User submitted reviews
Review by BrianReviewed 6/18/2021by BrianPortland2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Well, it depends!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
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Brian was helpful/No, review by Brian was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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
Review by PhilWReviewed 2/28/2022by PhilWCycling EnthusiastSouthern IndianaGreat ChainI'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.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by PhilW was helpful/No, review by PhilW was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by Jon TateReviewed 7/8/2021by Jon TateDaily CommuterNashville, TNKMC X11SL chainThese are great chains for those of us looking to lighten things up at every opportunity. I use one on my tri bike as well as my road bike.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Jon Tate was helpful/No, review by Jon Tate was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
These are great chains for those of us looking to lighten things up at every opportunity. I use one on my tri bike as well as my road bike.
Review by SladeReviewed 1/27/2021by SladeCycling EnthusiastFort Collins, COTHe best chainI 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.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Slade was helpful/No, review by Slade was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by LoneRiderReviewed 2/2/2015by LoneRiderCycling EnthusiastNew England2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Super Quiet, Smooth and LightUsed 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.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by LoneRider was helpful/No, review by LoneRider was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 5/20/2022by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastMid westShifts fine light weight not sure its that much lighter than Durace chainNo directional chain so went on quick and quick link is easy
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
No directional chain so went on quick and quick link is easy
Review by rosepedalsReviewed 4/24/2014by rosepedalsCycling EnthusiastOntario, CAN3 of 9 customers found this review helpful.Unfortunately does not seem to work well with ShimanoI 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.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by rosepedals was helpful/No, review by rosepedals was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by derek mReviewed 2/17/2014by derek mCycling EnthusiastChicago8 of 8 customers found this review helpful.Excellent alternative to Campy recordI 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.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by derek m was helpful/No, review by derek m was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 2/14/2022by AnonymousSpokane WashingtonExcellent!Pairing KMC chain with 11 speed Edco monobloc cassette.. KMC smooth reliable shifting!
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Pairing KMC chain with 11 speed Edco monobloc cassette.. KMC smooth reliable shifting!
Review by AnonymousReviewed 6/28/2019by AnonymousCompetitive Racer1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Smooth and quietI 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.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 4/26/2021by AnonymousGreat chainSuper light chain. Great price
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Super light chain. Great price
Review by AnonymousReviewed 11/4/2017by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastAtlanta, GA2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Great alternative to Dura Ace. Light. Shifts flawlessly.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.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 12/3/2020by AnonymousSF Bay AreaVery satisfied Chain is quite and looks great. Shifting through the gears improved.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Chain is quite and looks great. Shifting through the gears improved.
Review by chrisReviewed 9/3/2012by chris (BikeTiresDirect.com Staff)Vancouver, WA6 of 6 customers found this review helpful.ExcellentThere 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.
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by chris was helpful/No, review by chris was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by DaleReviewed 3/7/2019by DaleCarson City,NevadaGreat ChainKmcs chains have always been great for me!!! My bike shifts better than ever!!!
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Dale was helpful/No, review by Dale was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Kmcs chains have always been great for me!!! My bike shifts better than ever!!!
Review by The Green OneReviewed 4/19/2021by The Green OneAZLooks Sick!Looks Gold and Beautiful! Nothing else to say!!
Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by The Green One was helpful/No, review by The Green One was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Looks Gold and Beautiful! Nothing else to say!!