Stemming from Aaron Gwinn's monumental chainless win at Leogang in 2015, the effects of a chain on suspension performance have always been a huge talking point. Since the Gwinn incident, brands have been conjuring methods of combatting pedal kickback – examples include O-Chain's chain damping system and the uprise in the popularity of high-pivot mountain bikes. However, Rimpact has taken a different approach with its new Chain Damper that focuses on chain slap. Here's everything you need to know.

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Instead of jumping on the pedal kickback reduction bandwagon, Rimpact believes that the bulk of the feedback felt through the pedals comes from the top portion of the chain between the cassette and chainring being uncontrolled or undamped. Stating that a chain can weigh 260g on average, this portion of the chain can move at eight meters per second without any control from a clutch as you'll find at the lower portion.

2024 rimpact chain device riding.png, by Liam Mercer

Rimpact says that this phenomenon plays the largest impact in how a bike rides compared to other sources of negative drivetrain feedback and that's where the brand new Chain Device steps in. It's crafted to smooth out the peak of the energy spike as the top portion of the chain moves at such a speed. By smoothing out the peak, the brand claims that the rider will be more closely connected to subtle suspension actions.

Unlike similar products on the market, the Chain Device is a single piece that integrated the chainring within the damper itself. Doing so results in a stiff and creak-free design, claims the brand. It also allows Rimpact's designers to work free of the traditional BCD chainring design as the crank interface is built directly into the damper's front plate.

2024 rimpact chain device explode.png, by Liam Mercer

The new product has also received a large focus towards durability and survivability as its 7075 aluminum construction features multiple X-ring seals to keep water and dirt out. as part of its 'labyrinth' design. However, when the time comes to service the Chain Device, all it requires is a 3mm Allen key and a spot of grease.

Rimpact's Chain Damper is available with 30 to 36T chainring sizes and is compatible with 11- and 12-speed chains, and can work with T-Type drivetrains. At the moment 32T and 36T sizes are available for Shimano direct mount, SRAM three-bolt and eight-bolt cranks with other options currently in production. There will also be e-MTB specific models on the way.

Available through Rimpact's website, the Chain Device will set you back £280.

• www.rimpactmtb.com

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