KMC chains...what do you think?
06-22-12, 08:34 AM
#51
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Caad9 w105 came stock with the DX10 changed it out after about 1500mi. when I changed my cassette when I started using new wheels with a Sram 1070 as my local shop did not have an KMC's in stock. He assured me that they were functionally equivalent and I should have no issues with shifting compared to each other. He could not of been more wrong. I completely despise the Sram chain. The Sram chain never seemed to shift nicely. I rode that chain for ~500mi. Adjusted the derailleurs multiple times etc... finally gave up and put on a KMC x10.93 an miraculously my shifting is back to amazing.
06-22-12, 08:54 AM
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06-22-12, 09:03 AM
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FWIW (and that ain't much) my LBS tried SRAM, Shimano and KMC chains on my unusual setup (campy shifters, SRAM RD and Shimano cassette) and the KMC chain provided the best shifting. I'm sold. Also use KMC on the tandem with the same drivetrain setup.
06-22-12, 09:05 AM
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06-22-12, 09:19 AM
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I run KMC chains on both of my Shimergo setups. They work like a charm, even with the wonky mix of components.
06-22-12, 10:28 AM
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KMC chains suck ... every single one of them ...... ummm ... well .... actually ..... I like them.
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06-22-12, 11:38 AM
#57
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I think KMC makes some, if not all, of Shimano's chains.
Certainly seems quieter than the SRAM chain it replaced on my bike. Cheaper too.
Certainly seems quieter than the SRAM chain it replaced on my bike. Cheaper too.
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06-22-12, 02:42 PM
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I was about to get a SRAM 1051, but it looks like the KMC is the better chain for my Shimano 7900 set-up. How does the x10SL-CP compare with the x10.93? Is it just weight (what is the weight difference, anyway)?
With hollow link pins, do you need to use a special chain removal tool when setting the chain length, or is a normal one fine?
With hollow link pins, do you need to use a special chain removal tool when setting the chain length, or is a normal one fine?
06-22-12, 02:44 PM
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06-22-12, 02:55 PM
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I had a KMC chain on my SRAM drivetrain, I recently purchased an Ultegra and notice a nice difference. Perhaps it is just a difference in the quality of the product.
06-22-12, 03:19 PM
#61
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I like it on my Campy 10s.
06-22-12, 05:35 PM
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06-25-12, 03:03 AM
#63
almost like new
X10.93 - no hollow links/pins. ".93" indicates Silver outer plates, gray inner plates. Weight diff is approx 30g for 112 links.
06-25-12, 03:38 AM
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I recently got a KMC chain from Excel Sports. The box says X10.93, but their inventory sticker says DX10SC. It's going on my main training bike this week - FSA crankset and Shimano cassette - replacing the worn out SRAM 1031 that's on it.
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06-25-12, 07:33 AM
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I just did some time on two bikes this weekend, one with SRAM 1031 chain and the other KMC X10SL. Riding them back-to-back it was very, very obvious that the KMC is a far quieter chain. Love it!
06-25-12, 11:22 AM
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Just ordered some more KMC x10 for my campy 10s. Only kmc for me, x10sl for racing and the cheap ones for training. The best removable link, durable, light weight, quiet!
06-27-12, 08:41 AM
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Also I should note that shifting is better with the KMC X10SL compared to the SRAM PC-1031. It's faster whether going up or down, front or rear, and less 'grunch' when shifting the rear under power.
However, to be completely fair, I also changed my cassette from a SRAM PG-1070 to a Shimano Ultegra 6700. I now have quite the frankenstein drivetrain: (2011 2nd gen) Rival shifters, 2013 Red FD, Rival RD, Ultegra 6700 cassette, KMC X10SL chain.
It works awesome, however. Big
to KMC for their part in it!
My next upgrade is probably 2013 Red cranks, but I would want compact and for there to be some availability of 52/36 rings.
However, to be completely fair, I also changed my cassette from a SRAM PG-1070 to a Shimano Ultegra 6700. I now have quite the frankenstein drivetrain: (2011 2nd gen) Rival shifters, 2013 Red FD, Rival RD, Ultegra 6700 cassette, KMC X10SL chain.
It works awesome, however. Big
to KMC for their part in it!My next upgrade is probably 2013 Red cranks, but I would want compact and for there to be some availability of 52/36 rings.
07-03-12, 07:46 PM
#69
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Bling it on!
I got the blue one - just for bling and color match my bike. Have not used it yet so I can't tell how it performs. It's heavier than the other 2 though. 
Last edited by ARPRINCE; 07-04-12 at 01:32 PM.
07-04-12, 07:47 AM
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Haha....just ran out of chains....might have to get a red one for myself.
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07-04-12, 08:47 AM
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With the KMC chains, is it worth spending the additional $30 for the quick coupling removal link? That puts them at $90 for Campy 10 and 11.
07-04-12, 11:33 AM
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07-04-12, 02:04 PM
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07-04-12, 02:23 PM
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I used KMC Dx10SC chains on both my road bikes for just over a year with no problems. About 3 months ago I stood up to get through a green light and snapped a KMC chain with maybe 1500 miles on it. I found a great price on a Ultegra 6701 chain and am very happy with it also..
07-04-12, 02:37 PM
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So he ordered me one.