear and feel the PowerLock click into place.
6. Check the PowerLock by hand to make sure it moves freely.
The PowerLock is designed for one-time use only. The PowerLock can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be reused. Install a new PowerLock each time a new chain is installed. Reusing a PowerLock may result in a broken chain that could result in a crash.
Pull each end of the chain together and install the PowerLink.
Press the PowerLink together and pull the chain in opposite directions to lock the PowerLink into place.
To avoid chain separation confirm the PowerLink is properly closed on both sides of the chain before proceeding.
Clean the cassette and chain with biodegradable cleaners only. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow the parts to dry, then lubricate the chain with chain lubricant. Lubricate regularly to extend the chain's service life.
CRASH HAZARD
Do not use alkaline or acidic solvents to clean the chain and cassette cogs. Do not soak or store the chain or cassette in any cleaning product. They will become brittle and can break under load, which can cause the rider to crash resulting in serious injury and/or death.
Replace your chain at 0.8% elongation to maintain performance and limit wear to the cassette and chainring.
Flattop chains last longer than 10/11 speed road chains.
For a list of approved chain tools, consult the Eagle, Flattop, and 11 Speed Chain Compatible Tools document.
The chain, cassette, and chainring wear together over time as a result of normal use. Parts will last longer with regular cleaning.
To determine if the parts need to be replaced, consult the Transmission Service Matrix. Depending on use case, it may be best to change the parts together to restore optimal drivetrain performance.
SRAM chains and cassettes are 100% recyclable metal.
♻ For recycling and environmental compliance, please visit sram.com/en/company/about/environmental-policy-and-recycling