Suspicious SRAM GX 12-speed chain - Does it look like a fake?

[Bender]

Hello All,

It's time to replace my chain on a Levo Gen3 (2022). I got two identical SRAM chains on performancebike.com (avoiding Amazon, which is known to sell all kinds of counterfeit products) but what I received made me suspicious.

In particular:

• SRAM chains come in this "CD like" enclosure. These are no different, but only one has the red SRAM wrapper. The other has nothing and came with two round stickers holding the case locked (as if it had been opened before). Maybe a return?
• I've noticed that the "SRAM" imprinted on the chain itself does not use the custom SRAM typeface, but a generic one. Not sure if that's a bad sign per se, but I don't recall any of my previous (non GX) SRAM chains using generic typefaces before.

On the positive side, the links seem to have that traditional SRAM chamfer.

I've attached some pictures.

I have to install these since my chain is toast (funny how it went to "OK" to "not OK" so fast since I've been measuring it almost every month). Here hoping that these are not counterfeit and that I don't have to change my chainrings...

Your opinions and insight are welcome.

Thanks

 

[Bender]

Leaving this answer here for people who may have the same question.

I contacted SRAM about this. They have now two types of stamp in the market so the chain appears to be legit. They also said they're not concerned about performance bike at all, so it should be fine. I contacted performance bike about the package missing the sleeve and they sent me another chain.

It's all rainbows and unicorns now...

 

[Wilko58]

Some well respected shops sell Shimano and SRAM OEM chains, which arrive in plastic bags, and they just put a barcoded sticker on them. Genuine chains but cheaper this way, i.e. no plastic box to pay for.