ShimanoDura-Ace/XTR CN-HG901 11-Speed Chain(Return to Product Page)

I think that 11-Speed is Shimano's Sweet Spot. I've got 10, 11, and 12-speed bikes and I think that the 11-speed ones shift the smoothest. The 11-speed chains seem to last a bit while longer. This chain is great. The Dura-Ace / XTR unit lasts quite a bit longer. BTW: I wax all my chains - Twice the chain life and no greasy mess.

Smooth and light definitely a nice chain. I usually buy these instead of Ultegra since I have GRX and it keeps the shifts smooth.

Why not buy the best? Every second of every ride depends on your chain transferring your limited power to the rear wheel. Why waste watts?

I'm normally a KMC chain guy, but I'm finding that the Shimano chains seem to shift a bit better with my Shimano components. I wish the chain was a bit lighter though.

I have 11-speed drivetrains on both my road and gravel bikes (Ultegra and GRX). About a year ago, I switched to the DA version chains, based on recommendations from Josh Portner (Marginal Gains) and Dylan Johnson (Bonk Bros). They both report slightly better efficiency vs Ultegra, and considerably better than other brands. I am not sure I can notice the 2-3 watt difference compared to the Ultegra but I feel they are slightly quieter and shift nicer. Might be my imagination though.

I use Silca hot wax, with their drip on wax (Super Secret) between, and get at least 3,000 miles before detecting and chain stretch. I'm not at all fanatical about cleaning, and especially my gravel bike deals with a lot of dirt, plus the occasional water crossing.

Expensive, and maybe not that much better than Ultegra, but I buy them when BTD has them on sale.

I have 11-speed drivetrains on both my road and gravel bikes (Ultegra and GRX). About a year ago, I switched to the DA version chains, based on recommendations from Josh Portner (Marginal Gains) and Dylan Johnson (Bonk Bros). They both report slightly better efficiency vs Ultegra, and considerably better than other brands. I am not sure I can notice the 2-3 watt difference compared to the Ultegra, but I feel they are slightly quieter and shift nicer. Might be my imagination though.

I use Silca hot wax, with their drip on wax (Super Secret) between, and get at least 3,000 miles before detecting and chain stretch. I'm not at all fanatical about cleaning, and especially my gravel bike deals with a lot of dirt, plus the occasional water crossing.

Expensive, and maybe not that much better than Ultegra, but I buy them when BTD has them on sale.

Good quality chain at a reasonable price when on sale. Like everything else the price of Shimano Dura Ace R9100 11 speed components are not cheap and seem to go up especially as the parts become scarce. The chains seem to be easier to acquire than other parts and for the most part have not appreciated as much. I am committed to a mechanical groupo as newer ones use disk brakes which my 20 year old Litespeed frame cannot accommodate. I am glad that Biketiresdirect.com puts them on sale often as I go thru 2 to 3 chains per year.

I decided to splurge and buy a dura ace chain!

The dura ace chain is simply the best. Sturdy and smooth.

Decided to try Dura-ace chain over Ultegra after reading difference between the two Shimano chains is more than just weight. Dura-ace chain uses lighter metal alloy that is less resistant to wear or "stretch." Not my words, but what I read that caused me to try spending extra coin for a Dura-ace chain. My experience was chain wear was less than experience with Ultegra chain after roughly the same time or miles. Unless you're the type of rider who itches to replace chain sooner rather than later for fear of cassette wear, get a bit more wear from your chain, I'd recommend the Dura-ace over the Ultegra despite the slightly extra cost.

My grouppo is DA 9100. The chain works well and lasts me about 2500 - 3000 miles. It is expensive and its pretty hard for me to say it is definitely better than the Ultegra and even the 105 equivalents which can be purchased at a much lower price. On the 10 speed versions Shimano only makes one model and it states its for 105, Ultegra and DA. I try to buy the DA chain only when its on sale and usually buy several at the same time as I go thru 2 to 3 chains per year.

I usually use an Ultegra chain, but since the DuraAce was on sale and Ultegra folks gave it good reviews, I bought two and have no regrets. Smooth shifting!

Don't normally get Dura Ace, but on sale was a good value. Really got it more for the durability than weight savings. I will notice more benefit from cutting burgers & fries than cutting weight on components.

It shifts just fine with the bike's Shimano 105 derailleurs. It's hard to be enthused about the a chain in this price range, but 11-speed chains generally seem to be pricey, and this one at least includes a quick link.

I use an inline chain cleaner every 2-3 rides, and a wax-based lubricant (White Lightning Clean Ride). Despite this regimen, this chain acquires a surprising amount of dirt in just a few miles. It's almost as if it has some sort of coating that combines with the wax, and it just won't go away.

It is a great chain for my trek emonda slr.

The lighter weight does seem to noticeably lessen drag on the drivetrain.

Bought the hg901 chain as a gift for my wife. Great value when bought on sale. If not I would have opted for Ultegra/XT. These are extremely durable long wearing chains when taken care of properly.

These chains are easy to install with the link clip system. You just need a simple tool to make it easier.

Had a hard time finding this in my LBS. Those who had it were price gouging, Those who didn't said it would be 3-4 weeks. Just another casualty of the pandemic. BTD has been a lifesaver on parts

Prefer Shimano Dura-Ace chain over Ultegra, not because of less weight, but because of durability of material, resulting in a bit more mileage before replacing chain.