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KMC X11SL Super Light Chain

KMCX11SL Super Light Chain(Return to Product Page)

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(16 customer reviews)
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User submitted reviews

Review by chris

Excellent
by chris (TriSports.com Staff)
Vancouver, WA
6 of 6 customers found this review helpful.

There are only two reasons to ever suffer through Campy chain ownership and the strange torture that is installation pins and $3,000 chain tools.

1). Campy chains really do last a long time.

2). Some vague belief that nobody else could possibly make a chain that works as well with Campy drivetrains as the Campy themselves.

While 1 is still hanging in there (they really do seem to wear well), after trying the KMC X11-SL, I no longer believe 2 at all.

While I don't have a direct head-to-head, I can tell you the X11-SL was much, much quieter and smoother than the Campy chain it replaced. The difference was incredible, in fact. Shifts, including some highly ill-timed ones on a ride with about 5500' of elevation gain, have been consistent and smooth. At about 700 miles, the chain has been nothing but great.

And the Missing Link is light years better than any replace the pin installation and removal method. Just don't expect the audible click the instructions promise when the two halves engage. Never happened for me, even though the link is definitely engaged. Tested gingerly, could still see a tiny, tiny gap, then rode up a 20% or so grade no gap, locked.

Only a lack of miles and a belief that perfection should be rare keeps me from going with the 5-beer on this.

Reviewed 9/3/2012
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Review by Brian

Well, it depends!
by Brian
Portland
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.

Pretty chain, easy to install, but,

I bought this for my gravel bike, which has a GRX 1x drivetrain, with an 11-42 cassette (on both my 650b and 700 wheels). Shifting was not optimal at all, shifting to lower cogs often resulting with dropping an extra cog then readjusting. And in my 650b wheelset, couldn't adjust enough to get the chain to shift to the 11 cog AT ALL. Never had this problem with a Shimano chain.

After a few rides I took it off and put it on my road bike, which was way overdue for a new chain (Ultegra 11-34 cassette). It shifts like a dream! And looks so sharp.

I don't know how to account for the difference, but definitely recommend for normal road cassettes, but not for wide range 1x cassettes

Reviewed 6/18/2021
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Review by PhilW

Great Chain
by PhilW
Cycling Enthusiast
Southern Indiana

I've been using the KMC X11SL on all of my bikes for the last several years and am very pleased with them. They shift very well with both Shimano & Sram groups and are quieter than other brands. Even though this is a lightweight chain, I am satisfied with their durability and I change my chains every 2K miles anyway. Even though they are a little more expensive than other brands, I feel they are worth it.

Reviewed 2/28/2022
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Review by Jon Tate

KMC X11SL chain
by Jon Tate
Daily Commuter
Nashville, TN

These are great chains for those of us looking to lighten things up at every opportunity. I use one on my tri bike as well as my road bike.

Reviewed 7/8/2021
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Review by Slade

THe best chain
by Slade
Cycling Enthusiast
Fort Collins, CO

I run the gold on all my bikes - road, gravel and mtb. Hands down the best chain available and worth every penny. Unmatched performance, strength, durability and weight. Far superior to SRAM and Shimano chains. Highly recommend.

Reviewed 1/27/2021
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Review by LoneRider

Super Quiet, Smooth and Light
by LoneRider
Cycling Enthusiast
New England
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.

Used as a replacement for SRAM chains. I think it is quieter, shifts smoother and is definitely lighter than SRAM chains. Super LInk connector makes it easier to install than Shimano pin on Shimano chains. Prefer traditional silver but KMC has gold and other bling colors as well. Only downside is regular price - wait for a sale to buy.

Reviewed 2/2/2015
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Review by Anonymous

Shifts fine light weight not sure its that much lighter than Durace chain
by Anonymous
Cycling Enthusiast
Mid west

No directional chain so went on quick and quick link is easy

Reviewed 5/20/2022
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Review by rosepedals

Unfortunately does not seem to work well with Shimano
by rosepedals
Cycling Enthusiast
Ontario, CAN
3 of 9 customers found this review helpful.

I have several 10spd KMC chains, using them on my road and cross bikes, and they have performed great! Unfortunately I cannot say the same for the 11spd version. I switched out my chain almost immediately using my past experience with KMC as the reason, but I must say I am disappointed at its performance. It is noisy and it actually seems to be rubbing a few of the cogs causing some of the actual cog to be worn off! I'm waiting on pins for my OEM Shimano chain and it is going back on, something I never did with the 10spd chains.

Reviewed 4/24/2014
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Review by derek m

Excellent alternative to Campy record
by derek m
Cycling Enthusiast
Chicago
8 of 8 customers found this review helpful.

I have been using the Campy record chain back for several years, and have had no problems with it except the hassle of installtion for the new 11 speed version. I got the KMC as I got tired of the hassle of installing the campy, even though I had already dropped the dough on the campy tool. The KMC performs identical to the campy and the quick link is a real bonus. I just changed out my first KMC after 4,000 miles.

Reviewed 2/17/2014
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Review by Anonymous

Excellent!
by Anonymous
Spokane Washington

Pairing KMC chain with 11 speed Edco monobloc cassette.. KMC smooth reliable shifting!

Reviewed 2/14/2022
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Review by Anonymous

Smooth and quiet
by Anonymous
Competitive Racer
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.

I have used both Shimano and KMC chains on my Shimano Di2 equipped bike. As far as longevity they seem to be pretty equal. The KMC chain is quiet, although probably on par with the Shimano chains. Got a great deal on this KMC so that was the deciding vote this time around.

Reviewed 6/28/2019
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Review by Dale

Great Chain
by Dale
Carson City,Nevada

Kmcs chains have always been great for me!!! My bike shifts better than ever!!!

Reviewed 3/7/2019
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Review by Anonymous

Great chain
by Anonymous

Super light chain. Great price

Reviewed 4/26/2021
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Review by The Green One

Looks Sick!
by The Green One
AZ

Looks Gold and Beautiful! Nothing else to say!!

Reviewed 4/19/2021
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Review by Anonymous

Great alternative to Dura Ace. Light. Shifts flawlessly.
by Anonymous
Cycling Enthusiast
Atlanta, GA
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.

I've used the 10 spd and the 11 spd versions. This is a super light chain. Quiet for the most part though there is some noise as expected if you are cross-chained in the big ring.

Reviewed 11/4/2017
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Review by Anonymous

Very satisfied
by Anonymous
SF Bay Area

Chain is quite and looks great. Shifting through the gears improved.

Reviewed 12/3/2020
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