Sram road chain

If you own or maintain a SRAM road bike, choosing the correct replacement chain can be confusing. SRAM follows a different compatibility logic than Shimano: with the introduction of 12-speed AXS groupsets, the brand broke compatibility between generations. A PC-Series chain and a Flattop chain may both carry the SRAM logo, but they have different designs and are not interchangeable.

This guide explains the different SRAM road chain families, their compatibility with each groupset, and the installation basics to help you choose the right reference. If you're looking for general advice on selecting a road bike chain, start with our complete road bike chain guide.

1. The evolution of SRAM road chains

For many years, SRAM followed the same traditional chain design philosophy as Shimano. Everything changed with the introduction of the 12-speed AXS platform. Knowing which generation your groupset belongs to immediately tells you which chain family you need.

  • Before 2015
    10-speed mechanical era Apex, Rival, Force and Red mechanical groupsets all used 10-speed drivetrains with PC-1030 and PC-1070 chains featuring a conventional chain geometry similar to other brands.
  • 2015–2018
    11-speed mechanical and first-generation eTap Force, Red and the first wireless eTap (11-speed) adopted the PC-1170 chain, while Rival and Apex continued with the PC-1130. All retained the traditional chain design, with compatibility across the product range.
  • 2019
    The Flattop revolution — 12-speed AXS SRAM introduced Red AXS, followed by Force AXS, together with a completely redesigned Flattop chain and a new PowerLock connecting link. This new system is incompatible with all previous SRAM road chains.
  • 2021–Present
    Flattop becomes mainstream Rival AXS and later Apex AXS brought Flattop technology to more affordable groupsets. Meanwhile, traditional 11-speed PC-Series chains continue to be produced for non-AXS mechanical drivetrains still widely used on complete bikes and for maintenance.

2. The two SRAM chain families

PC-Series — Mechanical 10 & 11-speed

Mechanical Apex, Rival, Force, Red and first-generation eTap groupsets · Traditional design
Models PC-1130, PC-1170
Speeds 10 and 11-speed
Material Steel, hollow pins on PC-1170
Connecting link Standard PowerLock
Cross-compatibility Excellent (Shimano 10/11-speed)
Multi-brand compatibility
4/5
Durability
4.4/5
Value for money
4.6/5

The PC-Series uses a conventional chain geometry, very similar to Shimano and KMC chains for the same number of speeds. The PC-1170 (grey finish with hollow pins) is supplied on Force and Red mechanical groupsets, while the PC-1130 (standard finish) is fitted to Rival and Apex. Both can easily be replaced by an equivalent Shimano or KMC chain if necessary.

Best suited for: 10 and 11-speed mechanical groupsets, first-generation eTap, and riders who want maximum interchangeability without being tied to a single brand.

Flattop — Rival AXS / Force AXS (12-speed)

12-speed AXS groupsets with standard or chrome finish · Current generation
Speeds 12-speed AXS only
Rival finish Standard
Force finish Chrome
Connecting link Flattop PowerLock
Cross-compatibility None outside SRAM AXS
Multi-brand compatibility
0.8/5
AXS shifting precision
4.6/5
Value for money
3.9/5

Instead of traditional profiled outer plates, Flattop chains feature flat outer plates and a specific roller width. This design increases lateral stiffness and improves shifting precision with SRAM's electronic AXS derailleurs. Rival AXS and Force AXS share exactly the same chain geometry, with only the finish differing (chrome on Force). They are fully interchangeable regardless of groupset level.

Best suited for: Rival AXS and Force AXS groupsets, or riders looking for the precise shifting performance of AXS without paying for the premium DLC coating.

Flattop DLC — Red AXS (12-speed)

Premium AXS range · Performance benchmark
Speeds 12-speed AXS only
Coating DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)
Connecting link Flattop PowerLock
Material Lightweight steel with hollow pins
Interchangeable with Rival / Force AXS
Internal friction
4.8/5
Corrosion resistance
4.7/5
Value for money
2.8/5

The Red AXS chain uses the same Flattop geometry as Rival and Force AXS, but adds a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating that further reduces friction while improving wear and corrosion resistance. It can be installed on Rival AXS or Force AXS groupsets to improve drivetrain efficiency without changing the rest of the transmission.

Best suited for: Red AXS groupsets or riders using Rival or Force AXS who want maximum drivetrain performance.

3. Groupset compatibility chart

SRAM Groupset Speeds Compatible Chain Connecting Link
Apex, Rival (mechanical) 10/11-speed PC-1130, PC-1170 PowerLock
Force, Red (mechanical, 1st-generation eTap) 11-speed PC-1170 PowerLock
Rival AXS 12-speed Flattop (standard finish) Flattop PowerLock
Force AXS 12-speed Flattop (chrome finish) Flattop PowerLock
Red AXS 12-speed Flattop (DLC finish) Flattop PowerLock

Green rows = Flattop chain family, compatible only with other Flattop chains.

4. How to identify your chain family

Before ordering a replacement chain, three simple checks will help you identify the correct model with confidence.

Method 1 — Identify your groupset

In most cases, the groupset name (engraved on the rear derailleur or shift levers) tells you everything you need to know. Any groupset marked AXS uses a 12-speed Flattop chain, while any 10 or 11-speed mechanical groupset uses a PC-Series chain.

