[Jimnm]

I don’t know about any of you guys out there, I will never ever buy another KMC chain. They’re so noisy. The difference compared to Shimano chains is massive.

 

Topic

[SimoninSpalding]

+1 for sl and el KMC chains.
+1 for sl and el KMC chains. I use them across several bikes covering 9 to 11 speeds and I find they last really well and are quiet in use. (I use Fenwicks Stealth lube)

[Mpcleathero]

KMC on Shimano drivetrain

KMC on Shimano drivetrain offer much better shifting than Shimano chains. EL, SL and above are comparable quality. I fit hundreds a year and never have issues. Mechanical Ultegra is noisy on any chain in the top two gears. 

 

[Mpcleathero]

I believe the low end up to 9

I believe the low end up to 9 speed are made for shimano 

[Simon E]

Hirsute wrote:

Hirsute wrote:

Was it actually a kmc chain or simply one passed off as kmc?

Quite possible, there are copycat chains on the market. I have been riding on KMC chains for many years and have never had a problem.

[Dnnnnnn]

I’ve never had or heard of
I’ve never had or heard of any issues with KMC chains before, although I haven’t used them recently. I’ve quite often read that KMC make many of Shimano’s chains – although I don’t know which ones (or even if it’s actually true). Anyone know more ?

[mark1a]

Have you checked the wear on

Have you checked the wear on the cassette & chainrings? These will wear to fit the worn chain, and then putting on a new chain will be noisy.

Also, factory grease is there to stop it going rusty on the shelf, not to lubricate it.

[wtjs]

I’ve never experienced a duff

I’ve never experienced a duff chain which was noticeably different from all the others. On the other hand, I haven’t gone above 9-speed and I assume 13-speed have chocolate side-plates

[hawkinspeter]

Can’t say that I’ve noticed

Can’t say that I’ve noticed any issues with KMC chains

[S.E.]

Did you clean the new chain

Did you clean the new chain to remove factory grease? Apparently it’s not always the best lubricant, maybe the noise will get lower with time and a better lube?

New chains often feel different, but after a while I don’t notice much difference, I had KMC, Shimano and now Wippermann on 7 speed…

I just replaced my 11 speed with a new Shimano 105, it was also notably noisier than the old (~same model), despite using Flowerpower this time, which is supposed to be LESS noisy than Squirt. I was also disappointed to see that the previous chain was over 0.5% after only 4000 km despite a lot of attention (it was the first chain I have checked, degreased, drip waxed carefully, before that one I used to only add some light oil when they were too noisy, cleaning was done with a paper towel or old cloth…)

On ZFC both KMC 11 & 12 speed have excellent performance ratings… but Sram 12 speed XX1 and X01 have the best longevity (at twice the price of Simano 105 though so not worth it financially).

That said I’m taking ZFC’s results with a grain of salt, drive trains are already relatively complex systems, with different gears, usage and evironments for every rider….

[Keesvant]

Depends. On lubricant and
Depends. On lubricant and type of chain.
12-speed kmc seems to be of lesser quality then the 11-speed ones..
Kmc x-11 el was my go-to cgain for years.
Very good !
Tryed sram but was not impressed.
A chimano xt chain does not convince me seems to rust more (waxed)?
A dura-ace chain performs better, i just bought a ybn chain because of great reviews it gets.
Just to see if it’s better ..?

[Hirsute]

Was it actually a kmc chain
Was it actually a kmc chain or simply one passed off as kmc?

[Author]

Replies