KMC chains. Same, better or worst, as a Shimano HG chain?
 

I think I had KMC chains in the past, I really don't remember. However, last few years I have used Shimano HG chains for my bikes.

I just put a new 8 speed KMC chain to replace a worn out Shimano chain with about 4,000 miles on it. The quick on/off link is encouraging, but also worrying. Looking forward to the ease of taking the chain off for cleaning. But a bit worry for the reliability on the link and accidental disassembly/breakage during a ride.

What's your experience of the KMC chains, as far as reliability, longevity and performance (shifting)? Thanks in advance! Double O

Can't speak to KMC,but I always replace my chains with SRAM,and have never had an issue with the master links. Just make sure they're properly closed. Park Tool makes a special pair of pliers for opening master links,but I've never had a prob just using needlenose.

I prefer KMC chains over Shimano or SRAM. I replace my chains regularly, probably earlier than I have to, and I've yet to have a problem with any of them. I've used the single speed, 8sp, and 10sp versions. There are no worries with the master link.

EDIT: I prefer the ?.93 or .99 version, as the nickel plating helps keep the rust at bay longer and help keep the chain cleaner.

The KMC chain I replaced it with is the X8 .93 Half nickel plated.

I use KMC chains on my FG/SS bikes and never had any problems with them.

I have used Superlink/SRAM/KMC masterlinks since the 90's and *never* had one fail.
(All three are based on the Superlink design.)

OTOH, I once tried a Wippermann chain, and the "Connex" link separated during an FD shift in about 300 miles.

i like kmc chains but i love the re-usable kmc link thingie. i keep one in my bag so that i can repair a broken chain on the fly.

My LBS owner just recently talked me into my first KMC chain as a replacement for my Shimano HG. The quicklink seems like a cool idea, but I opted to just cut the chain and splice it together with a chain tool. No need taking a chance when I'm about to head out on a couple of overnight bike tours.

One thing I noticed is that the KMC comes bathed in some oily mess that has been attracting dirt the entire two weeks it has been on my bike. I'm not sure why they had to soak it in so much lubricant!

Otherwise, it's running fine.

3/32" wide, or 1/8" ?

1/2" X 3/32 - 116 links pin length 7.3mm

The kmc quick link will never allow a chain to separate (without breaking completely). They require compression (and a fair bit at that) to remove the links. Chains are always under some amount of tension.

That's not lubricant. It's a protectant to keep the chain from rusting while it sits on the shelf. That stuff is nasty and sticky and will attract everything under the sun. You need to give it a good cleaning and then lubricate it properly.

As far as the quick link goes I have used them for years on my Shimano chains and never had issues.

Hmmm, the bike shop guy, a second-generation owner who has been working the shop since he was eleven years old (he's now in his 60's), didn't bother to tell me that. I'm going to have to smack him next time I see him. With the Shimano chains, I've always been told that the lubricant on the chain out of the package is the best lube the chain will ever have. Is that a myth?

Regarding the Shimano quick-links, I never used them, either. I paid a lot of money for my chain tool, so I guess I just want to use it the half-dozen or so times I'll need it for the rest of my life.

A modern chain that's had a pin pushed out then pushed back in is very likely to fail at that link.

I have heard that too about the stuff that the chains come coated in but as sticky as that crap is in my opinion it's more of a coating then a lubricant plus it spreads all that sticky crap over everything. I always clean it off and then use my choice of lube.

I just leave it on, then let the first rain ride wash it off. I get a LOT of rain rides in, however.

SRAM tells you right up front what they use: https://www.sram.com/sram/mountain/p...powerchain-890
AFAIK, all the mfgrs use the same thing.
Gleitmo is a lubricant, and is a product of this company: Specialty Lubricants - FUCHS LUBRITECH GmbH
There are a bunch of different types, and I don't know which one is used on bike chains: https://www.google.com/search?q=site...m=119&ie=UTF-8

+10
The push-in pins provided by Shimano and Campy are specially designed, and are not the same as the other pins in the chain.

I`ve heard the same thing but in reality that has never happened to me. I`ve only done that on SS bikes with a perfectly straight chain line and never had a chain break on me. It may not work on geared bikes with multiple cogs where the chain line is not always straight...Still I prefer to use a master-link most of the time because it`s easy to use and foolproof.

Define a "modern" chain. I've been installing new 1/8" chains by splicing extra links by pushing pins back in for years as necessary to make the too short $6 Walmart chains fit on my various IGH bikes, as well as instead of using master links. Never had a chain fail. Maybe by "modern" you mean the expensive 3/32" chains used on expensive bikes.

That is a myth, it is most definitely a lubricant. If you take a rag and spray some simple green in it and then grab the chain at the bottom while back pedaling you can wipe all the excess off of the outside while keeping the inside nice and lubricated. That way you have a nice smooth running chain from the beginning without attracting a bunch of grit.

This is also worth repeating, modern chains are likely to fail where you push a pin through like older style chains. Modern master links are incredibly durable and reliable. In my 8 or so years in the bike industry I do not think I have ever seen a modern master link fail on 8/9/10/11 speed chains, even when reusing "non reusable" 10/11 speed links.

I've used and prefer the KMC chains. The quick link is a nice easy way to connect the chain (no tool needed to install) and no chance of a stiff link. I've never had any problems of any kind with a KMC chain. KMC's are NOT pricey so.... I don't own the removal tool as I generally just cut off and replace the chain.

I've read that a piece of wire looped through both side of the link and twisted tight will cause the link to release. They sell replacement links if your plan is to continue to remove and reuse the chain over and over. But cost-wise... it seems to me to be cheaper to just replace the chain altogether every 2500 miles or so.

KMC X8 Chain w/ Missing Link 6/7/8 Speed Each Silver

I ordered this from Niagaracycle and it turns out it is the KMC X8.99 (silver on silver) model even though it's not indicated. This link now shows "out-of-stock" though. Who knows if or when they'll "revive" the link. (It's 6, 7 or 8 speed.)

(For Canadian customers, beware the UPS brokerage fee. It might be way better to choose USPS instead.)

As a passing comment, I also ordered a SRAM cassette (and I wish I could remember which lubricant, have to move several boxes to check, either Finish Line, Tri Flow or Boeshield).

EDIT: I decided to do some re-organizing and found the box. It was Finish Line.

How 'bout you taking a crack at defining a "modern" chain