New SRAM Ochain: this is how the system that eliminates pedal kickback works

SRAM officially presents its new generation of Ochain, a component that directly affects the dynamic behavior of the transmission and suspension by decoupling the rider from pedal kickback. Following the acquisition of this technology by SRAM a few months ago, the system arrives completely redesigned under the brand's standards, with structural improvements, greater durability, and a complete range covering MTB and e-MTB.

What is Ochain and how does it work

The Italian brand and technology Ochain was acquired by SRAM last year and has now just presented its new generation. The concept of Ochain is based on an active spider that is installed between the cranks and the chainring, allowing controlled backward rotation of the chainring under load. This movement decouples the rider from the forces generated by the transmission, directly reducing the backward pull on the pedals.

Functionally, this translates into reduced noise, less interference of the transmission on the suspension, and greater sensitivity of the setup on descents, regardless of the suspension design or the bike's travel.

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Less interference and better terrain reading

One of the key objectives of the system is to eliminate what SRAM identifies as “dynamic noise” in the transmission. The Ochain reduces both chain turbulence and micro-interferences that reach the pedals, allowing the rider to focus on reading the terrain and improving the perception of the bike's behavior.

This effect is not only sensory. By isolating the rider from these forces, the suspension works more freely, increasing traction and stability in technical areas.

More control in braking, corners, and rough terrain

The decoupling introduced by the system acts on three main sources in the transmission:

• Pedal Kickback
• Chain oscillations
• Forces generated by the rear wheel

By allowing that controlled rotation of the chainring, the system reduces the transfer of these forces to the pedals, improving stability during braking and grip on supports, as well as decreasing rider fatigue on long descents.

Beyond “pedal kickback”: what problem does it really solve

According to SRAM data, the classic “pedal kickback” barely manifests in real trail conditions, as the rotation of the wheel compensates for that effect at a certain speed. However, it identifies two more relevant phenomena:

• Cassette Backwards Slap: when the chain rebounds, the cassette moves forward and backward abruptly, transmitting impacts to the crank system.
• Momentary rear wheel lock: during braking, the wheel may momentarily lose contact and lock the transmission, generating direct forces on the pedals.

The Ochain acts precisely on this, absorbing those loads and reducing their impact on the rider.

Although its adoption has been especially visible in downhill, SRAM positions the Ochain as a cross-cutting solution.

SRAM assures that in bikes with less travel, where the interaction between transmission and suspension is more perceptible, its impact is even greater. Additionally, unlike solutions based on the hub or high pivot designs with a pulley, the system operates independently of the frame's kinematics.

One of the key technical points of the system is its location in the spider. This allows the angular travel of the chainring to be constant, regardless of the selected gear. SRAM states that hub-based solutions depend on the transmission ratio, which causes variations in behavior between climbing and descending. In contrast, the Ochain maintains uniform operation in any gear.

The system uses a dual-stage internal design with springs and elastomers, which smooths the transition between the decoupling phase and power delivery.

This eliminates the typical impacts of systems with direct metal contact, generating a progressive and practically imperceptible coupling from the cranks.

Depending on the model, the Ochain allows modification of the degree of rotation of the chainring, with an external adjustment via dial in R and S models, and an internal adjustment via chips in N and E models

The available values are total lock or 3°, 6°, 9°, and 12°, allowing adaptation of behavior to each terrain, riding style, or bike configuration.

New generation more robust and sealed

The entire new range has been redesigned to meet SRAM's quality standards. This includes greater impact resistance, improved sealing with double-lip seals, less internal contamination, and greater overall durability.

Additionally, internal components have been unified to facilitate maintenance and simplify service. Now maintenance intervals are set at 100 hours for elastomer replacement and 200 hours for full service.

The system is compatible with SRAM 3 and 8 bolt interfaces, 104 BCD chainrings (32, 34, and 36 teeth), Bosch BDU38 motors (CX Gen 5) in e-MTB, and DUB-PWR power meter cranks.

Complete range: models, versions, and prices

SRAM structures the range into four main models plus upgrade kits:

Ochain R (MTB, external adjustment)

• Use: trail, enduro, and DH
• Adjustment: external (Lock, 3°, 6°, 9°, 12°)
• Interfaces: 3-bolt and 8-bolt
• Weight: 177.2 g (3-bolt) / 178.9 g (8-bolt)
• Price: 380 €

Ochain N (MTB, internal adjustment)

• Adjustment via chip (6°, 9°, 12°)
• Standard configuration: 9°
• Weight: 167.7 g (3-bolt) / 169.4 g (8-bolt)
• Price: 310 €

Ochain S (e-MTB, external adjustment)

• Compatible with Bosch CX Gen 5
• Full external adjustment
• Price: 380 €

Ochain E (e-MTB, internal adjustment)

• Adjustment via chip (9° and 12°)
• Price: 310 €

Kits and spare parts

• Upgrade kit N → R / E → S: 100 €
• Full maintenance kit: 50 €
• Elastomer kit: 25 €
• Travel Chips kit: 25 €
• Screws and spacers kit: 35 €

Beyond the concept, which was already established in competition, this update represents the total integration of Ochain within the SRAM ecosystem.

Reliability is improved, maintenance is simplified, and compatibility is expanded, consolidating the system as a real solution for managing transmission forces in MTB, especially in aggressive use.