Rimpact Chain Damper

TEAMROBOT
Posts
740
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
371st
Edited Date/Time 10/9/2024 1:02pm

Rimpact sent out a press release about their new chain damper which looked a lot like some other things I had tested, so I asked to get one. They obliged and answered some of my questions about the product. Read their press release info below followed by my first not-on-the-bike-yet impressions with more to come.

double bush blue 2 - Copy.png?VersionId=FsiC U8kaqy

Featuring an Integrated Chain Ring Design

By integrating the chain ring directly into the Chain Damper, we've achieved an incredibly stiff and creak-free design. The crank interface is built seamlessly into the front plate of the damper, allowing us to create the best possible product without being limited by the traditional BCD chain ring design. This design ensures maximum durability and performance by eliminating unnecessary noise or flex.

The Chain Damper isolates the rider from spikes in chain energy, reducing drivetrain feedback. Bringing the chain under control, the rider is more closely connected to subtle suspension action. The Chain Damper is engineered to smooth out peak chain forces by capturing it within a precisely calculated angle of rotation.

Long Service Intervals - Easy Service Process 
The Chain Damper has been designed to survive UK winters. You won't need to service it as often as some high end products thanks to its triple sealed casing that features a "labyrinth" design to minimize any water and dirt ingress. When it does come to servicing your Chain Damper, all you will need is a 3mm Allen key and some grease.

ASDFG - Copy - Copy

A chain weighs around 260 grams on average and the top part of your chain, (the length between the chain ring and cassette) can move at 8 meters per second, completely uncontrolled. Clutch derailleurs offer some amount of control to the lower part of your chain but the top remains free to flail wildly.

Here at Rimpact, we think the significant effect of this uncontrolled chain energy plays a bigger part in unwanted ride characteristics than other sources of negative drivetrain feedback.

1 2.jpg?VersionId=DihQ9TM0X0xr53SBXu4a

We've designed a device that can capture this energy momentarily, smoothing out the peak energy spike that usually translates to this significant drivetrain feedback. By controlling the chain's energy spikes, the Chain Damper creates a silent and calmed ride characteristic that lets the rider focus in on subtle suspension movements and the sound of tyres gripping the dirt. Ultimately a more confidence inspiring ride.​​

Raw Photo %2821%29

The Chain Damper is available in 30t-36t chain ring sizes, is 11/12 speed compatible and is also suitable for use with T-type drivetrains. The first batch is 32t and 36t ring sizes for Shimano direct mount, SRAM 3 bolt & 8 bolt cranks.  Other crank options are in production and an E-bike option is also on the way.

Price - 279.99 GBP / 324.99 EUR / 374.99 USD

Available through https://www.rimpactmtb.com/ or through these distributors today! With more coming soon!
USA - bti-usa.com
Canada - cycolo.com
Australia - bikesportz.com.au
New Zealand - swiftdistribution.co.nz
Norway - Plan A Sports AS
Mexico - crossmountain.mx
Spain - bikecomp.com

FIRST ROBOTIC IMPRESSIONS

I just got my Chain Damper in the mail and haven't mounted it yet, but I had the chance to talk briefly with Matt Shearn at Rimpact about the new device, which answered a few questions. First, he said the intent of the Chain Damper is a little different than other devices on the market because it's not focused on reducing pedal kickback from the rear hub. Instead, its target is uncontrolled chain energy, and it utilizes positive and negative float (unlike an Ochain) to reduce unwanted chain movement at the top of the drivetrain. It also has significantly more spring force controlling its float. It's almost impossible to overcome the internal spring force required to move the chainring through its float range by hand. Compared to an Ochain, which is easy to move by hand, it's obvious they're approaching the question from a different angle. It feels like a firm Saint derailleur clutch for the top of your chain.
 
Coming from the UK, Rimpact's Chain Damper seems to really focus on sealing its contents from the weather and minimizing maintenance (a common Ochain user gripe), and any crank-based device is going to be inherently easier to opt-into than a new rear hub, along with carrying the additional weight in a more desirable place than a heavier rear hub like ethirteen's Sidekick (sprung vs. unsprung mass). But, it also doesn't promise to do as much or even the same things as the ethirteen hub. Different strokes.
 
