The new updated Ochain-R is here! Featuring a load of improvements over the outgoing model to increase performance and durability.
What does it do for you?
Ochain is an active spider, allowing the chainring to rotate backwards in order to disengage the transmission from the suspension, improving the whole riding experience and the bike’s performance.
All suspension bikes have a degree of 'pedal kickback' when the suspension is compressed. This is due to the distance between the rear wheel axle and the instant centre (IC) of the suspension pivots increasing as the suspension compresses. Because the chain cant be stretched, it pulls back on the cranks, trying to rotate them counterclockwise. In practice, there isn't enough force to physically lift the rider up via the cranks, so this force is manifested in the suspension firming up. This equates to a loss of suspension performance over bumps, when you need it the most. The Ochain decouples this effect by allowing the cranks to effectively rotate as the chain is pulled back. This results in a very noticeable improvement in suspension action over rough terrain.
What's the difference between the R and the N?
Both devices have adjustable degrees of freedom. On the R it is external and can be adjusted between 0, 4, 6, 9 and 12 degrees. 0 degrees acts as a normal chainring would (meaning you can set it to have no effect on pedaling for long climbs) and 12 degrees gives you the most amount of kickback-deleting effect which gives the best downhill performance. On the N model, the degrees of freedom are also adjustable between 4, 6, 9 and 12, but this is done internally and requires the Ochain to be disassembled and rebuilt (about a 20 minute job in the workshop).
Pinkbike's Matt Beer says:
"The chain forces that the Active Spider isolates is quite impressive. I believe there is both a physical improvement to the suspension performance when the chainring can rotate to a degree, plus it adds a qualitative bonus by reducing the noises caused by chainslap. The small amount of lag in the pedal stroke is a tradeoff that is worth coming to terms with if the bike in question is susceptible to chain feedback."
Link to the Pinkbike review here
Specs:
• Intended use: Trail, Enduro, Downhill, Freeride
• EASY system: set up from 0° up to 12°
• Cranks Compatibility: Sram 3 bolts / Sram T-type,
Shimano XTR / XT / SLX, Race Face clinch, E13, FSA and
Hope direct mount standards
• Chainring compatibility: BCD 104mm from 32t, 3mm offset
• Colors: Nero (Black), Pregio (Natural)
• Weight: 160grams average, depending on the version
