What makes the SRAM RED Flattop E1 Chain the benchmark for 12/13-speed road?

The RED Flattop E1 Chain is the lightest and most durable chain SRAM has produced, built around HollowPin construction that uses a hollow-core pin stronger than a solid pin at a fraction of the weight. Strategic cutouts in both the outer and inner plates drop 13 grams from the previous generation without sacrificing structural integrity. The Flattop outer plate geometry lowers the chain's overall profile, reducing the height difference between inner and outer plates to improve shifting speed and precision across the full cassette range at 12 and 13 speeds.

At 126 links the E1 fits most road and gravel builds with material left to trim for your exact frame and chainring combination. Compatible with the full RED AXS and RED XPLR AXS 12/13-speed drivetrain ecosystem. The PowerLock master link is included for tool-free installation and reuse-free replacement. If you are running a RED AXS drivetrain and want the chain that matches the engineering spec of the rest of your groupset, the E1 is the correct choice.