KMC X10SL 10-Speed X-Series Bicycle Chain | Compatible with Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo and All Major Systems | Silver

I have used mainly sram chains (as I have fallen in love with their products) and decided to try KMC after snapping my third sram chain. I am a pretty stout guy and can really put out some torque. I try my best to ride with the best technique but sometimes you just lose focus and forget to shift or whatever. I have ridden this chain through snow, mud, water, and dry dusty conditions. I have around 1000 miles on it. Some reviewers on the different versions of this chain (TNC and DLC) complain about it gunking up, snapping, noisy, and poor shifting. I would call into question their riding technique, the installation process and their service interval. First off that sticky gunk that comes on a new chain IS NOT LUBE. It is a general protectant to keep the chain from rusting or corroding while stored. Get. Mild degreaser and remove every bit of that. Rock n roll has worked best for me and usually only takes about 15 minutes and one soak. Then apply lube that is appropriate for your riding conditions and or area you will be riding.msecondly install the chain properly. I install my own chain on my FS MTB because every time I have had a bike shop do it they tend to add extra links. On some FS BIKES this is appropriate as there is some chain growth through put the cycle but check your bike as everyone is different. Improper installation can cause your chain to slap, snap, shift wrong, and even damage cogs and rings. Lastly, maintenance! Clean, lube, ride, clean, lube, ride! I love Rockne roll blue lube, but your conditions may require a different lube. It cleans and lubes at the same time. I can get 50-60 miles before I even have to think about relubing. Just wipe off the dust after a ride (don't wash if you do you should re lube) and good to go. No noise still shifts like it was new. These are the greatest chains if you do things right! Just remember no one can be perfect 100% of the time and if you get that one defective chain give them another chance. Again these are awesome chains!

I bought a used Colnago with Campagnolo Record groupset last year. After 5000 miles, I was seeing a little stretch in the Connex chain that was on there, so decided to replace it. I looked at a Campy Record chain, but too pricey and requires special tools. The Connex was ok, but it had some noise issues on the 11 tooth cog. I use KMC on all my other bikes, so decided to try the X10SL where the SL means super light. Yes, this chain is lighter than the Record chain. After only one 40 mile ride, I can tell you it shifts well and handles that small cog better than the Connex chain. Only time will tell how long it lasts, but on my other bikes, the X8, X9, X10 chains last about 5,000 miles. Nice chain so far.

I use the X10SL chain on my full suspension mountain bike, and it hasn't failed me yet. Installation is easy thanks to the missing link, and shifting is smooth and precise. I like how the missing link can be reused, unlike SRAM links which are "one time use only" - very helpful when it's time for a full disassembly and cleaning. The gold finish is holding up well, and it also helps make my bike stand out on the trails. I've mis-shifted a few times, and I've shifted on accident while hammering down on the pedals, and the X10SL didn't break or bend. The price is a little high for some people to swallow, but it is a high quality chain that in my opinion is worth it.

This is a great chain. I installed it on my 105, 10-speed, compact chain-ring equipped road bike. It came well lubricated, so I just put it on and went for a ride. The "magic link" is great - easy to install with just my hands. The finish on the chain is nice (at least right now) - silver and shiny. We'll see how it looks with use. After a quick rear derailleur adjustment, my bike shifts great and runs very quietly.

My first chain lasted about 3,000 miles before it began to skip or "stutter" sometimes as I peddled. My current, 2nd, chain is still working well after about 2800 miles but I went ahead and bought this one in advance assuming I will need it within the next year. ( all three have been the same brand of chain) Only issue 8 have with these is that they come sticky with grease. I've always understood that chains should be dry lubed with a product like white lightning. So at some point I will clean the sticky grease off with kerosene and then use white lightning. I'd suggest purchasing a quantity of the master links and replacing these more frequently.

This KMC chain is awesome. I have all Shimano Ultegra components on both my road bikes, but will probably never again go back to the Shimano chains (Ultegra or Dura-Ace). The main reason is not the performance, rather the installation. The installation of this KMC chain was a breeze. I definitley prefer the KMC quick link system over the replacement Pin system Shimano uses. I I have installed several Shimano chains and there just seems to be more room for error becuase the replacement Pin has to be pressed into just the right position or you at risk of the chain breaking apart on a ride. That's what happened to me and caused me to make the switch to KMC. Yes, it was probably my fault when I installed it, but I'm happy I made the switch. The chain, with it's quick link system, was easy to install and feels alot more secure than the shimano chain/Pin did. Performace wise, I would definitely recommend this chain as well. It is compatible with my 10 speed Shimano groupset and performs/Shifts just as well, if not better, than my previous Shimano chains. I have only been a few rides so far, but my drive train feels very smooth. This new chain does come pre coated with a thicker grease/lube like most other new chains out of the package. After doing some research, some people say to clean it all off and apply your own lube, while others say to leave it on for a few rides and clean it off, apply new lube when neccessary. I decided to leave the pre coated grease on and it ran fine and shifted very smooth. After a few rides, I'm just getting to the point where I'll have to clean off the chain and apply my own lube (Tri Flow). Bottomline: Heck of alot easier to install than Shimano chains and performs just as well, if not better.

This chain is excellent. It has been very reliable for a light chain and for the most part durable. Despite the cutouts, it does not wear any faster than non-slotted chains. Shifting with my Sram Force is fast and crisp. Weighing 188lbs and not really being able to go below that, I look to cut weight on the bike where I can and this chain has proven to have weight savings without any real drawbacks. The reason I knock this down to 4 stars from 5 is the chain has developed a stiff link that I have to work out with flexing and a drop or two of lube every 10-14 days or so. I don't hold this against the chain too much because it was likely a product of my poor shifting habits. Also, stiff links just happen sometimes. Overall a great chain, if you can deal with the color being a bit garish.

KMC currently produces three groups of 10 speed chains, which are available in a number of "low friction" coatings and colors. The 10X.SL (super light) versions weigh 253grams and have slotted links, which supposedly aid “mud dispersion”. The 10X.L (light) versions weigh 268grams and only the outer plates are slotted. The 10X standard versions have solid link plates, weigh 273grams and come in a variety of “eco-friendly” finishes. The 10X.99 is 100% nickel plated and has been discontinued by KMC: most likely to meet new carbon footprint targets for the entire product line. I’ve installed 10 speed chains by SRAM, Shimano and KMC on a number of my friends’ bikes and I have no real “favorite”. Chains from all three manufacturers shift very well and have proven durable and reliable – but my opinion is probably in the minority. The chain I received came in non-retail packaging (which was fine) and included the KMC version of a master link. 100% nickel plating seems to be fairly rust resistant. Shifting is fast and smooth on the last two 105 equipped bikes on which I’ve installed this chain. For the price – less than Shimano’s (CN-4601) or SRAM’s (PC-1051) lowest price chain - it’s tough to beat this mid-range chain for general riding. I just don't know how long this chain will be available from KMC