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KMC X11 Chain
The X11 chain from KMC has been specially designed for fast, smooth and precise shifting thanks to its half nickel plated outer plates. Compatible with Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM 11-speed derailleur systems, this high-quality chain has been developed for out of this world performance and reliability so you can push yourself to the max and get the most of every rotation. This superb model is suitable for both road and MTB use.
Features:
- Suitable for: Shimano, Campagnolo and 11-speed derailleurs
- Pin Length: 5.65 mm
- Use: Road, MTB
- 1/2″ X 11/128″
- Hi-Performance
- Extremely durable
- Non-Directional
- Half Nickel Plated
- Weight: 266g
Kmc 11 Speed Chain Review:
The KMC X11 is a single-piece riveted chain with a nickel surface that is claimed to shift quicker and last longer than KMC’s 10 speed chains. A high-efficiency X-ring is at the heart of every KMC 11-speed chain. This patented ring virtually eliminates friction and extend life.
Features:
- Lightweight high tensile strength cord
- EXD X-Dome profiles increase chain links stiffness to maximize power transfer
- Dyna-Seal technology prevents dirt and water intrusion
- Superb clothing protection
- Pin construction
- Laser-welded pins for high durability
- Forged chain plate seam
- Smooth riveting technology
- Laser marking for identification
- Nickel-plated for smooth shifting performance
- Come with 112 Links
- Compatibility: Shimano, Campagnolo SRAM 11-speed
- Chain rollers made with high-quality steel
- SL-X chain
Kmc 11 Speed Chain Review:
With the KMC 11 speed chain’s fine machined finish and pin construction you will get quicker smoother shifting. The KMC 11 speed chain ensures protection from the elements and corrosion.
I put this chain to the test in a fast-paced criterium-type race. It held up well, whether shifting between the rings in the front or using the large rear cog. I did experience some slipping and skidding while shifting between the smallest chainring and the 7/8 and 9 cogs in the back, but that could just be attributed to my worn pulleys.
I have no complaints about durability. I didn’t even get a flat tire during the race to test its strength. During my normal training rides, it handled shifts, hills, and many different cogs and chainrings with ease.
The next KMC 11 speed chain I buy will be the black/silver on black color combination. It is simply an amazing looking chain, and at only $47 it is a great deal.
If you hate to replace your chain often or have many chainrings on your cassette, this is a good choice. I like how smooth it rides, yet when I need to shift fast, it does so flawlessly.
To sum up this KMC chain, I can only say that this highly efficient chain is very durable and provides quick, smooth shifts. It also looks great. For about $47, it is a bargain and will last for longer than I will.
If you want a chain that will last, this is the one. Even with hard shifts when I am in a large cog, I have never had any chain rub on my front derailleur.
A word of wisdom: Don’t use this chain with anything less than 12 gears. I used it with a 10 speed setup for a short time, and it worked great, but I could tell it wasn’t happy. I would recommend this chain to others.
I would recommend the KMC 11 speed chain to anyone looking for a great shifting chain. It’s durable, and once broken in after about 100 miles, it shifts as smoothly as any chain I’ve ever used. It looks great, too.
KMC 11 Speed Chain:
I have had the opportunity to use the KMC 11 speed chain for well over 2000 miles. This has been a great opportunity to try it out in a variety of different conditions, from a hot summer day in the grueling mountain bike race at Wildflower, to fast criterium on a cold, rainy day in Bend Oregon.
This is short version of my review. I have been doing a lot of research on bicycle components, and I have posted a more in depth review of the KMC 11 speed chain on my new website (www.bikeattitude.com) I have written a lot of detailed reviews on different products. I will continue to post links to reviews on the Bicycle Attitude blog (I do not know how to get the links here).
KMC 11 Speed Chain Review:
Pros:
- The Nickel plating on the chain provides better protection than a typical steel chain.
- The X11 makes shifting smoother and much quieter than a typical 9 speed chain.
- Weighs about the same as a typical steel 9 speed chain (266 grams vs. 277 grams).
- The outer plates are narrower, allowing for more chainring space. A single ring setup would take up very little space.
Cons:
- The chain stretches making it impossible to be ‘perfectly’ in sync.
- The chain is difficult to mount without a special tool. A chain whip works, but is difficult to master, and has too open of a profile, allowing chains to slip off easily.
- The outer links are much skinnier than a typical chain, and link plates are more likely to become scratched and thereby weaker.
