SRAM Adds Another Brand to Its Portfolio

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SRAM Adds Another Brand to Its Portfolio originally appeared on BikeMag.

SRAM has a reputation for integrating brands into its ecosystem, but not in a way that disrupts the longevity of those brands. Over the years, SRAM has steadily expanded its product offerings through the acquisition of these brands. With an eclectic roster of brands that includes Rockshox, Zipp, Velocio, Truvativ, PowerTap, Quarq, Hammerhead, TIME pedals, and now Ochain, SRAM makes yet another move to dominate the industry with continued innovation.

Designed to eliminate pedal kickback and reduce drivetrain feedback to the rider, Ochian has been recognized as a pioneer in this niche but rapidly growing segment of the industry. As we’ve seen in past mergers with SRAM, the overall intentions and goals of Ochian will not be affected by the new ownership. Instead, we are likely to see significant growth within the company as its resources are expanded under the SRAM banner.

Ochain has been the first name in this growing drivetrain segment for years, and the innovation will only continue under SRAM.Photo: SRAM

“We started thinking about how to make descending better through drivetrain development,” said Flynn George, Product Manager at SRAM. “We found that Ochain delivered unmatched improvements in traction, stability, and ride feel. It quiets down the chassis, reducing auditory feedback and pedal feedback. On the trail, that means improved traction and control.”

What is Ochain?

Installed between a bike’s cranks and chainring, Ochain enables the chainring to rotate freely within a specific range without affecting the cranks, providing a ‘chainless’ sensation. This allows the suspension to move more freely and the transmission to shift smoothly, resulting in a quieter, more stable ride. Although initially designed for downhill racing, the Ochain team soon realized that nearly any rider and discipline could benefit from its unique properties. Today, you’ll see it on a variety of bikes, including downhill race rigs, long-travel e-bikes, and lightweight trail bikes.

Photo: SRAMPhoto: SRAM

After extensive testing, George said, “SRAM landed on the chainring-based solution being the best, and Ochain being the best chainring-based solution.” Elaborating on its benefits, George explained that “Ochain quiets down the chassis, reducing auditory feedback and pedal feedback. On the trail, that means improved traction and control. It feels like a more consistent experience, regardless of how fast you’re going and how rough the terrain is.”

Ochain is trusted by the world's top racers.Photo: SRAM

How Will This Merger Change Ochain?

George continues to elaborate on the reasoning behind the acquisition by saying, “These guys know what they’re doing. They’ve done something cool and unique. They were first in the space, and they’re also awesome... so we said, OK, let’s figure out how we acquire Ochain.”

Ochain founder Fabrizio Dragoni, who will lead a dedicated team out of a new headquarters in Italy, explained that SRAM’s interest didn’t come out of the blue: “When I founded the company, I said to my team, Maybe in five years the company will be part of SRAM.” That vision became a reality in 2025 when the acquisition was finalized and Ochain joined SRAM.

SRAM has stated that they will not be drastically changing anything about the Ochain brand and only wish to help it grow and develop as the best method of reducing pedal kickback and increasing drivetrain efficiency.

Will the Ochain name change?

No, the Ochain name will remain unchanged. It is recognized for its innovation and dedication to elite racing and riding. The name maintains its strong value and will not be altered.

What is Ochain, and how can it improve my ride?

Ochain is an active spider for MTB and E-MTB cranksets. It mounts between the chainring and crank arm, allowing for controlled and damped rearward rotation of the chainring. This isolates the rider and chassis from pedal feedback, enhancing suspension feel, unlocking better traction while braking and cornering, and increasing rider stability in rough terrain. It also reduces chain turbulence and noise, allowing the rider to focus on what's next on the trail rather than what's happening underneath them. Ochain is also easily tunable for terrain, ride style, and bike type, making it beneficial for a broader range of bikes and trails.

Ochain is available for both eMTB and regular bikes in two different options, one of which is externally adjustable.Photo: SRAM

Shop Ochain Systems

One interesting aspect of this acquisition is that Ochain currently manufactures spiders compatible with Shimano and Race Face cranksets. This merger into the SRAM family will not alter this offering from the brand, meaning that, technically, SRAM will be producing a Shimano-compatible product intentionally. It might be nothing, but I found this subtle detail interesting.

Ochain spiders are available for purchase through several authorized retailers or directly from the Ochain website, and SRAM will continue to offer its standard two-year warranty for all components.

