I've done a similar comparison with both T-Type and road flat tops using a precision micrometer/calipers and am convinced that they are the same minus any possible differences in coatings (PVD, etc.) like you mentioned. The quick links for both are also identical.
Thanks for sharing your findings! Not to mention that from a manufacturing standpoint it doesn’t make any sense to have 2 slightly different products/ processes / machinery etc
I'm interested in your real-world results. I will say I noticed you quoted an XX Eagle chain vs a Rival chain. It would likely be a better comparison to use XX vs Red. That said, a quick google search shows Red Flat top is $75, so still considerably cheaper than the XX Eagle Transmission chain. We should also note, that the XX is 126 links vs 114 for Red.
I think the amount of links is the most important thing, I have helped quite a few people set up chains and I have yet to see anyone in the 114 link zone. Lowest I have seen is 116.
The fact that you can still create mullet setups with a Red/Force/Rival crankset/chainring and an XXSL/XX/XO/GX cassette and rear derailleur makes it clear they are cross compatible for at least non-motorized bikes.
Very Interesting, thank you for your Video! I build a MTB for my wife, instead of eagle 10-52 with XPLR Road 10-44. I did not know, that the T-Type chain is not running on Sync 2 chainring. So I can be sure now, that it will work with a quarq crankset and Transmission chainring.
According to Zero Friction Cycling, which also made a video about the differences in this chains, the MTB Flat Top version is more resistant to change gears under high power. Adam said he obtained this information from SRAM. There might be a difference in the pin, something to justify. But it was not proven yet, it's only SRAM information.
Yeah love his vids even though sometimes he mixes things up 🙂 Could be for high torque eBike applications that these drivetrains...ahem, transmissions are comatible with?
@@LoveMTB All the chains must have at least 8000N of tensile strenght. But this is tested in a chain supported in multiple teeths in the cogs and alligned. When changing gears the tensile strenght might be very reduced. That's why most of the chain snaps happens when the rider is changing the gears. Even in a not assisted bike, this chain must be more resistant to be able to change gears under power.
Hey can you do a compatibility video with old cassettes and t type derailleurs. I saw people putting spacers to bump old Xo1 cassettes out and it actually working with the new derailleurs. I also saw remy metailler had this setup installed on his r bike. If so that would be awesome. I can’t afford to buy the whole system all at once. Thanks 🙏
Hey there, I will actually not do that. Take a look in this video, you will see how the new chain doesn't sit snug on the cassete visible with the naked eye. As for spacers etc...realistically not interested in an unreliable expensive mess, sorry.
@@LoveMTB I was asking old chain, old cassette. A lot of people have been wondering about it and seemed like a pretty quick and easy video to tackle since you’ve got all the parts. Not asking you to run “the expensive mess” permanently. Seemed like it was up your alley. Sorry for asking I guess.
@@LoveMTB dang dude. Really have been a supporter of the channel for years now. Just throwing suggestions out there. No clue why you had to be rude about it
Rival chains are €18-25 and GX type T is €45-60. I've looked it in three of the most popular online-stores in Germany. Pricewise Rival is equivalent of old GX chains, wich are around €20. Instead of one GX type T chain, you can buy Red for the same money.
Maybe the internal pin is different? Stronger on the T-Type? I'm surprised you didn't check if there was a weight difference. You usually always break out the "JOY RIDE" scale.
Yup my Joyride 150! One had wax on it and hollow pins, the other one doesn't. So the weight difference wouldn't reavelam much meaninful data. For me is the secrecy...why not tell us what the differences are from the getgo? Like Shimano did with the GRX 12s vs MTB HG+. They came out from day one and said all the same, have at it!
I'm wondering if there'd be any noticeable difference between the new Red chains and the T-Type MTB chains. As of today, the D2 red is "13 speed compatible", so maybe that makes a difference?
I’m thinking about putting the 13 speed red on my mtb for s&g, but I’m a little concerned I’ll put too much stress on the red chain with a T-Type ring.
I knew it. Lying bastards. It’s all been a cash grab! Unfortunately my bike needs 116 links so I’m stuck buying the more expensive option either way. Thank you for finally making this video. I’m amazed it took anyone this long to do it. Cheers
You said on this video the new ttype chain is compatible with the previous eagle chain rings. Is this confirmed by sram? Or your opinion and testing? I thought your chain ring video left the question unconfirmed.
