I am curious on what is really the difference between T-type and 12-speed Flat top chains? I have2 bikes, one with each and I can’t really measure a difference between the chains with calipers. It would really be useful to know if I can use T-type quick links on the regular Flattop and vice versa. Useful to know in a pinch.
My understanding is the roller diameter is different in flattop chains. That’s what makes them not interchangeable. Someone on here can probably elaborate or explain better…
Per @Dave_Rome they are the same: “This wasn’t such a big issue in the past when common roller sizes were standardised at approximately 7.6-7.64 mm, however, SRAM changed that with its 12-speed chains which feature 7.7 mm (Eagle) and 7.9 mm (Flat Top and T-Type) rollers.”
Source: Threaded #24: a modern guide to measuring chain wear
Ah, Eagle is different and T-type is the same. Thanks for the reference.
Curious to hear if the quick links are interchangeable, as @John_Barkyoumb seeks…
Zinn says you can: SRAM 12-Speed AXS Flattop Chains
tl;dr: quick/power links go through the rollers of the chain, so all that matters is the pitch, which is still 1/2” for (almost) all bike chains.
Unfortunately not that simple. The widths of the chains are different. Flattop is narrower than Shimano, when comparing 12-speed, for example. (I don’t know about flattop vs. T-type.) I’m surprised Zinn posted that…it “working” one time on his bike is not exactly proof. For example, I have tried a Wipperman reusable link on my AXS flattop chain. It is way too wide. (After all, that’s why Wipperman just came out with a flattop-specific 12-speed link, after many years.) There was a thread on discord about trying this a month or two ago. Caused shifting issues for some who tried. And of course it’s a serious safety issue. Anyone who’s broken a chain in traffic knows how dangerous it can be.
But back to the OP’s question: SRAM says the two links are not compatible. Wouldn’t benefit them to lie about that, they’re the same price after all. The question of if one will work for the other in a pinch is still a good one.