The Chain Damper is engineered to mute chain slap and reduce drivetrain feedback, delivering more grip and confidence even when descending on the roughest terrain.
Enduro or DH rider? The Chain Damper is your new secret weapon.
Isolates Feedback
Removes unwanted drivetrain feedback when descending, resulting in a quiet and confidence inspiring ride with a chainless feel.
Improved suspension sensitivity and feel
With less drivetrain feedback, you'll become more aware of your bikes suspension movements, with an increase in grip and confidence.
Less rider fatigue
By isolating the rider from drivetrain feedback, you'll feel less tired at the bottom of a descent, allowing you to ride to your limit for longer.
How does it work?
Chains have significant mass. This uncontrolled mass is free to flail, causing unwanted feedback and noise. We believe this plays a bigger part in unwanted ride characteristics than other sources of negative drivetrain feedback.
The springs in the Chain Damper capture the chain's energy, smoothing out the ride.
The Chain Damper isolates the rider from drivetrain feedback which is caused by the chain flailing as we descend. Bringing the chain under control allows the rider to be more closely connected to subtle suspension action.
Real Talk
Rimpact founder Matt jumped onto
the Downtime podcast for a deep dive on the Chain Damper and how we developed the product from the ground up to make our bikes even better when descending.
Race Proven
"I've been loving the Chain Damper! I find it better over other products on the market due to the stiff springs inside eliminating any drivetrain feedback and feeling
of the hub engagement whilst riding rough sections"
Ethan Craik- Scott Factory DH Athlete
Inside the Chain Damper
Long service life springs
Multiple x-ring seals for maximum resistance to water and dirt ingress
No specialist tools
required
Serviced in minutes
Low profile design for best chain guide compatibility
Elastomer controlled 5° negative stroke provides a smooth, silent performance
7075 aluminium construction
Only 140g excl chainring, 230g with.
EFBE Tested
Engineered to excel in the ISO 4210 fatigue test, the Chain Damper is built to handle all the force you can put through your pedals, whether you're on a power hour loop or racing full throttle on a big weekend between the tape.
Available in
30-36t
The Chain Damper is compatible with direct mount cranks from Shimano, Sram, Hope and Raceface. It's suitable for both 11&12 speed drivetrains and features a T-type compatible tooth profile for use with Transmission.
"we urge any pedal-kickback non-believers to test one of these out for themselves. It muted almost all of the feedback through the pedals, delivering a calmer ride, and we quickly fell in love with the fluttery feeling of the rear suspension"
"On the trail, the rear suspension on the Nomad felt far more active on small to medium-size hits, delivering a fluttery feeling through the rear end of the bike, with no perceivable feedback through the cranks. The improved sensitivity of the rear suspension delivered improved rear wheel traction, which was most obvious when holding a line through rock gardens or trails littered with roots"
it does exactly what it’s designed to do - isolate the chain’s influence on the crankset. In turn, it rewards with a beautifully smooth-feeling ride over terrain that’s anything but. It’s allowed me to push harder into high-speed technical terrain with full composure."
"My bike was markedly more composed everywhere from turn in feel on braking rut corners to straight lining through rock gardens. The steeper and rougher things get, the better this feels. I felt less feedback through my pedals, my suspension felt plusher, and I was better able to find traction climbing, cornering, and braking."
"The Rimpact Chain Damper does what it says on the tin, and it does it well. The Chain Damper saved the day, and immediately quietened the bike down notably. This led to reduced noise overall, as well as reduced vibration through my feet.”
"The Chain Damper really comes alive when carrying speed over harsh bumps and big bottom-outs—you effectively feel your feet remain level as your suspension works through its travel. It does a great job quieting down the top movement of the chain, allowing you to hear your suspension and tyres more clearly. It also adds an extra degree of suppleness to the suspension, which translates into incredible confidence to push your limits and tap into more available grip. Trying to put the effects of the Chain Damper into words is nearly impossible—mainly because it sounds too good to be true"
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Chain Damper pair with a high/low engagement hub?
It works great with both! The Chain Damper works to reduce drivetrain feedback regardless of the points of engagement you have.
Does it work on a Hardtail too?
Yes, and arguably offers even more benefit due to the harshness of the solid rear end on Hardtails.
Are they ebike compatible?
Not just yet, but soon! First batch is only compatible with regular/acoustic bikes, subsequent batches will add new crank fitments and we intend to introduce Ebike specific models in the near future.
Is there a Raceface, Ethirteen, Hope (etc) fitment option?
Soon! See question above.
What Chainlines is it available in?
Initial batch is a Boost, T-type and DH compatible chainline. Super Boost and other chainlines may follow in future batches. Be sure to contact us to register your interest so we know there is an appetite for your set up.
Why isn't there a travel adjustment so I can customize the feel?
Put simply, this would break the device functionality. Reducing the rotation angle by 25% will half the effectiveness of the device's ability to smooth out chain forces. We've precisely calculated the required rotation angle and spring rate to ensure maximum performance.
Is it compatible with my Chain?
As long as the chain is an 11 or 12 speed mountain bike chain that is also compatible with Shimano and SRAM 11-12 speed options then it will work.
Does it reduce pedal efficiency or create a spongy feel?
No, once the springs are compressed moments after applying pressure to the pedals, the chain ring is engaged and there isn't any efficiency loss or noticeable spongy feel. You'll feel a soft top out on the travel of the ring when lightly engaging the crank but this serves to further isolate drivetrain forces and vibration.
Does it work with High Pivot Bikes and Idlers?
Yes. Idlers and HP bikes tend to have seat stays that sit super close to the chain undoing a lot of the advantages gained from reducing chain growth and shortening the amount of unsupported chain between the BB and the rear axle. If you watch high speed footage of these types of bikes you'll see plenty of chain slap and thus energy transfer into the frame and chain ring when riding rough terrain. The Chain Damper will still cut the majority of this feedback and noise from the drivetrain and produce a super smooth ride quality.