The only minor gripe I have is that even though it seems to be made of high quality materials that should hold up for a long long time (which I believe it will), I may feel more comfortable upgrading my chain to a SRAM or Shimano chain in a year or two to preserve the life of my other components. With a great shifting performance, it's lightweight and smooth running. KMC now guarantees your satisfaction on the chain's life, which is much longer, compared to other major brands. I just had the opportunity to re-tension my chain after a 1525km ride (San Diego to Santa Cruz to Eugene to Pendleton to Redmond to Bend). I love that the side plates are narrower, allowing you to still get 14-28 rings, even if you use a 44t ring. Part of the appeal of KMC’s own chains is that they use so-called Missing Links (i.e. a master or joining link), so there’s no faffing around with special pins and, if you’re comparing to Campagnolo, no need to shell out for special tools. You simply shorten your chain in the usual way, fit the Missing Link together and then snap it shut — job’s a good un. I have had the opportunity to use the KMC 11 speed chain for well over 2000 miles. This has been a great opportunity to try it out in a variety of different conditions, from a hot summer day in the grueling mountain bike race at Wildflower, to fast criterium on a cold, rainy day in Bend Oregon.

Chain reaction Cycles and CRC are trading names of Wiggle Ltd (In Administration) registered in the United Kingdom at 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN, The quality of the X-Series - paired with lightweight components. Slotted inner and outer plates, without compromising the smoothness and durability.

The quality of the X-Series - paired with lightweight components. Slotted inner and outer plates, without compromising the smoothness and durability.

The outer links are much skinnier than a typical chain, and link plates are more likely to become scratched and thereby weaker.

KMC X11EL Extra Light Chain The quality of the X-Series - paired with lightweight components. Slotted inner and outer plates, without compromising the smoothness and durability. I would recommend the KMC 11 speed chain to anyone looking for a great shifting chain. It’s durable, and once broken in after about 100 miles, it shifts as smoothly as any chain I’ve ever used. It looks great, too.

The chain is difficult to mount without a special tool. A chain whip works, but is difficult to master, and has too open of a profile, allowing chains to slip off easily. I love it. The shifting is way better than with my worn out Shimano 9 speed chain, the only downside is that I have to replace the pulleys before the chain, the chain seems to get the wear on the pulleys. I always thought I needed to replace my chain before my cassette, but that is no longer the case.