Become an expert at AXS chain cleaning, compatibility, install and more.
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Your chain is arguably the hardest working part on your AXS bike besides your legs. With proper care, an AXS chain is designed to be strong, durable, smooth, and quiet. But with so much chain advice out there, how do you know what’s best for your bike?

Cleaning your chain

Start by removing any grease and grime. While backpedaling, spray a non-corrosive degreaser on the whole chain. Do not spray your derailleurs, as the cleaners can compromise their seals. Allow the degreaser to sit on the chain for a minute or two before wiping with a lint-free rag. Rinse with water, making sure no cleaning residue is left over. Don’t have any degreaser? Dish soap and water will do the trick too.

TECH TIP: Leave your chain installed for cleaning. The PowerLock that holds your chain together is designed for a single use only. If you remove it, you’ll need to install a new one.

Applying chain lube

Once your clean chain is dry, it’s time to lubricate it. Choose a bike-specific chain lube that suits the local terrain and weather you ride most in. Wet lubes work well for soggy or rainy rides, while dry lubes perform best in dry or dusty conditions. Whichever works for you, make sure you apply it to the rollers of the chain, which directly contact your cassette and chainrings.

Tech Tip: Avoid attracting unnecessary dirt by keeping lube off the plates of your chain. After lubing the rollers, wipe any excess lube from the plates. The best way to maintain a quiet and long-lasting chain is to keep the rollers clean and lubricated...No wax or soaking needed!

Checking for chain wear

The lifespan of your chain depends heavily on how much you ride, how hard you ride, and what kinds of weather you ride in. There’s no magic number of miles or ride hours for when to replace your chain. Review our recommendations based on which drivetrain is on your AXS bike:

Road AXS, Eagle AXS, and XPLR AXS

Use a compatible chain checker to measure your chain’s wear. Replace it at 0.8% elongation to maintain performance and limit wear to the cassette and chainring.

 

FIND A CHAIN TOOL

Eagle Transmission

Transmission chains, cassettes, and chainrings are designed to wear together over time as a result of normal use. To determine if the parts need to be replaced, consult the Transmission Service Matrix. We recommend replacing the wear items all together to restore optimal drivetrain performance.

 

LEARN MORE

Choosing a replacement chain

AXS drivetrains feature a few different kinds of chains depending on your rear derailleur. Your chain must match your cassette and rear derailleur to shift properly. Here’s the quick compatibility rundown:

  • Road Flattop chains for Road AXS and XPLR AXS
  • T-Type Flattop chains for Eagle AXS Transmission
  • Eagle chains for Eagle AXS

Tech Tip: Mix and match the level of chain to fit your needs. For weight savings, choose the RED or XX SL levels with hollow pins and cut outs that shave the most grams. Go for Apex or GX to get the same reliable performance at a lower price.

Installing a new chain

Once you’ve selected a new and compatible SRAM chain, you’ll need to size and connect it according to our specifications. Choose your drivetrain below and follow the steps to ensure happy shifting for many miles to come.

Need chain tools?

From wear checkers to chain breakers, SRAM has you covered.

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