Method 2 — Visual identification

A Flattop chain is easy to recognize thanks to its flat, smooth outer plates with no visible shaping. A PC-Series chain, by comparison, has slightly contoured outer plates. The Flattop PowerLock is also wider and flatter than the standard PowerLock connecting link.

Method 3 — Count the cassette sprockets

A SRAM AXS 12-speed cassette always requires a Flattop chain. A 10 or 11-speed cassette uses a PC-Series chain.

What you see Chain family
Flat outer plates with no contouring Flattop
Slightly contoured outer plates PC-Series
"AXS" marking on the rear derailleur Flattop
Mechanical groupset with no electronic shifting PC-Series

Tip: if you're unsure, never rely solely on the speed rating printed on another manufacturer's chain packaging. A SRAM Flattop 12-speed chain and a conventional 12-speed chain from another brand may have the same nominal width, but their link geometry is different, making them incompatible.

5. PowerLock connecting links

All SRAM road chains, whether PC-Series or Flattop, use a PowerLock quick link. Unlike Shimano Quick Links or KMC Missing Links, which are sometimes reused once, SRAM explicitly recommends replacing the PowerLock every time it is opened. Removing it slightly deforms the locking tabs, reducing the reliability of the connection if reused.

Flattop PowerLock links (12-speed) are also not interchangeable with PC-Series PowerLock links (10/11-speed). Their width and locking profile differ to match each chain's geometry. If you regularly remove your chain for cleaning, it's worth keeping one or two spare PowerLock links in your toolbox.

6. Cross-compatibility with Shimano and Campagnolo

Configuration Compatibility Notes
PC-Series 10/11-speed + Shimano cassette Good Very similar spacing standards; generally works without issues.
PC-Series 10/11-speed + Campagnolo cassette Not recommended Campagnolo uses its own geometry and compatibility is not guaranteed.
Flattop 12-speed + non-AXS cassette or derailleur Incompatible Proprietary geometry with no cross-compatibility.

With SRAM's 12-speed AXS platform, cross-compatibility has almost disappeared. Flattop is a proprietary chain design, just as Shimano HG+ and Campagnolo 12-speed chains are specific to their own drivetrains. Any SRAM AXS groupset should therefore be fitted exclusively with a SRAM Flattop chain, regardless of whether it is the Rival, Force or Red version.

7. Specific maintenance for SRAM chains

DLC-coated chains (Red Flattop) work particularly well with dry lubricants because the coating naturally reduces dirt adhesion. On PC-Series and standard Flattop chains without a DLC coating, wet lubricant remains the better choice for riders who frequently ride in wet weather.

Wear warning: because of its increased lateral stiffness, the Flattop chain is slightly less tolerant of advanced wear than a conventional chain. Once elongation exceeds approximately 0.75%, the risk of poor shifting and chain skipping increases significantly. As with any road bike chain, regular checks using a chain wear gauge are strongly recommended.

Browse all our road bike chains →

8. Which chain is best for your riding?

Your needs Recommended chain Notes
10/11-speed mechanical groupset
Apex, Rival mechanical		 PC-1130 Can also be replaced by a Shimano 10/11-speed chain if required.
High-end mechanical groupset
Force, Red mechanical		 PC-1170 Lightweight design with hollow pins.
Entry-level AXS groupset
Rival AXS		 Standard Flattop Fully interchangeable with Force and Red Flattop chains.
Maximum drivetrain smoothness on AXS
Any AXS groupset		 Flattop DLC (Red) Compatible with Rival AXS and Force AXS.
Frequent wet-weather riding PC-Series or standard Flattop with wet lubricant The DLC coating mainly provides an advantage in dry conditions.

9. FAQ — SRAM Road Bike Chains

Is a Flattop chain interchangeable with a standard 12-speed chain?
No. Flattop is a proprietary SRAM chain design developed exclusively for 12-speed AXS groupsets. A Shimano or Campagnolo 12-speed chain cannot replace it, and vice versa.
How long does a PowerLock connecting link last?
Its lifespan mainly depends on the wear of the chain itself (typically 3,000 to 5,000 km / 1,900 to 3,100 miles), not on the connecting link. However, SRAM recommends that a PowerLock should never be reopened and reused. Fit a new one whenever the chain is permanently removed.
Which SRAM chain should I use with a Rival AXS groupset?
Any SRAM Flattop chain is compatible, whether it's the Rival, Force or Red version. All three share the same geometry and are mechanically interchangeable; only the finish and surface treatment differ.
Can I use a Shimano cassette with a SRAM chain?
Yes, on 10 and 11-speed mechanical drivetrains, SRAM PC-Series chains generally work well with Shimano cassettes. On a 12-speed AXS groupset, however, no: the Flattop chain must be paired with a SRAM 12-speed cassette and derailleur.
How can I tell whether my SRAM groupset uses a PC-Series or Flattop chain?
Any groupset marked AXS uses a Flattop chain. A mechanical groupset without electronic shifting uses a PC-Series chain (PC-1130 or PC-1170, depending on the groupset level). If you're still unsure, look at the chain itself: Flattop chains have flat, smooth outer plates, while PC-Series chains have slightly contoured outer plates.

Road Bike Chain Guides — Learn More

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