User submitted reviews
Review by Anonymous
good value only chain I will use on my rain training, MTN, and cross bikes with 10spd drive trains.
Review by Anonymous
Both the 10 speed and 11 speed versions of the KMC X10SLX11SL are top notch. As soon as I get a new bike or as soon as a chain is due for replacement, I put one of these one. Smooth and quiet pedaling. No snapping, no other problems. And the master links make replacing and cleaning super easy. Nuff said.
Review by PGB
How do they do it? Every other chain I've used stretches but these don't. This is a replacement for one that had over 5000 miles on it. I bought another one because the first one got a little noisy. That's it. I checked it all the time with my Park chain checker and it wasn't even stretched .75. Shifts great with my SRAM too.
Review by Fractal Unit
This chain replaced a [$] campy chain. It shifts as well as the Campy unit ever did and I expect it will last about as long. I kept the box so I'll know what to order next time.
Review by Puget Sounder
I have been using the KMC X10 chain for several years. I ride in the rain during the fall, winter, and spring, so the ability to quickly remove the chain for thorough cleaning is a big plus.
The split link can be a bit tricky to open up so I bought the Park Tool pliers to make the job really easy. I take the chain off, soak it in citrus solvent, clean it with a stiff brush and rag, then lube it with ProGold. Keeping it clean this way seems to extend the life much longer than using the rotating brush and reservoir setup.
The KMC chain lasts longer than the Shimano chain.
Review by NWBiker
I had this chain originally when I bought my new bike. After about 2200 miles I replaced it with Sram PC-1091R (hollow pins). The Sram 1090r is a few grams lighter, shifts smoother and quieter when new but after about 700 miles the chain was stretched like a noodle with moderate climbing. So, I switched back to this KMC, put it through the wringer and been happy with it so far. Just keep clean and lube every 1-2 rides (100 miles) and it runs just fine. So I'll stick with this chain for its durability, the penalty is a few grams heavier.
Review by Anonymous
I tossed this chain onto a sulry cross-check with FSA Pro Road chainrings and a SRAM OG 1050 cassette on the rear. I had problems from the beginning with chainsuck (on a road bike!) if I stood up to sprint while in the small ring. After the chain broke in, the problems went away. Perhaps this wouldn't have been a problem on a stiff race bike, but for this steel beast I'll go back to SRAM or Shimano chains.
Review by Anonymous
Thought I'd try this chain with a 10 speed Campy Chorus drivetrain. I've not been happy with my last two Campy Veloce chains. The Record chains, on the other hand, have been great, but pricey.
This chain runs smoother and shifts much more cleanly than the Veloce. I would say it is on a par with the Record, but for 13 the price. The only thing yet to be determined is how long this KMC chain lasts.
Review by gearhead
A very good quality chain. Extra bonus that it works well and is compatible with Campy set ups. Love that you don't need to sell the farm for expensive Campy chain and tooling to assemble. Have now used on several of my bikes and the team that I manage.
Review by Anonymous
Good alternative to shimano with the quick link. It seems a bit noiser than the shimano chains but may be I need to break it in.
Review by Joshua
Smooth shifts, quiet, bombproof chain. Would recommend.
Review by Anonymous
Excellent value compared to other chains. The reusable link is a big plus.
Review by TomP
Purchased for bike build using an old 10-speed Shimano road group. Like the missing link feature. Initial impression after a few rides is that it works well.
Review by IslandRider
I've used SRAM and Shimano chains for my 10-speed setup. They both work well. The KMC I find to be a little quieter and less finicky. It also looks and feels stronger to me, although I have no data to back that up. Making that conclusion based on how flexy the chains feel from side to side. The KMC feels stiffer to me. I've never tried Wippermann Chains but I'd like to. At the price though, the KMC's are my preference for road or MTB use.
Review by Jon
I'm down KMC. The chains are high quality, easy to install with the quick link, and durable. I degrease the chain first using an eco-friendly citrus degreaser. Then after sizing it using the largest cog smallest ring method I install the chain. Next comes a fastidious lubrication using ProGold ProLink which I lightly wipe (mainly to prevent dripping) and let sit for several hours before thoroughly wiping.
KMC chains serve me well in this way and this one is no exception. I put it on my commuter bike and I like the black silver pattern.
Review by Anonymous
Great chain at a great price, no other way to put it
Review by Aggiebiker
I put this on my road bike when I bought a smart trainer at the first of the year. The old chain was worn and needed to be replaced because of excessive noise and shifting problems.
Review by PNW Native
Shifts as well as the Campy Chorus 10 speed chain, but doesn't require the special and expensive Campy or Park chain tool to install. Quite, and it shifts well. Durability is questionable through (the earlier version KMC X10 chain had to be replaced after 1500 miles-.551300 miles of wet PNW winter riding).
Review by Trucker
For years I've used Campy chains on my bikes since they have Record Veloce FSA components . Had good success with them until the last chain that broke twice . Never had one break before . Getting too light ? Now Campy has a new pin system that according to their instructions requires their expense chain tool. So instead of replacing my chain myself I took it to my mechanic to be safe . With this KMC chain I was able to replace it quickly myself and that quick link really makes it a snap . No more pins. The first ride of 73 miles went great with really nice precise shifting and very quiet . I feel I've found a winner.
I've used Shimano and SRAM chains on my wife's bike but intend on switching to KMC . No problems with either brand but I'll give KMC a good test.
Also the KMC side plates look a bit stronger than the Campy chains .
Review by OR_biker
This was the chain that originally came with my bike. Always performed well so when it came time to change I got another one. Have gone through about 5 of them now and have never had issues whether summer or winter, sunshine or snow, so don't see the need to spend extra on a more expensive brand.