After putting about 2500 miles on it, here are my impressions (after the jump):<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"KMC](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/kmc1-300x300.jpg\" "\\"KMC")
KMC X10SL Vs.\u00a0Shimano<\/h3>\n
Even though a large number of Shimano chains are actually produced by KMC, these are two different chains, two different technologies. \u00a0Shimano's 7900 series chain is heavily sculpted and asymmetrical: the sculpting on the side plates is designed to work with the ramps and pins on the chainrings and cassette to help move the chain around more quickly and smoothly. \u00a0The KMC, in contrast, is a symmetrical chain with no sculpting. \u00a0Both the inner and outer plates are hollow, and the outer plates are shaped with X-Bridge technology which supposedly helps increase shift speed and precision. \u00a0Pins are riveted with “Lat Step” processing, supposedly using 350Kg of force to seal the plates together (and making what is claimed the strongest chain connection on the market.) \u00a0These hollow inner and outer plates, along with hollow pins allow for 239 gram weight for a 116 link chain, and the whole chain (supposedly) has a longer life due to precise manufacturing tolerances and X-SP friction reducing coating.<\/p>\n
What makes, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00629T4X2″ locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”taicoaandthed-20″]KMC X10SL DLC[\/easyazon_link] special is the process in which the chain is treated with KMC's Diamond Like Coating. \u00a0This super hard, highly wear resistant coating is designed to reduce wear to the plates and rollers, extending chain life (and looking pretty boss with black “stealth” or red powdercoating on the pins and inner plates.) \u00a0An included KMC Missing Link tool-less chain link connector (in matched colors, which is quite nice) ties the whole thing together, literally. \u00a0But with all that technology in something as simple as a chain, how does it stack up against the other top end offerings?<\/p>\n
![\"KMC](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/kmc2-300x300.jpg\" "\\"KMC")
<\/a>KMC X10SL Installation<\/h3>\nFor a chain that retails for $130, it certainly looks the part. \u00a0It comes in a nicely appointed box (seen above the jump) along with the color matched Missing Link tool-less connector. \u00a0Installation was straightforward as with any chain: size the chain out using the “big\/big+2” method and then cut it with a chain tool where appropriate. \u00a0Take special note that you'll need two inner plate ends in order to use the Missing Link (not a problem for me as all my chains use them and I'm used to remembering that fact.) \u00a0The pin I removed to cut the chain to size did seem to require more effort to push out than the comparable Shimano chain it replaced. \u00a0Unfortunately, without rigging up some sort of torque wrench to the chain tool, there's not much way to quantify this. \u00a0With the chain threaded through the derailleurs and around the small cog and chainring, it was time to install the Missing Link.<\/p>\n
Tool-less my ass.<\/p>\n
Using all my might, I couldn't manage to snap the missing link closed. \u00a0I finally resorted to getting the Missing Link “started”, that is to get it to the point where all it needed to seat is force, rotating it to the top run of chain, putting the bike on the floor with the rear brake applied and standing on the pedal. \u00a0This used the force of the chainring and crank arm to lock the Missing Link down. \u00a0God forbid I ever have to get it open on the road, I'm probably SOL. \u00a0In the past, Missing Links have been tough initially to open and close, but this fades after a couple uses. \u00a0This one was particularly difficult to snap closed, but it's really the only time I've had this problem, even with other DLC chains. \u00a0I suspect the coating on this particular chain\u00a0made it just that much tougher.<\/p>\n
![\"X10SL](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/kmc3-300x300.jpg\" "\\"X10SL")
<\/a>KMC X10SL Impressions<\/h3>\nFirst of all, the black\/red color combo matches my 585 and looks boss with the SRAM Red components. \u00a0Rear shifting in the stand was about the same as the Dura Ace chain it replaced, even if it was a little bit noisier. \u00a0Front shifting was the same as well.<\/p>\n
Out on the road, I found that rear shifting was basically the same as the Dura Ace 7900 model. \u00a0Front shifting seemed to be slightly improved from the Dura Ace model. \u00a0My suspicion is that the difference has to do with the symmetrical vs asymmetrical design: I'm guessing that since the asymmetrical Dura Ace chain is optimized to work with Shimano chainrings, the different ramps and pins on my Red rings don't afford the same perfect shift. \u00a0With the KMC X10SL, front shifts seem to be more precise, and I've not encountered any hesitation on downshifting like the Dura Ace chain had.<\/p>\n
<\/a>KMC X10SL Impressions<\/h3>\nFirst of all, the black\/red color combo matches my 585 and looks boss with the SRAM Red components. \u00a0Rear shifting in the stand was about the same as the Dura Ace chain it replaced, even if it was a little bit noisier. \u00a0Front shifting was the same as well.<\/p>\n
Out on the road, I found that rear shifting was basically the same as the Dura Ace 7900 model. \u00a0Front shifting seemed to be slightly improved from the Dura Ace model. \u00a0My suspicion is that the difference has to do with the symmetrical vs asymmetrical design: I'm guessing that since the asymmetrical Dura Ace chain is optimized to work with Shimano chainrings, the different ramps and pins on my Red rings don't afford the same perfect shift. \u00a0With the KMC X10SL, front shifts seem to be more precise, and I've not encountered any hesitation on downshifting like the Dura Ace chain had.<\/p>\n