KMCX-Flat Flat-Top Pre-Waxed Road Chain(Return to Product Page)

I bought this chain for my Sram Force AXS XPLR drivetrain. Was excited to see an alternative supplier for flat top chains. Being prewaxed I didn't think I would need to wax it for a couple weeks but it was super noisy right out of the box especially under load like the first few pedal strokes or standing to get leverage. I thought it might be a cassette or chainring issue but a freshly waxed new Force chain did not make any noise. I also noticed it left a grease residue on my chainring. I am going to go through a complete rewaxing to see if that helps. Think I'll stick to the Sram chains in the future.

I have bought this chain with a nice discount, finally a flattop SRAM alternative and it comes pre-waxed!

First, the chain was a bit noisier after only one ride. I have been waxing chains for some time, so I know they are not super quiet, but I expected better wax performance. I had to re-wax it after 500 miles.

After 1000 miles another, much nastier, surprise - I see rust on the chain (this is on a road bike, ridden in normal California winter conditions)! I have never had rusty SRAM flattop chain (Force or Red level), and I used them on my gravel bike in very very nasty conditions, not bothering cleaning it at all. This chain is NOT up to SRAM Force/Red standard! I know that in the past Rival chains could rust as they are not that well plated/coated, so I tried to avoid them. Now KMC XFLAT also comes to my blacklist...

I'm using the KMC flat top chains on a Lynskey gravel bike with SRAM's Rival XPLR AXS 1 X 12spd drive train. I cannot tell any difference in shifting between the KMC chains and SRAM's flat top chains. They are just as smooth shifting and, so far, seem to be more durable. I actually decided to try the KMC chains after getting less than satisfactory mileage out of a SRAM Apex D1 chain.

No problems at all and it saved me having to degrease and wax a new chain. It's smooth, quiet and gear changes are perfect.