Which 12 speed chain?

My SRAM NX chain snapped yesterday. The chain is only a year old and upon closer examination it looks like several of the links have developed cracks. I’ve submitted a warranty claim but the retailer did try and blame it on wear and tear…

It looks to be a known issue, so what is the go to 12 speed chain nowadays?

X01’s that I’ve had (when combined with and X01 cassette) have been pretty much bulletproof.

Not sure on the NX but the cracked links on the GX is a known problem.

Our go to is X01 eagle, these are usually the cheapest genuine ones around

SRAM X01 Eagle Chain PC-X01 Hollowpin 12 Speed New 126 Links Bike Bicycle

I’m tempted to swap my NX chain for an x01 (good price above) just because of the constant corrosion, and people explaining on other threads that the x01 don’t have that issue either.

I’ve looked at my Strava and I’ve only done 120 miles on this chain, and I’m not a hard rider. Not overly impressed to be honest. You can see the crack on the chain links below. I’ll have a look at X01 chains then, are Shimano 12 speed chains compatible? 

X01 (or XTR if buying Shimano), longevity more than justifies the initial price. 

What’s the actual difference between X01 and XX1? 

Colour/coating IIRC

I’m running a KMC 12s chain on a SRAM 12s cassette with Shimano 12s derailleur. It all works fine, much better than the 100% SRAM it replaced. I don’t count kms but it’s had about 40days of use and is getting close to change point.

I couldn’t get a Shimano 12 speed chain to work successfully with my SRAM GX drivetrain.

if you are in 12speed SRAM eagle, then don’t use a 12speed Shimano chain – not compatible with the Sram chainrings.

Just to illustrate:

12speed GX vs 12speed XT – Shimano is a fraction narrower, plus the inner plates have these extended bits that mesh with Shimano rings (and the outer plates are deeper as well):

also to show against KMC12 and the 11 and 10:

as for which chain, I did have a GX crack, but since then has quite a few and all been fine – seems on occasion the old sedis/sachs factory in Portugal gets the heat treatment wrong.

I would just go for a GX from a reputable source (i.e. not amazon)

X01 on my ebike. Cheap chains lasted @ 400 miles, whereas the X01 lasted 3k and is still under the wear limit. It’s not exactly happy on the steel deore cassette at the high and low ends. It grumbles a bit but it works and doesn’t slip.

Update… It looks like SRAM want the chain back to inspect before making a warranty decision. I’m a little surprised but will get it in the post. My Cotic will have to wait a bit longer to be ridden.

I am a convert to KMC chains, they seem to last longer and have less surface rust than Shimano or SRAM.

I’ve switched to X01 on both my Enduro bike and Emtb, they’ve lasted way better than the originals (probably NX).

Most noticeable on the Ebike, the original lasted less than 2 months, the X01 replacement, with a similar amount of riding, lasted 18 months or so.

Make of that what you will…

Personally I’d just buy an xx1 or x01 chain now – or a KMC X12 (gold one). Both have been excellent for me. Another NX chain (if they replace under warranty) is still a cheap chain that will surface corrode / might crack again.

I found cheaper Shimano chains also corrode – it’s a cheap chain thing.

That KMC X12 looks like it’s got some sloppy rollers and made from rougher materials, outer plates leaving their mark too it seems.

XO here too. Anecdotally they seem to last much longer than the increased cost.

noeffsgivenFree Member
That KMC X12 looks like it’s got some sloppy rollers and made from rougher materials, outer plates leaving their mark too it seems.

I’m on my 2nd X12 Ti-N 12 speed chain and no issues with it at all. That’s on a GX eagle mech / shifter / cassette and alloy Sram chainring.

Anecdotally I prefer the gold or rainbow XX1 chains but I’m not really sure why. Maybe they’re a little bit quieter?

That KMC X12 looks like it’s got some sloppy rollers and made from rougher materials, outer plates leaving their mark too it seems.

It’s just a lot more worn than the others. It’s also probably been left wet and unlubed at some point hence the rust pitting.