Rimpact is not a new brand to us here at AMB, having tested their rim protection inserts back in 2021. However, what we have on test here – the Chain Damper – is a much different product that, in a roundabout kind of way, tries to solve a similar problem.
The team at Rimpact has a very healthy obsession with making bikes as smooth and quiet as possible. Their range of products aims to tackle unwanted vibrations, either via your wheels with their inserts, via your suspension with their mass dampers, or via your chain with the Chain Damper.
What is the Rimpact Chain Damper?
The Chain Damper reduces chain feedback caused by chain movement while riding over harsh terrain, as well as reducing pedal kickback caused by the natural pull of the chain on the chainring as the rear suspension sinks into its travel. In simpler terms, it quietens your bike while simultaneously allowing the rear suspension to travel more freely.
Upon receiving the Rimpact Chain Damper, I was pleased to see how minimal the packaging was – to the point of including no manuals or installation info, which could be off-putting if it weren’t for the great online support Rimpact provides on their website, including installation guides, maintenance tips, and FAQs. You really can’t go wrong.
The unit is well-crafted; the proprietary chainring looks premium in its golden finish, and Rimpact claims it’s extremely durable. At roughly $170 AUD for a replacement ring, you’ll hope the claims of durability hold true. Being a UK-based brand, durability and resistance to water ingress were high on their priority list, and so far, I’m pleased to report there have been no creaks or any need to open the unit for maintenance.
Installation was smooth – as straightforward as any regular chainring swap. Bonus points go to Rimpact for offering fitment options beyond SRAM and Shimano, such as Hope and Race Face – a very welcome touch. Fitment on my Merida OneSixty was tight but precise, with no need for the provided spacers. The unit weighed in at 239g (actual).
The first time you ride with the Chain Damper, you’ll notice the ‘free travel’ of your cranks as you move through the 8.6 degrees of engagement before the chainring locks. It’s a weird sensation at first—most noticeable when pedalling gently over smooth and undulating terrain, as you’ll move through the damper’s free travel with each cadence. Point the bike uphill on a fireroad, though, where your cadence is strong and consistent, and you won’t notice any movement, as the unit stays engaged.
Considering Australia isn’t known for its steep terrain, and many of us use our enduro bikes across varied conditions, it’s worth noting that this vagueness during acceleration might feel off-putting to some riders. However, you’ll forget all about it once your wheels are pointing downhill on rougher, more technical trails.
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. This sensation is foreign if you’re used to suspension layouts that naturally tension and pull the chain, especially over rocky tracks with boulders and square edges.
The Chain Damper 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.
One benefit Rimpact claims – and which I hadn’t expected to notice so clearly – was reduced fatigue on longer descents. I genuinely felt fresher after hitting some of Brisbane’s rougher trails.
Trying to put the effects of the Chain Damper into words is nearly impossible—mainly because it sounds too good to be true for a product that retails for $549 in Australia. Can a component like this really influence your bike’s ride characteristics so significantly without major suspension upgrades or a new frame design? Yes, I believe it can.
Who’s the Rimpact Chain Damper for?
If you’re reading this and considering a $500+ chainring, you’re likely the type of rider who enjoys squeezing every bit of performance from your bike—and yourself. I believe this product does exactly that. It lets you ride faster against the clock while maintaining better control and saving energy over the long haul. If you’re serious about riding and optimising every part of your setup, the Rimpact Chain Damper should be high on your list.
Pros:
- Increases ride quality
- Easy installation
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- A little weighty
