SRAM XX1 Eagle Chain 12-Speed Black [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

Some might say that the average mountain bike chain takes an excessive amount of abuse but at the same time is often overlooked when it comes down to performance. A faulty or worn chain can end a great ride. One of our valued customers shares his thoughts on the SRAM XX1 Eagle Chain. Check it out!

Overview

Riding my bicycle brings me great joy. I am lucky enough to open my garage and pedal to my local trails I try to stoke the local mountain bike culture with a smile. I like to take in the views of the mountains and the ocean when I ride my bike uphill. Sometimes I enhance my mountain bike experience by singing or hollering as a “thank you" to the mountain bike gods. Lately, I have been belting out Steve Miller’s “Fly Like an Eagle” which brings me to review my SRAM XX1 Eagle Chain 12-Speed Black. The best way to describe how I spend my time on my XL Santa Cruz Megatower is that I want to fly like an eagle to the sea. I like to pop off booters, smash through high-speed rock gardens, dig in on kitty-litter white-knuckle chutes, slap berms, rail ruts, push top speeds of 36mph, climb everything, and pedal, pedal, pedal!

Currently, our trails are dry and dusty and I just installed my second SRAM XX1 Eagle Chain - 12-Speed, 126 Links, Black of 2020. I have climbed just shy of 300,000 feet this year and in my experience, the SRAM XX1 Eagle Chain - 12-Speed, 126 Links offers longer wear with less friction and less noise. SRAM’s flow link design eliminates square edges on outer plates and reduces friction and wear. The titanium nitride surface treatment is also responsible for prolonging the life of the chain. SRAM claims a weight of 260 grams and the black color matches my SRAM XX1 groupset giving my bike an extra stealthy setup. Simply put, the SRAM XX1 Eagle Chain - 12-Speed makes each revolution smooth enough to eliminate any doubt of mechanical issues. In the case of an issue, I also travel with an extra SRAM Master Link.

Installation is a breeze. Worldwide Cyclery has an easy-breezy tutorial (insert link?) I prefer to use my favorite pair of Wolftooth Master Link Combo Pack Pliers to remove old, worn-out SRAM Single Use Master Link; remove old chain; before I run a new chain through the drivetrain I trim it to the desired length; install quick link— double-check the arrow on the link should point in the direction the chain will travel; get the master link to pop into the groove by lining up the link installed underneath the chainstay, pull the rear brake, and hold it while pedaling forward. Or I just go for a quick pedal outside the garage.

Final Thoughts

A quiet bike is a fast bike and because my bike is outfitted with SRAM XX1 Eagle Chain makes me want to spread my wings and fly like an eagle and let my spirit carry me. I want to fly like an eagle ‘Till I’m free.