SRAM MTB and Road Cassettes and Chains User Manual

Tools and Supplies

Highly specialized tools and supplies are required for the installation of SRAM components. It is recommended to have your SRAM components installed by a qualified bicycle mechanic.

Required Tools/Supplies:

• SRAM XD/XDR Driver Body specific tools
• Splined non-XD Driver Body specific tools
• Cassette lockring tool
• Torque wrench
• Chain breaker tool
• Grease
• SRAM Chain Wear Check Tool

For a list of approved chain tools, consult the compatibility map for 11 speed, Eagle, and Flattop Chain Compatible Tools on www.sram.com/service.

e-MTB/Pedelec Usage

SRAM components are designed for pedal-powered or pedal-assisted bicycles (e-Bike/Pedelec).

Important Notes for eTap AXS on e-Bikes:

• To protect components and preserve warranty, disable multi-shift functionality for SRAM eTap AXS systems on e-Bike/Pedelec bicycles using the SRAM AXS app. Navigate to Drivetrain Settings within the app.
• For warranty qualification on e-MTB/Pedelec bicycles, Eagle Chain, Cassette, and Rear Derailleur must be used with a SRAM Single Click shifter.

The complete SRAM Warranty is available at www.sram.com.

Cassette Installation

Ensure proper compatibility between your cassette and driver body.

SRAM XD and XDR Cassettes

Compatibility: SRAM XD cassettes are compatible with SRAM XD driver bodies and XDR driver bodies using a 1.85 mm spacer. SRAM XDR cassettes are compatible only with SRAM XDR driver bodies.

Installation Steps:

1. Install the cassette onto the driver body until it is fully seated with the splines engaged.
2. Use a tool with a guide pin to tighten the cassette while applying inward pressure.
3. Tighten the cassette to 40 N·m (354 in-lb) using a torque wrench.

Important: Grease is critical to prevent the cassette from seizing onto the driver body. Ensure the hub driver body and cassette interface are clean and free of debris. If the cassette is difficult to rotate after a few turns, it may be cross-threaded; loosen and re-thread.

Splined non-XD Driver Body Cassettes

Installation Steps:

1. Ensure the splines of the smallest cog engage with the splined driver body when tightening the lockring.
2. Tighten the lockring to 40 N·m (354 in-lb) using a torque wrench.

Important: Ensure the hub driver body and cassette interface are clean and free of dirt and debris.

Cassette and Driver Body Compatibility Chart

Identify your cassette type (XG* or PG*) and driver body type (XD or Splined) to determine if a 1.85 mm spacer is required. Generally:

• XD Driver Body: Compatible with 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7 SPD cassettes (XG and PG types).
• XDR Driver Body: Compatible with 12, 11, 10 SPD cassettes (XG and PG types) when using a 1.85 mm spacer.
• Splined Driver Body (7/8/9/10/11 SPD): Compatible with specific PG cassettes.

Note: XG and PG denote different types of cassette construction.

Chain Installation

WARNING: CRASH HAZARD. Improper chain sizing or connection can lead to chain failure or a crash, resulting in serious injury or death.

Full Suspension Bicycles

For full suspension frames, the rear shock must be fully compressed to size the chain correctly. Deflate or remove the rear shock if necessary. Frames using an upper idler pulley require 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.

MTB Chain Sizing

For 2x and 3x systems:

1. Wrap the chain around the large chainring and the largest cassette cog.
2. For full suspension (FS) and idler pulley (IP) bicycles, add one inner link and one outer link where the chain overlaps.
3. For hardtail (HT) bicycles, add two inner links and two outer links where the chain overlaps.
4. Use a chain breaker tool to break the chain, exposing the inner link. Discard the outer link and excess chain.

For Eagle X-SYNC 2 Oval Chainrings (and similar 1x systems):

1. Rotate the crank arm to the 1 o'clock position.
2. Wrap the chain around the chainring and the largest cassette cog.
3. For full suspension (FS) bicycles, add one inner link and one outer link where the chain overlaps.
4. For hardtail (HT) bicycles, add two inner links and two outer links where the chain overlaps.
5. Use a chain breaker tool to break the chain at the inner link.

Singlespeed Chain Sizing

Measure the chain in the shortest desired chainstay length position. Wrap the chain around the chainring and cog. Identify where the chain meets and add up to one inner and one outer link to accommodate tensioning and wheel removal needs.

• Use a chain breaker tool to break the chain, exposing the inner link. Discard the outer link and excess chain.
• Consult the frame manufacturer's instructions for chain tensioner and wheel tightening.

Road Chain Sizing

For 2x systems (including Flattop chains):

1. Wrap the chain around the large chainring and the largest cassette cog.
2. Consult the chart to determine the proper chain sizing for your drivetrain. Add the specified number of inner and outer links from where the chain starts to overlap.
3. Use a chain breaker tool to break the chain, exposing the inner link. Discard the outer link and excess chain.

PowerLock Installation

PowerLock is a chain connector for SRAM chains.

Installation Steps:

1. Place the chain onto the smallest cassette cog.
2. For Derailleurs with Cage Lock: Rotate the derailleur cage forward and press the Cage Lock button to lock it in the extended position. Route the chain through the derailleur pulleys, ensuring it passes inside the cage tabs.
3. Pull each end of the chain together and install the PowerLock. Press the PowerLock connector links together.
4. Check that the two halves of the PowerLock are aligned and properly engaged. The arrow on the PowerLock must point in the direction of chain travel before locking.
5. To lock the PowerLock, apply the rear brake and firmly push the crank arm down. You should hear and feel the PowerLock click into place.
6. Check the PowerLock by hand to ensure it moves freely.
7. For Derailleurs with Cage Lock: Release the Cage Lock by rotating the cage forward and letting it return to the unlocked position.

CAUTION: The PowerLock is designed for one-time use only. It can only be removed with chain link pliers and must not be re-used. Install a new PowerLock each time a new chain is installed.

PowerLink Installation

PowerLink is a chain connector for SRAM chains.

Installation Steps:

1. Pull each end of the chain together and install the PowerLink.
2. Press the PowerLink together and pull the chain in opposite directions to lock the PowerLink into place.

CAUTION: To avoid chain separation, confirm the PowerLink is properly closed on both sides of the chain before proceeding.

Maintenance

Clean the cassette and chain with biodegradable cleaners only. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow parts to dry, then lubricate the chain with chain lubricant. Lubricate regularly to extend the chain's service life.

WARNING: 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 can become brittle and break under load, potentially causing a crash resulting in serious injury or death.

Chain Replacement

Use the SRAM Chain Wear Indicator tool to measure chain wear. Replace the chain when it reaches 0.8% elongation.

For a list of approved chain tools, consult the compatibility map for 11 speed, Eagle, and Flattop Chain Compatible Tools on www.sram.com/service.

Trademarks and Logos

SRAM, LLC holds registered trademarks and logos for numerous bicycle components and technologies, including but not limited to: 1:1®, Avid®, AXS®, DoubleTap®, eTap®, Grip Shift®, GXP®, PowerLock®, PowerLink®, Reba®, Rock Shox®, SID®, SRAM®, SRAM EAGLE®, Truvativ®, X0®, X01®, X-SYNC®, XX1®, Zipp®, and many more listed in the original document. Specifications and colors are subject to change without prior notice.