It will work just fine from my testing, others use the Eagle cranks because the already have power meters on them also. No visible differences between the chainrings either
you're welcome🤓 Narrower chain = weaker. So they made up for the lost strength by using more material/ taller plates on one side. And they look cool!?😊
6 месяцев назад
Hey! Are you really sure the chains are the same pitch? Have you measured it hanging side by side? Because T-Type chain has definitely a hair longer pitch. I was always measuring wear of chain by marking the length of hanging chain and comparing before each waxing. Brand new T-Type was approx the same length as classic Eagle after 1500km (lets say 1/3 of it lifetime). Recently, I have also measured another X0 T-type with the same results. I was also measuring the road D1 chain on my friend's bike using caliper (measuring pin to pin distance using the edge between pin and the plate) and it shows exactly 6 inches so it seems like the classic pitch. In case of my T-Type I can clearly see that it is a bit over. I'm quite sure that this might be the crucial difference.
Pitch is the same rollers are bigger on Flattop as you see in the video
6 месяцев назад
@@LoveMTB Actually, I don't se you measuring the chain pitch in the video at all. Can you point me there? I have just spotted you mentioned the enlongated plates (not sure if you mean bigger pin to pin distance). I think the only way is "hanging" the chains side by side. New ones optimally (e.g. all washed berore waxing) and comparison of original Eagle, D1 and T-Type might be interesting.
6 месяцев назад
@@LoveMTB So I finally ordered one D1 chain for test by hanging side by side and it is definitely shorter than T-Type and thus it has longer pitch (not surprise for me). What really surprised me is that D1 is even shorter (smaller pitch) than 12sp Eagle chain. I can send you pictures if you want.
@ Thanks for doing all these tests! I have a road chain ready to go on the t-Type but I will do that later in the season. BTW as per SRAM, chain pitch is the same on all of these.
6 месяцев назад
@@LoveMTB Some update - I was measuring the pitch on individual links and it looks this is still the very 1/2". But the chain is definitely longer (about 4mm on 120 links - try it if you can), which means there is more slop - probably bigger play between pins and inner links (which then behaves the same as bigger pitch). D1 and T-Type are definitely not look interchangeable to me and there seems to be some internal design change as SRAM states. D1 might work but I would probably wear faster, similar as you use a new chain on already worn cassette/chainring a tradition drivetrain.
Should do a video where you try both chains on a mtb and a road bike to see if there’s any performance differences. Especially while shifting under load.
Very interesting vid thank you!!! I think your on to something with the more chrome plating on the t-type chain,just like shamano the more exspensive the chain the more sil tech coating is used...I think sram pushes it with their pricing ouch!!!Cheers!!
@@LoveMTB my cassette is after two seasons about 6-7k. I switched chain from gx to flattop red so it wasn't new ;) By the way Im xc rider and lot of my friends rides on flat top red chain on eagle cassette with no issue
@@LoveMTB for two reasons, the flattop red chain is more durable and I noticed with my colleagues that the drive is quieter. Now its my second season on this flattop chain with eagle cassette, so far no issue .
Good comparison on the measurements but if you are going to compare prices at least choose the same levels in the hierarchy! That's comment baiting at its finest!
@LoveMTB who are you not pleasing by doing the price comparison properly? Would you make the same video saying Dura-ace chains are more expensive than Deore chains therefore Shimano charge more for their road chains?
I hope you measured of camera in a better manner for validation because you are measuring a chain which is already a small part especially with 12s. So a few 0.1mm difference can really make a difference. Just take hub parts for example. There the tolerances are insanely important. So if you would measure for compatibility of parts on a hub the measurement you were taking would be not usable. I am interested to see if they will bring T type to road with the next red groupset. Btw. ZFC (Zero Friction Cycling) is also saying that he believes the chains are compatible but hasent tested it himself @@LoveMTB
Well...T-Type is VERY different than road Flattop vs " Even though they have the same physical dimensions they are built to different standards so we recommend sticking with T-Type for MTB" etc. DO you see a difference? 😉