- The nickel plating is fairly soft, rapidly accumulating scratches and cutting through the outer plate like butter. I used a saw to cut through a link, and the metal looks to be about the same thickness as an aluminum can.
KMC 11 Speed Chain Review:
The KMC X11 is a single-piece riveted chain with a nickel surface that is claimed to shift quicker and last longer than KMC’s 10 speed chains. A high-efficiency X-ring is at the heart of every KMC 11-speed chain. This patented ring virtually eliminates friction and extend life.
Features:
- Lightweight high tensile strength cord
- EXD X-Dome profiles increase chain links stiffness to maximize power transfer
- Dyna-Seal technology prevents dirt and water intrusion
- Superb clothing protection
- Pin construction
- Laser-welded pins for high durability
- Forged chain plate seam
- Smooth riveting technology
- Laser marking for identification
- Nickel-plated for smooth shifting performance
- Come with 112 Links
- Compatibility: Shimano, Campagnolo SRAM 11-speed
- Chain rollers made with high-quality steel
- SL-X chain
Kmc 11 Speed Chain Review:
I love it. The shifting is way better than with my worn out Shimano 9 speed chain, the only downside is that I have to replace the pulleys before the chain, the chain seems to get the wear on the pulleys. I always thought I needed to replace my chain before my cassette, but that is no longer the case.
I’ve been using this chain for about 550 miles now. I’ve only had the chain squeak on me once, but I’m pretty sure it was due to the chain getting dirty, as I haven’t had any other issues, and it’s still quiet as a mouse now. Running a KMC chain for the past two years, I have not had to touch my cassette or chainrings once, and I could be mistaken, but I’m pretty sure I’ve gotten a few more miles out of my cassettes/chainrings then I’ve ever had with the average (sub $50) chain. I run this on a 10 speed Shimano/Sram setup.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone, especially if you are running a trendy 1x setup!
KMC 11 Speed Chain Review:
This is a quality chain. I bought it from Merlin Cycles for a bargain £30.00, but I think I would have been happy to pay much more for the quality of this chain. I’ve only had the opportunity to wear out 2 chains in my lifetime, one was a Shimano 11 speed and this KMC X11 is way better. I love the way it shifts, I love the way it keeps shifting (no skipping when you’re in the big chainring and high cogs ta), I love the way the color has not flaked off after 3,000 miles, and I love the way it does not appear to have stretched at all so far.
The only minor gripe I have is that even though it seems to be made of high quality materials that should hold up for a long long time (which I believe it will), I may feel more comfortable upgrading my chain to a SRAM or Shimano chain in a year or two to preserve the life of my other components.
All in all, I love this chain and will probably order an extra from KMC when this one needs replacing.
KMC 11 Speed Chain Review:
This is one of the best chain for 11spd. It is light weight, and super durability. For more than 1500km with this chain, never had any problems with the shifting, never had skipping!!! Also shifting is just like Shimano’s and works very well! Chain noisy is very minimal. I am definitely going to buy 2 more of these! I am very happy with this chain!
KMC 11 Speed Chain Review:
This is a great chain if you are running 11spd.
I just had the opportunity to re-tension my chain after a 1525km ride (San Diego to Santa Cruz to Eugene to Pendleton to Redmond to Bend). I love that the side plates are narrower, allowing you to still get 14-28 rings, even if you use a 44t ring.
The shifting is quick and crisp. The noise is low. It shifts down to the 14t.
The only problem that I had (and it may not be a problem) is that the chain will go from the small ring to the big ring and then skip 2 or 3 cogs. It has done this from the very beginning out of the box. I only have one other component that shifts when I don’t want it to, the SRAM PC-1095 Rival triple crank set. That costs three times more than this chain. It happens so infrequently that it is not really an annoyance. I hardly noticed it after a hundred miles or so. Having said that, it would be nice if I could lock out the front derailleur since you cannot skip a sprocket this way.
KMC 11 Speed Chain Review:
Good chain. I have always been a big fan of KMC chains. This one works well on my 11spd campy set. Quality is still there and shifting is quiet and crisp.
KMC 11 Speed Chain Review:
I use this chain on my endurance / cyclocross bike. I have put around 500 miles on this chain with no noticeable change in shifting from brand new. The chain runs great on my Tiagra crankset, and I’ve been using it with the standard FD-4600 front derailleur.
KMC 11 Speed Chain Review:
I am currently using this and KMC 10 speed chain, this is almost as good as kmc and cheaper. The surface is nearly the same as kmc (the only difference is this is more shinier/nickel coating I think) The shifting is just like kmc.