It's cool to see so many new products popping up in the "pedal kickback" sector. I recently got off a long-term test of the Ochain (which I was really impressed with), I just started testing the new ethirteen Sidekick hub (which is also pretty sweet), and I'm excited to test out this new Chain Damper by Rimpact. It'll be cool to parse out their differences on the trail.
Poll

Armchair quarterback thoughts on Rimpact's new Chain Damper

Choices
9
|
f.i.t.nj
Posts
20
Joined
3/7/2020
Location
Englishtown, NJ US
10/9/2024 10:29am Edited Date/Time 10/9/2024 10:30am

Amazing! Loving these tests!  Thank you for your service Captain Robot 🫡

1
ZAKBROWN!
Posts
51
Joined
8/28/2009
Location
Salt Lake City, UT US
Fantasy
246th
10/9/2024 10:37am

I was just checking that out, looks interesting.  A bit cheaper than an O-chain plus chainring.  Is it noticeably slimmer?  My O-chain has very minimal clearance to my chain guide backplate.  Did you ask about replacement chainring cost?  I don't see anything in their FAQs.  

3
TEAMROBOT
Posts
740
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
371st
10/9/2024 10:49am Edited Date/Time 10/9/2024 11:19am
ZAKBROWN! wrote:
I was just checking that out, looks interesting.  A bit cheaper than an O-chain plus chainring.  Is it noticeably slimmer?  My O-chain has very minimal clearance...

I was just checking that out, looks interesting.  A bit cheaper than an O-chain plus chainring.  Is it noticeably slimmer?  My O-chain has very minimal clearance to my chain guide backplate.  Did you ask about replacement chainring cost?  I don't see anything in their FAQs.  

Great question! Replacement chainring cost was one of my first thoughts, too, because they look proprietary and potentially cost a lot of $$$. Here's what Matt from Rimpact had to say:

"Replacement chainrings are £69.99 GBP, 84.99 EUR and 89.99 USD and that includes a new bushing for the device to keep everything running sweet. The ring is type 3 hard anodised alu 7075, which is approximately 5x thicker than the regular type 2 anodizing you'll see on the coloured chainrings on the market. This should lead to a much more durable and longer lasting ring compared to other colourful options."

$90 US isn't cheap, but it's not terrible. For comparison, that's a little less than a $100 5-Dev direct mount chainring, and a little more than an $80 Wolf Tooth. Also worth noting that the new chain damper is only available in 32 and 36t sizes for the time being, with 34 and 30t options coming later. I'm guessing the two sizes they chose for the short-term are targeted at DH bikes (36t) and winch and plummet bikes (32t). 30 tooth will be a big advantage for Rimpact when they become available, as Ochain's don't officially fit 30-tooth chainrings and I know lotsa people running them in hilly places.

Haven't mounted it yet so I can't say for certain. I went with the 36 tooth option, so I'm waiting on a new 36 tooth chainguide before I can mount it. My current MRP guide maxes out at 34. In the meantime, I'll just say that the packaging between the mechanism and your chainguide's backplate looks comparable to what you've experienced on your Ochain. She thick.

IMG 0911 1.jpg?VersionId=E.cfYWQ7HyzBzzPHd5msJCwawU
4
10/9/2024 10:49am Edited Date/Time 10/9/2024 1:53pm

I can't actually describe it well right now because I've caught a cold and my brain is in "suffer through work mode" but...

...I think you could call this technology a "Tuned Mass Stamper."

Blah, blah, blah, hahaha. But also...kind of? My brain is telling me it smooths the motion of the chain in a similar way to how a TMD can smooth the chaos of a fork (or other part). It doesn't stop it but the tuned portion allows the weight and the attachment to the bike to damp the chain's motion.

I really posted just to say "Tuned Mass Stamper." Carry on.

Edit 3 hours later: My sorta ill brain just told me "Tuned Stamp Damper." That's way better.

Over.

