I picked up a chain at a local hardware/department store and the brand name is X-Factor....
all the links are stamped KMC, and cost $5.99 is anyone familiar with these, and are they any good?

They make a full range of chains that vary from good to really good. I run them on my own rides and use them in the shop. In fact, I prefer their reusable masterlink to Srams.
Sounds as if you have one from the lower end of the product line, like the Bell-branded KMC chains that wallyworld sells.

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KMC is good stuff but at $5.99, be sure it's for your application. Sounds like a single speed chain to me.

I have had a KMC chain on my bmx for years, no problems. I think KMC make all kinds of chains for all bikes

It's the correct chain for sure. They sell two different models one for single speed/3 speed and a 1/2"x3/32" for derailleured bikes, and that's the one I got. The brand is XFactor and the back of the package shows Kent International but the links are stamped KMC and also a few are stamped OA...... It came with one of those quick connect links like a Sram.

That's a screaming bargain.

They have sold these for years, but I've never tried them cause I thought the were junk. I put it on my bike and it seems fine on the stand (shifts fine) too much snow to take it for a test ride. Maybe I should go get 3 or 4 more just to have on hand........

+1, KMC chains are very good value. Just be aware that the chain you purchased may not be index compatible. I've noticed that even though most hardware and X-mart store bicycles are indexed, the replacement chains they sell are often intended for bicycles with friction shifting systems.

How do I tell the difference?

Here is a pic of the link, can you tell from this?

Definitely not an X7 or higher line of KMC chain. Without a side view, I would guess a value line KMC.

Look for the Nasbar tandem (KMC X7) if you want a high quality cheap chain. Item is usually 1/2 off if on sale, plus another 15-20% on top with coupon code. Final cost is less than $6 if you cut the chain in 1/2.

It should work fine with an indexed shift system. The outer plates are chamfered on the inside to facilitate cog engagement. Chamfering and/or bulged plates are typical features of index compatible chains. Non-index compatible chains generally have flat plates, free of any chamfering or profiling, as they can be manually overshifted then trimmed back to accomplish the shift.

I've been putting KMC chains on lots of bikes lately, because the prices are irresistible. So far, so good, but I don't have any data on longevity. I suspect they are safe enough not to break. Putting them on is straightforward, so they have proven not to be junk.

Tom

Thanks..... I assumed the chamfering on the inside of the outter plates were there for index shifting, but I was not certian.


Tom,

They seem to be a well made chain, but only time will tell. Hope all is well.

Sometimes I think anything is better than my Shimano pin-type chains.
I've had 2 break this year, one 9-sp, one 10-sp.
In this ballgame, 2 strikes is an out.

The only chain I buy is KMC. Niagara sells a variety of sizes. The 5/6 speed stuff is $4.57 (Z30). $5.60 for the Z50 (6/7 speed). This covers most flips.

KMC fan here. I buy from a couple of sources. I have never had problems with them even the cheapest ones being used fairly long term.

Aaron

I, too, heart me some KMC chains. Have ever since I was BMXing as a kid. Very well-made and the price is always right.

The X9 on my Ross came with a "KMC Equipped" sticker, and I affixed it directly over the ugly overspray that covers my seat tube in a gesture of semi-ironic pride.

Still on the fence as to whether the new bike will get a KMC chain or Campy, if it ends up as an indexed Campy 10 build...

Using KMC pared with Chorus 10 speed: Smooth shifts, long life, and everything else said above.

KMC chains are very good. There is a fellow at RBR that did exhaustive tests on chains, and though KMC shifted well, and were quiet, he found that Campy chains lasted longer, when both elongation and width spread were measured exactly over a set mileage.

They are a bargain, but I've found that if I time things right, and buy smartly, a Campy chain is no more expensive.

I'm speaking of 10 speed chains only, so YMMV.

BTW, Jan, I'm putting a special treat in tomorrow's mail, it may take some sorting by you, but you should be occupied for weeks on end

Mid-December is a special time of year, this year did not disappoint. I trust you will be pleased.

wow

The one on my 3-speed was frozen thanks to years of sitting; I lubed it, moved the links around, and have been riding it all year without problems. Before that I had a hybrid with a KMC chain I rode for years and never had any problems.

I don't think the Bell-branded chains are KMC. It has AVA stamped on the link.

The Bell branded chains are ok, I used them on a few of my bikes and all the flippers. I found them a bit noisy.

I love KMC for the price and durability. I used it with my 10 speed Ultegra. It was cheap, long lasting and quiet.

I'm grateful for this thread. I thought I might be cheaping out on chains. I guess we've been deceived to believe we have to spend more. Any data on Shimano and SRAM chains?

Tom,

I have been using Sram chains for several years, and they have been flawless. I use the PC830 and they cost me about $12.00 each. I picked up the KMC to try as I've always wanted to give one a try and at $5.99 if I didn't like it no big loss.

Here are a couple close - ups of the SRAM and the KMC (SRAM on the right). As you can see the pins are much more refined on the SRAM than on the KMC and there is more gaps between the side plates and rollers on the KMC, the SRAM is much tighter in tolerence. It's obvious the SRAM is a better made chain, but this is a low end KMC so it's not a fair match-up. I'm sure the more expensive KMC chains are made better.