Ochain joins the SRAM Family of Brands

SRAM Acquires Ochain - Manufacturer of the Active Spider

SRAM announced today that it has acquired Italian component manufacturer Ochain and will continue production under the same branding. Flynn George of SRAM, noted that they have been doing extensive testing on how to design a drivetrain that facilitates improvements in suspension feel and overall bike performance. Ochain is an active spider that allows the chainring to rotate backwards independently from the crankarm, decoupling the drivetrain from the suspension movement. This helps to isolate the rider from pedal kickback, improves traction, and enhances suspension feel. To accomplish this, the Ochain allows controlled and damped backwards rotation of the chainring to the tune of 4, 6, 9, or 12 degrees, tuned via elastomers.

After significant testing, equipping bikes with over 20 sensors to record angles, torques, and speeds across every area of the bike, SRAM landed on a chainring based solution - and Ochain, being the best chainring solution, garnered SRAM's partnership interest.

“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.” - Flynn George, SRAM Product Manager.

Ochain founder Fabrizio Dragoni will lead a dedicated team out of a new headquarters in italy. For Fabrizio, when he founded the company, he'd always considered being partnered with a larger drivetrain ecosystem and is proud that this vision was realized with Ochain joining SRAM. Since their inception in 2019, the team at Ochain has taken the product through multiple iterations to create a durable product that is resistant to dirt, water, and rock strikes. The most recent versions contain dozens of bespoke parts and seals to ensure longevity.

While initially conceived for downhill racing, the Ochain is now found on everything from downhill rigs to long travel e-bikes, and even trail bikes.

With the Ochain being sold as an aftermarket-only product in the area of $500, I'm curious to seen how this product is potentially specced as a stock part in the future, especially with SRAM's OEM drivetrain stronghold along with their brakes and RockShox suspension kits.