7
TEAMROBOT
Posts
740
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
371st
10/9/2024 11:01am Edited Date/Time 10/9/2024 12:08pm
I can't actually describe it well right now because I've caught a cold and my brain is in "suffer through work mode" but......I think you could...

I can't actually describe it well right now because I've caught a cold and my brain is in "suffer through work mode" but...

...I think you could call this technology a "Tuned Mass Stamper."

Blah, blah, blah, hahaha. But also...kind of? My brain is telling me it smooths the motion of the chain in a similar way to how a TMD can smooth the chaos of a fork (or other part). It doesn't stop it but the tuned portion allows the weight and the attachment to the bike to damp the chain's motion.

I really posted just to say "Tuned Mass Stamper." Carry on.

Edit 3 hours later: My sorta ill brain just told me "Tuned Stamp Damper." That's way better.

Over.

Here's more from Matt at Rimpact on how/why it works:

"A chain weighs around 260 grams on average and the top part of your chain, (the length between the chain ring and cassette) can move at 8 meters per second, completely uncontrolled. Clutch derailleurs offer some amount of control to the lower part of your chain but the top remains free to flail wildly. Here at Rimpact, we think the significant effect of this uncontrolled chain energy plays a bigger part in unwanted ride characteristics than other sources of negative drivetrain feedback.
 
​We've designed a device that can capture this energy momentarily, smoothing out the peak energy spike that usually translates to this significant drivetrain feedback. By controlling the chain's energy spikes, the Chain Damper creates a silent and calmed ride characteristic that lets the rider focus in on subtle suspension movements and the sound of tyres gripping the dirt. Ultimately a more confidence inspiring ride.​​"
 
My summary would be that it effectively acts as a chain tensioner for the top of your chain, much like a rear derailleur acts like a chain tensioner for the bottom of your chain. There's something to that theory, as a rear derailleur also has positive and negative travel when it's at the "sag point," like our bikes' suspension. Does that translate to results in the field? And how does it differ from Ochain and ethirteen's new Sidekick hub? Can't wait to find out.
iceman2058
Posts
1530
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
IL
Fantasy
146th
10/9/2024 11:40am

The next version could have some kind of locking mechanism, to ensure no sloppiness/squishiness for climbing (I don't know how stiff the springs are, but I can imagine they compress under strong pedaling loads at least...?)

4
kperras
Posts
57
Joined
12/19/2012
Location
CA
Fantasy
3861st
10/9/2024 12:50pm

Trying to visualize myself gliding through the woods with my e13 hub, rimpact spider, and STFUs strapped to my 30a durometer wavy chainstay protector...

16
IanP161
Posts
12
Joined
2/2/2024
Location
Sunderland GB
Fantasy
598th
10/17/2024 5:00am

I've just fitted mine, so far so good.  Having never ridden OChain or this before its a strange feeling.

Running a low engagement hub also.

Proper test on the weekend at my local DH park.

1
10/17/2024 7:22am
IanP161 wrote:
I've just fitted mine, so far so good.  Having never ridden OChain or this before its a strange feeling.Running a low engagement hub also.Proper test on...

I've just fitted mine, so far so good.  Having never ridden OChain or this before its a strange feeling.

Running a low engagement hub also.

Proper test on the weekend at my local DH park.

How far do you need to pedal for the engagement to hit without with your hub, just the rimpact.

1
IanP161
Posts
12
Joined
2/2/2024
Location
Sunderland GB
Fantasy
598th
10/17/2024 7:38am
IanP161 wrote:
I've just fitted mine, so far so good.  Having never ridden OChain or this before its a strange feeling.Running a low engagement hub also.Proper test on...

I've just fitted mine, so far so good.  Having never ridden OChain or this before its a strange feeling.

Running a low engagement hub also.

Proper test on the weekend at my local DH park.

How far do you need to pedal for the engagement to hit without with your hub, just the rimpact.

the engagement is instant, you get 8.6 degrees of 'float' on the crank.

OChain have the option of 3,6,9,12 degrees of float.

2
10/17/2024 1:41pm
IanP161 wrote:
I've just fitted mine, so far so good.  Having never ridden OChain or this before its a strange feeling.Running a low engagement hub also.Proper test on...

