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Description
The KMC X11SL is an incredibly light 11-speed chain without sacrificing durability. Hollow pins with mushroom riveting keep the weight down and strength high. Bushing-less construction and plate chamfering keep things running smoothly with crisp shifting. Double X bridge outer plates reduce chain flex especially when shifting under load. Compatible with Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo 11-speed drivetrains. 112 links. 233 grams.
Includes KMC Missing Link for tool free installation.
B-Stock - This product has one or more B-Stock units available. These units can be purchased at a discount (see option select). B-Stock units were returned from other customers and may have missing or damaged packaging materials. These units are otherwise as new. The full manufacturer warranty applies. Click Here for more information.
The product weight specified is an approximate weight based on the manufacturer's specifications (if available) or our measurement of one or two examples. For most products, the weight will typically vary by 5% to 10%.
Specifications
Weight: 233 grams | |
Chain Application: 11-Speed | |
Silver | Mfg PartNum: CN11269 |
Reviews
Pretty chain, easy to install, but,
I bought this for my gravel bike, which has a GRX 1x drivetrain, with an 11-42 cassette (on both my 650b and 700 wheels). Shifting was not optimal at all, shifting to lower cogs often resulting with dropping an extra cog then readjusting. And in my 650b wheelset, couldn't adjust enough to get the chain to shift to the 11 cog AT ALL. Never had this problem with a Shimano chain.
After a few rides I took it off and put it on my road bike, which was way overdue for a new chain (Ultegra 11-34 cassette). It shifts like a dream! And looks so sharp.
I don't know how to account for the difference, but definitely recommend for normal road cassettes, but not for wide range 1x cassettes
I've been using the KMC X11SL on all of my bikes for the last several years and am very pleased with them. They shift very well with both Shimano & Sram groups and are quieter than other brands. Even though this is a lightweight chain, I am satisfied with their durability and I change my chains every 2K miles anyway. Even though they are a little more expensive than other brands, I feel they are worth it.
Used as a replacement for SRAM chains. I think it is quieter, shifts smoother and is definitely lighter than SRAM chains. Super LInk connector makes it easier to install than Shimano pin on Shimano chains. Prefer traditional silver but KMC has gold and other bling colors as well. Only downside is regular price - wait for a sale to buy.
I run the gold on all my bikes - road, gravel and mtb. Hands down the best chain available and worth every penny. Unmatched performance, strength, durability and weight. Far superior to SRAM and Shimano chains. Highly recommend.
I have several 10spd KMC chains, using them on my road and cross bikes, and they have performed great! Unfortunately I cannot say the same for the 11spd version. I switched out my chain almost immediately using my past experience with KMC as the reason, but I must say I am disappointed at its performance. It is noisy and it actually seems to be rubbing a few of the cogs causing some of the actual cog to be worn off! I'm waiting on pins for my OEM Shimano chain and it is going back on, something I never did with the 10spd chains.
I have been using the Campy record chain back for several years, and have had no problems with it except the hassle of installtion for the new 11 speed version. I got the KMC as I got tired of the hassle of installing the campy, even though I had already dropped the dough on the campy tool. The KMC performs identical to the campy and the quick link is a real bonus. I just changed out my first KMC after 4,000 miles.
I have used both Shimano and KMC chains on my Shimano Di2 equipped bike. As far as longevity they seem to be pretty equal. The KMC chain is quiet, although probably on par with the Shimano chains. Got a great deal on this KMC so that was the deciding vote this time around.
I've used the 10 spd and the 11 spd versions. This is a super light chain. Quiet for the most part though there is some noise as expected if you are cross-chained in the big ring.
There are only two reasons to ever suffer through Campy chain ownership and the strange torture that is installation pins and $3,000 chain tools.
1). Campy chains really do last a long time.
2). Some vague belief that nobody else could possibly make a chain that works as well with Campy drivetrains as the Campy themselves.
While 1 is still hanging in there (they really do seem to wear well), after trying the KMC X11-SL, I no longer believe 2 at all.
While I don't have a direct head-to-head, I can tell you the X11-SL was much, much quieter and smoother than the Campy chain it replaced. The difference was incredible, in fact. Shifts, including some highly ill-timed ones on a ride with about 5500' of elevation gain, have been consistent and smooth. At about 700 miles, the chain has been nothing but great.
And the Missing Link is light years better than any replace the pin installation and removal method. Just don't expect the audible click the instructions promise when the two halves engage. Never happened for me, even though the link is definitely engaged. Tested gingerly, could still see a tiny, tiny gap, then rode up a 20% or so grade no gap, locked.
Only a lack of miles and a belief that perfection should be rare keeps me from going with the 5-beer on this.
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