After Aaron Gwin’s chainless win at Leogang in 2015 (definitely worth a watch), there has been a race in research and development to remove the effects the chain has on the rear suspension. In comes the Ochain, a device it’s designers claim do just that.

2020 o chain sram.jpg
2020 o chain sram (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The Ochain is a direct replacement for your existing spider that fits any popular crankset. Inside are an array of elastomers that offer 6, 9, or 12 degrees of adjustable float.

Each of those float options is designed to work specifically with DH, XC, enduro and trail rigs with Ochain saying that the benefits are more noticeable on rougher ground.

2020 o chain shimano.jpg
2020 o chain shimano (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

That float is said to allows for the chain to move freely of any input from the suspension as it moves through its travel.

2020 o chain gif.gif
2020 o chain gif (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

With a chain free of suspension input, body-induced suspension resistance is removed, making it more active when the trail gets rowdy.

It promises better braking too, claiming to remove brake-induced suspension jack, and once engaged, it’s said to pedal just like normal.

2020 o chain hope.jpg
2020 o chain hope (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The Ochain is available in Shimano, SRAM, Race Face, e*thirteen, and Hope mount options all costing £280.

Also available are Ochain titanium chainring bolts priced at £28 and a replacement elastomer kit set at £18. 

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