Is SRAM quietly reinventing the chain?
SRAM's Potential Chain Revolution
This article discusses a recently discovered SRAM patent application detailing a novel chain design. This design significantly differs from existing chain technologies and could represent a major shift in bicycle chain manufacturing.
Current Chain Technology
The article explains that while incremental improvements have been made to chains over time (e.g., width, materials, finish), the fundamental design has remained relatively unchanged. Existing technologies from Shimano (Linkglide, Hyperglide+) and KMC (double X-Bridge) offer subtle improvements, but the core structure remains the same. Even with these advancements, substituting chains from different manufacturers typically yields similar shifting performance.
SRAM's Patent and 'Stepped' Design
SRAM's patent proposes a chain with a 'stepped' design, eliminating the need for traditional inner and outer plates. The images included in the patent illustrate this unique design, which could potentially affect how the chain interacts with cassettes and chainrings. The article highlights this as a major departure from traditional designs.
Significance of the Patent
This patent application is notable as it suggests a potential major change to bicycle chain technology after SRAM's previous departure from conventional design with its AXS 12-speed Flat Top chain. The article concludes by speculating on this potential innovation's implications for the cycling industry.
Is SRAM quietly reinventing the chain?
Exclusive: A recent patent filing suggests the brand could be preparing to make a shift in chain design.
US Patent Office, Dave Rome, Twila Federica Muzzi
At first glance, SRAM seems strongly committed to 1x. It almost single-handedly convinced mountain bikers to ditch the front derailleur, and more than a decade on, the MTB world hasnāt looked back. More recently, it has started to influence the road world in the same way, with multiple WorldTour teams racing on single-chainring setups at different races throughout the year.Ā
But just when it looked like SRAM was preparing the front derailleurās eulogy, a new patent suggests thereās still life in the double chainring yet.
As first spotted by a contributor to Escape Collective, a US patent application from SRAM shows a radically different chain design. It's a departure from the tried and tested profile that has remained fairly consistent since the advent of shifting. Of course, āradically differentā is a stretch when it comes to chains, where most innovations are subtle and hard to spot.
A new link in the chainĀ
When it comes to chain design, evolution has been slow. Sure, widths have narrowed, finishes have improved, materials have strengthened, and cut-outs have shaved a little weight. Inside the chain, you'll find some more notable differences in how the plates and rollers interface with the central pin (rivet). Still, the latest chains of today continue to have plenty in common with those from decades ago.
A conventional chain is made of a pin, roller and a set of alternating inner and outer plates. SRAM's patent removes the need for inner and outer plates with the stepped design acting as both. There are also subtle curves and dimensions that most of us are never aware of, but are important enough to be patented. These small but purposeful contours define how the chain interacts with the cassette and chainring through the motion of shifting. Shimano has its Linkglide and Hyperglide+ technologies, and KMC has its double X-Bridge, all of which claim to influence shifting. Still, swap a Shimano chain for Wipperman or KMC, and it typically still shifts fine (at least to the senses of most regular riders).
When SRAM departed from conventional chain design with its AXS 12-speed Flat Top, it marked the first time a mainstream chain couldnāt be substituted by an aftermarket alternative due to its proprietary shape and increased roller diameter. Weāll leave Dura Ace 10, and ancient oddball chains for another time.Ā
The drawings included in the patent from SRAM illustrate exactly what this 'stepped' design would look like. 
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