Shop Ochain Here

The Ochain Offerings

Ochain R Easy Active Spider | $415.80

The Ochain R SystemPhoto: SRAM

The pinnacle of the Ochain range. The Ochain R Easy Active Spider incorporates the sophisticated, patented Easy System, which empowers riders to fine-tune their riding experience by configuring the ideal degree of freedom right from its outer face, from 0° to 12°. The Ochain R represents the next evolution of active spiders, seamlessly enabling the chainring to rotate backward, effectively disengaging the transmission from the suspension. This groundbreaking feature not only enhances your overall riding experience but also elevates your bike's performance to unprecedented levels.

TECH INFO

Customizable Setup: Ochain EASY, switch between different setups: lock, 4°, 6°, 9°, and 12°

Chainring Compatibility: BCD 104 mm only (NOT INCLUDED)

Chainring Offset: +3mm virtual chainring offset (add +3mm or +4.5 mm, with the Ochain adjust kit)

Finish: Black or Silver hard anodization

Material: Crafted from high-quality Alloy 7075 T6

Weight: 160 grams (depending on the version)

Dimensions: 93 mm x 93 mm x 13 mm

Weight Limit: Rider and bike max 120kg

Ochain N Active Spider | MSRP: $342.36

The Ochain N SpiderPhoto: SRAM

The Ochain N Active Spider is a revolutionary active spider that transforms your riding experience and elevates your bike's performance. Ochain enables the chainring to rotate backward, effectively disconnecting the transmission from the suspension. The result? A smoother, more efficient ride that enhances your biking adventures. Ochain will come with a 9-degree setup, with the option to switch between 4°, 6°, 9°, and 12° setups by purchasing the dedicated Elastomer kit, allowing you to tailor your ride to your preferences.

TECH INFO

Customizable Setup: Ochain will come with a 9 degrees set up, with the possibility to switch between 4°, 6°, 9° and 12° setups, buying the dedicated Elastomer kit, tailoring your ride to your preferences.

Chainring Compatibility: BCD 104 mm chainrings from 30T ( NOT INCLUDED)

Chainring Offset: +3mm virtual chainring offset (add +3mm or +4.5 mm, with the Ochain adjust kit)

Finish: Black or Silver hard anodization

Material: Crafted from high-quality Alloy 7075 T6

Weight: 140 grams (depending on the version)

Dimensions: 93 mm x 93 mm x 13 mm

Weight Limit: Rider and bike max 120kg

Ochain S Active Spider | MSRP: $453.57

The Ochain S SpiderPhoto: SRAM

The Ochain S represents the next evolution of active spiders for Ebike, seamlessly enabling the chainring to rotate backward, effectively disengaging the transmission from the suspension. This groundbreaking feature not only enhances your overall riding experience but also elevates your bike's performance to unprecedented levels.

TECH INFO

Customizable Setup: Ochain EASY, switch between different setups: lock, 4°, 6°, 9°, and 12°

ChainringCompatibility: BCD 104 mm only (NOT INCLUDED)

Chainring Offset: +3mm virtual chainring offset (add +3mm or +4.5mm, with the Ochain adjust kit)

Finish: Black or Silver hard anodization

Material: Crafted from high-quality Alloy 7075 T6

Weight: 160 grams (depending on the version)

Dimensions: 93 mm x 93 mm x 13 mm

Weight Limit: Rider and bike max 120kg

Ochain E Active Spider | MSRP: $373.46

The Ochain E SpiderPhoto: SRAM

The Ochain E is a revolutionary active spider that transforms your riding experience and elevates your e-bike's performance. Ochain enables the chainring to rotate backward, effectively disconnecting the transmission from the suspension. The result? A smoother, more efficient ride that enhances your biking adventures.

TECH INFO

Customizable Setup: Ochain will come with a 9 degrees set up, with the possibility to switch between 4°, 6°, 9° and 12° setups, buying the dedicated Elastomer kit, tailoring your ride to your preferences.

Chainring Compatibility: BCD 104 mm chainrings from 30T ( NOT INCLUDED)

Chainring Offset: +3mm virtual chainring offset (add +3mm or +4,5mm, with the Ochain adjust kit)

Finish: Black or Silver hard anodization

Material: Crafted from high-quality Alloy 7075 T6

Weight: 140 grams (depending on the version)

Dimensions: 93 mm x 93 mm x 13 mm

Weight Limit: Rider and bike max 120kg

SRAM Adds Another Brand to Its Portfolio first appeared on BikeMag on Jul 4, 2025

This story was originally reported by BikeMag on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.