I've just fitted mine, so far so good.  Having never ridden OChain or this before its a strange feeling.

Running a low engagement hub also.

Proper test on the weekend at my local DH park.

How far do you need to pedal for the engagement to hit without with your hub, just the rimpact.

IanP161 wrote:

the engagement is instant, you get 8.6 degrees of 'float' on the crank.

OChain have the option of 3,6,9,12 degrees of float.

Let us know how you get along with it!

1
thresh
Posts
42
Joined
10/18/2023
Location
San Jose, CA US
10/17/2024 2:24pm
TEAMROBOT wrote:
Here's more from Matt at Rimpact on how/why it works:"A chain weighs around 260 grams on average and the top part of your chain, (the...

Here's more from Matt at Rimpact on how/why it works:

"A chain weighs around 260 grams on average and the top part of your chain, (the length between the chain ring and cassette) can move at 8 meters per second, completely uncontrolled. Clutch derailleurs offer some amount of control to the lower part of your chain but the top remains free to flail wildly. Here at Rimpact, we think the significant effect of this uncontrolled chain energy plays a bigger part in unwanted ride characteristics than other sources of negative drivetrain feedback.
 
​We've designed a device that can capture this energy momentarily, smoothing out the peak energy spike that usually translates to this significant drivetrain feedback. By controlling the chain's energy spikes, the Chain Damper creates a silent and calmed ride characteristic that lets the rider focus in on subtle suspension movements and the sound of tyres gripping the dirt. Ultimately a more confidence inspiring ride.​​"
 
My summary would be that it effectively acts as a chain tensioner for the top of your chain, much like a rear derailleur acts like a chain tensioner for the bottom of your chain. There's something to that theory, as a rear derailleur also has positive and negative travel when it's at the "sag point," like our bikes' suspension. Does that translate to results in the field? And how does it differ from Ochain and ethirteen's new Sidekick hub? Can't wait to find out.

So that effectively means if you're careful enough with building a contraption similar to Kovarik's STFU you'll get all the benefits for a fraction of a price?

TEAMROBOT
Posts
740
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
371st
10/17/2024 2:39pm
thresh wrote:
So that effectively means if you're careful enough with building a contraption similar to Kovarik's STFU you'll get all the benefits for a fraction of a...

So that effectively means if you're careful enough with building a contraption similar to Kovarik's STFU you'll get all the benefits for a fraction of a price?

I don't think that's what Matt is claiming. The Rimpact damper is supposed to act like a chain tensioner for the top of your chain. As a bad example, imagine getting rid of your derailleur cage as a tensioner and just using STFU on the bottom of the drivetrain. A tensioner does something special for chain tension that STFU can't do. Both of them acting together could be sweet, though.

IanP161
Posts
12
Joined
2/2/2024
Location
Sunderland GB
Fantasy
598th
10/18/2024 1:28am

The best way I could describe it is imagine the chain is flapping about as you go over rough ground and growing as the bike goes through the travel, the device allows the chainring to rotate or 'float' to reduce the energy felt through the pedals.

I've not ridden an OChin but I understand it does a very similar thing.

Full test over the weekend for me.

2
IanP161
Posts
12
Joined
2/2/2024
Location
Sunderland GB
Fantasy
598th
10/21/2024 1:18am

Full day DH bike park testing at Danny Hart's Descent Bike Park in the soaking wet.

Very impressed, the bike (Privateer 161) now feels alive and very 'poppy' Good under braking and so settled on the rough stuff.

A slight squeak but Rimpact advise this is fixed with chain lube. 

1
Marcus J
Posts
38
Joined
7/14/2017
Location
SE
Fantasy
1276th
10/21/2024 6:53am

It has the same function as the ochain but they are trying to convince everyone that they have invented something new and groundbreaking because they are calling it the chain damper, doing what we have all discussed here that the ochain does. I welcome more actors in the pedal kickback/chaindamping but I hope the worst on this pack of liars.

"rimpactmtb two brakes may look the same but not function the same. There is little overlap in this design compared to Ochain."

4

Post a reply to: Rimpact Chain Damper

The Latest