Premium Eagle performance, a hard-wearing PVD finish and a choice of Gold or Rainbow.
The SRAM Eagle S500 12-Speed Chain is a premium replacement or upgrade for a conventional SRAM Eagle drivetrain. It combines chrome-hardened solid pins with chrome-plated and PVD-coated link plates, providing excellent durability along with a distinctive Gold or Rainbow finish.
Supplied with 126 links and an Eagle PowerLock connector, the S500 can be sized to suit most compatible 1x12 mountain bike and e-MTB drivetrains. It is made for the established Eagle ecosystem and should not be confused with SRAM’s differently shaped T-Type Transmission chains.
Built for Conventional Eagle Drivetrains
The S500 is designed to work with SRAM’s conventional Eagle 12-speed cassettes, chainrings and rear derailleurs. Its shaped link plates help the chain engage smoothly with Eagle drivetrain components, supporting quiet running and consistent shifting when the drivetrain is correctly set up.
This is not a Flattop chain and is not intended for SRAM Eagle Transmission T-Type drivetrains.
Chrome-Hardened Solid Pins
Chrome-hardened solid pins provide strength through the chain’s most highly loaded areas. This makes the S500 suitable for regular trail riding, racing and compatible e-MTB use.
The solid-pin construction gives priority to durability and dependable performance rather than chasing the lowest possible weight.
Chrome-Plated and PVD-Coated Links
Both the inner and outer link plates receive chrome plating and a PVD coating. This treatment improves resistance to wear and corrosion while creating the chain’s Gold or Rainbow appearance.
The finish makes the S500 an obvious choice for a high-end build, but it is not purely cosmetic. Regular cleaning and lubrication are still required to protect the chain and the rest of the drivetrain.
126 Links for Modern Mountain Bikes
The chain is supplied with 126 links and must be shortened to the correct length during installation. Chain length depends on the bike’s chainstay length, chainring size and cassette range, so copying the length of an old chain is not always appropriate if other drivetrain components have changed.
Eagle PowerLock Included
An Eagle PowerLock connector is supplied for joining the chain after it has been sized. The correct Eagle connector should always be used rather than a quick link intended for a different chain type or number of gears.
Key Features
- Premium chain for conventional SRAM Eagle 12-speed drivetrains
- 126-link length provides flexibility when sizing the chain
- Chrome-hardened solid pins for strength and durability
- Chrome-plated inner and outer link plates
- PVD coating improves wear and corrosion resistance
- Available in Gold and Rainbow finishes
- Shaped Eagle links support smooth and quiet running
- Eagle PowerLock connector included
- Approved for compatible e-bike use
Compatibility
- Compatible with conventional SRAM Eagle 12-speed drivetrains
- Compatible with conventional Eagle 10–50T and 10–52T cassette systems
- Compatible with suitable Eagle X-SYNC 2 chainrings
- Suitable for mechanical and AXS Eagle derailleurs using conventional Eagle chain technology
- Suitable for compatible mountain bikes and e-MTBs
- Not compatible with SRAM Eagle Transmission T-Type drivetrains
- Not compatible with SRAM road Flattop drivetrains
Why Choose the SRAM Eagle S500 Chain?
- Premium replacement for a worn conventional Eagle chain
- Durable solid-pin construction
- Additional wear and corrosion protection from its plated and PVD-coated finish
- Gold and Rainbow options for custom bike builds
- Compatible with mechanical and AXS Eagle drivetrains using standard Eagle components
- Suitable for compatible e-MTB use
Who Is This Chain For?
The Eagle S500 is for riders who want a durable conventional Eagle chain with a premium finish. It suits trail bikes, cross-country bikes, enduro bikes and compatible e-MTBs fitted with SRAM’s established Eagle 12-speed drivetrain components.
Riders using Eagle Transmission will need a T-Type Flattop chain instead. If you are unsure which Eagle system is fitted to your bike, check the chain shape and component model numbers before ordering.
Our Thoughts
The S500 is the chain we would choose when the drivetrain needs proper Eagle compatibility but the rider also wants something that finishes the bike off nicely. The Gold and Rainbow coatings stand out, although the chrome plating and PVD treatment also provide useful protection against wear and corrosion.
It is worth checking the cassette before fitting any new chain. If the old chain has been used well beyond its wear limit, a new chain may skip on worn cassette sprockets. Catching chain wear early is considerably cheaper than replacing the chain and cassette together.
Correct sizing matters as well. The chain arrives with 126 links, but that does not mean every bike should use the full length. We recommend sizing it to the bike and checking the derailleur adjustment at the same time.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Experienced SRAM drivetrain compatibility advice
- Professional chain sizing and installation available
- Chain wear and cassette condition checks
- Help identifying Eagle and T-Type drivetrain components
- Finance options available
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Ongoing support from our Christchurch team
Specifications
- Model: SRAM Eagle S500
- Model ID: CN-EAGL-S500-A1
- Speed compatibility: 12-speed Eagle
- Chain length: 126 links
- Connector: SRAM Eagle PowerLock
- Pin construction: Solid pin
- Pin treatment: Chrome hardened
- Inner-link finish: Chrome plated and PVD coated
- Outer-link finish: Chrome plated and PVD coated
- Available colours: Gold and Rainbow
- Chain technology: SRAM Eagle
- E-bike approved: Yes