X-SL series chains are high-quality, high performing chains offering amazing shifting performance on any drivetrain you choose. For athletes looking for the lightest, strongest, smoothest shifting chain look no further.
Includes KMC Missing Link 9
Full nickel plated for corrosion and abrasion resistance
Double X bridge shape with inner and outer plate chamfering for smooth and fast shifting
Double X-durability KMC chains are put through a heat treatment process twice to maximize strength so the chain lasts longer and goes farther
Hollow mushroom riveted pins for the highest pin power and allows shifting under heavy loads
Hollow inner and outer plates and pins to reduce weight and help shed mud
Specifications
Chain Compatibility
Shimano/SRAM 9
Links
116 Links
Number of Speeds
9-Speed
Width
6.6mm
Review Summary
LIKES
Strong (4),
Light (4),
Durable (1)
WORKS FOR
Commuting (2),
Mountain (3),
Cyclecross (2),
Road (3),
XC Racing (3)
DISLIKES
None So Far (1)
4.8 GEARS 5 reviews
or
Customer Questions
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KMC has done chains for years most were low-end replacement chains but like other Asian suppliers (Kenda, CST) they had found it was a race to the bottom. So like Kenda they have found new market share by producing high quality/high performance chains that are second to none when it comes to weight and durability. KMC has taken some of the technology that they have developed for Shimano (yeah they build the Shimano chains) and stepped it up with hollow side plates and a quick link (like the Sram Powerlink but for the thinner profile of the KMC chain) instead of the connecting pin that always seems to become a weak spot in the chain.
Durability seems to be as good or better than the Sram PC-971 that it replaced and about 50grams lighter.
I have the silver finish which visually looks like most other chains on the market but they do offer it in gold for the ultimate in bling!
I use it on a Catrike 700 which takes just short of 14 ft. of chain. After 2500 miles it is showing little stretch, still shifts well and smooth. For my application its an excellent chain.
I have used primarily SRAM chains in the past and thought their Powerlink is the bomb. I tried this new chain on advice from a friend. They are about $* more than the SRAM PC-991 Hollowpin and only 2 grams lighter, so I thought it was not a great deal. After about 9 months of use, I checked the wear and surprising very little had happened. My SRAM would have been stretched at least 1/8" by now. So durability is the key here. Will get this in gold next time.
The removeable link is a bit hard to remove...SRAM links were much easier.
Summed up: Worth the extra cost to get this light chain that lasts longer than the others.
Yes, I would recomend this to a friend.
Likes: Strong, Light, Durable
Works for: XC Racing, Mountain
5
April 26, 2011
reviewed by: Eastcoaster
Great looking, blingy chain. Really light. Inner links are narrower than the SRAM 9sp chain that it replaced. Didn't fit down on the teeth of the Gamut 32T Racering where the SRAM 9sp chain easily did.