Ochain Joins SRAM

SRAM x Misspent Summers in La Thuile Italy announcing Ochain

EXCLUSIVE: SRAM WELCOMES OCHAIN, CELEBRATES PEOPLE, CULTURE AND PRODUCT

By Dave Johnson, Misspent Summers news network

Company culture is key, says American manufacturer SRAM, as it announces move that will see Italian components maker Ochain join its family of brands that already includes RockShox, Time and Velocio.

Flynn George of SRAM told The Daily Note, ‘We started thinking about how to make descending better through a drivetrain development’ – and what effect any improvements could have on suspension, chassis and overall bike performance.

George explained that the company’s top technicians rigged up a bike with more than 20 sensors (‘the most complicated data acquisition bike we’ve ever made’) to record angles, torques, speeds and more across every area of the bike – external and internal – and explore ways to improve ride experience.

The data session, he continued, ‘highlighted a bunch of different mechanisms that we were testing, a bunch of different hypotheses, and a couple different ways or products in which we could achieve that type of performance, that type of stability, quiet and traction.’

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.’

About bringing Ochain into the SRAM family of brands, George noted that ‘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]’

THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING: COUNTLESS DOWNHILL AND ENDURO WORLD CUP RACERS USE OCHAIN

After founding the company in 2019, Dragoni and his team have taken Ochain through multiple iterations to create a long-lasting product resistant to dirt, water and rock strikes. From the first prototypes that ‘let water in – and out again’, as Dragoni recalls, to the most recent for-sale versions that contain dozens of bespoke parts and seals to ensure longevity and performance, the Ochain team has rapidly moved from concept to polished product in just a handful of years.

While initially conceived as a product for downhill racing, it soon became clear to the Ochain team that, in fact, almost any riders could use it. Now, you’ll find it on everything from downhill race rigs to long-travel e-bikes and even lightweight trail bikes.

SRAM and Ochain staff did not comment when The Daily Note questioned them about future plans. We can only speculate: Might manufacturers spec Ochain on complete bikes? Will we see innovative new bike designs? Perhaps SRAM has something else up its sleeve. Time will tell.