THE CHAIN GUIDE - All you need to know about chains -
intenance a m ll u f e s u g in d lu Inc
tips!
About KMC
The company For many years KMC has enhanced the technology behind bicycle chains through research, development, continuous innovation and the valuable feedback from the world’s top professional racers. KMC’s pursuit of perfection has led to repeatedly being honoured with the industry’s top Design Awards. In addition to the devotion to enhancing professional performance, KMC is also a member of Green Transportation Industrial, and is in the process of measuring the carbon footprint of all the company’s products. KMC highly values the environment and this will help create further efficiencies in the manufacturing methods. Approaching its 35th anniversary, KMC will continue to innovate in its quest for the pursuit of perfection. Expect more and more of the world’s top racers to use KMC chain in achieving their ambitions.
The people Since 1977, when Charles Wu made his first chains, KMC has long outgrown it’s first production facility, and now is currently making 110 million chains in 9 factories. Today, 35 years later, KMC works through an international network of companies ensuring first class world wide distribution and service. KMC also produces chains for other famous brand names, and an ongoing R&D effort goes into creating better, stronger and lighter chains.
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IF Gold Award 2010
It is our mission to manufacture the best chains, that fit any drive train, that serve all markets and any customer; from the most demanding Pro-Tour rider to the everyday cyclist. KMC have adopted a very important rule: if the product is not good enough for us, then it is certainly not good enough for you! Besides professional riders pushing our products to the limit, you can be very sure they are first tested to the absolute limit by us!
The right choice! KMC only make chains. All our R&D efforts focus on chains - this is how we always manage to create the most best possible products for your drive train. A huge part of our revenue is invested in creating innovations, environmentally friendlier production and increasing efficiency so that KMC can make the best chain you can get! Service, top quality and reliability are always our top priority, consequently famous bicycle brands all over the world are now using KMC chains as original equipment on their bikes.
Robert Wu, president KMC Chain Industrial Co. LTD
The Chain Specialists
The products
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Champion is our DNA
RIGIDITY Drivetrain Efficiency
(STIFFNESS)
Transition State
Quick Response
Brand A Brand B
Steady State
Brand C
Higher Efficiency
Inside view Outside view Double X bridge: X10 series chains shift super fast because of the Double X-bridge, which enables earlier shifting. The chamfered outerplates ensure a super smooth and silent shifting action, and reduce chance of breakage.
Response Time
Rigidity is very important for the chain’s efficiency and responsiveness. The more rigid your chain is, the more power is transferred to your wheel, which determines performance. The graph shows that compared to three other major brands - KMC X10 series are the most rigid and efficient.
Champion is our DNA 4
Tough chains for tough riders KMC sponsor a number of top teams in all disciplines, MTB Elite, UCI World Tour road racing, Cyclo Cross, BMX and Triathlon, who are all very happy to use our performance enhancing chains. Not only do they get our best performing chains, but we get invaluable feed-back to help the continuing improvement process of our chains - which benefits everyone from professional champions to riders like you.
On the road the quality of KMC chains has been proven time and time again by top riders like Lieuwe Westra (team VCD) during Paris-Nice 2012, Thomas de Gendt (team VCD) winning on Mt. Stelvio in the Giro 2012, and during 2011 Tour de France, when Team Vacansoleil-DCM riders like Johnny Hoogerland and Pim Ligthart performed exceptionally well. Team Geox managed to win the 2011 version of the Vuelta a Espana, where Juanjo Cobo was riding KMC X10 Patriot (Spanish flag). In MTB and BMX, KMC chain is chosen by 2012 Olympic gold medallist MTB X- country Julie Breset (team BH Suntour), 2012 Olympic Silver medallist MTB X-Country Sabine Spitz (team Sabine Spitz) and 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist BMX Maris Strombergs. Together they all agree that KMC has the DNA to become champion.
Top Sport Sponsoring
Sabine Spitz specifically chose KMC because she thinks KMC chains are the best and gave her the confidence to win the 2008 Bejing Olympic gold medal for MTB.
For the next years some exciting developments are taking place KMC has upgraded sponsorship of the World Tour Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team who choose to ride the X10SL chain. KMC is now clearly visible on the team clothing. 2012 Olympic gold medallist Julie Bresset (team BH-Suntour Peisey Vallandry), European- and World Champion U23 MTB cross country riders, is now KMC X10SL equipped, and also 2008 Olympic gold medallist Sabine Spitz (Sabine Spitz Haibike Pro team).
Ride longer, be stronger!
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X-SL The Super Light Chain X-Bridge The X-Bridge outer plate has been configured with precisely articulated angles for quicker, smoother gear shifting and quieter riding.
KMC Titanium Nitride coating Less friction, less maintenance and high reliability.
High-End steel alloy material Pins and plates, made from a special steel alloy composition, reduces chain stretching and thus prolongs chain life.
X10SL NP Silver
Lean construction Weight & Chainsuck reduction.
X10SL Ti-N Gold
ists, Steven and Racine, both passionate cycl ss suce ’s KMC d behin technical engineers 6
NON-Directional desgin (X10 series) Plates have been specially shaped to ensure 100% compatibility with all major brands, including directional systems.
Double X Durability KMC’s eXtreme Stretch Proof treatment of pins and plates makes this chain less susceptible to wear caused by sand or dirt entering the chain bearings. This chain lasts!
The Super Light Chain The X-Superlight series has set a new standard in derailleur chains, used by MTB Elite, Professional road riders. Most importantly, more and more demanding amateurs and recreational riders have all discovered KMC X10SL, and its benefits of weight reduction, shifting performance and durability. KMC has a growing reputation for innovation,recent advances include: the X-Superlight, Double X Durability, Titanium Nitride Coating, Non- Directional design and the MissingLink connector. KMC never stops its research and is always looking for further innovations.
X- Super Light
Super Light chains are available for all major 9, 10 and 11-speed systems, either for road or off road use. For X10SL models the special non- directional double X-bridge design allows it to run perfectly on all systems. Besides the extremely low weight, the most important property of KMC X-SuperLight chains is the unsurpassed durability. In fact, KMC is so confident of their quality, that your satisfaction is guaranteed! In its pursuit of perfection, KMC is continuously investing and looking for new technologies - it’s this ambition which has made the X-SL series the best chain money can buy. Features like double X-bridge, Flat Step Riveting (which connects pin and outer plate with a huge 350kGF power - for your safety) all making this product one of the most hi-tech parts on your bike! If you demand more from your bike, X-SL chains are the perfect choice!
X-SL: The ligh
Including: MissingLink
test true rac
ing ch
ain! : 239 gr./114 lin ks (X11SL) 253 gr./114 links 267 gr./114 lin (X10SL) Application ks : for all 9-, 10 (X9SL) - + 11-speed sy stems road + off ro X-Bridge oute ad r pl XX-SP heat tr ate : super fast + smoo ea Ti-N Gold vers tment : unsurpassed dura th shifting bi io Flat Step Rive ns : less friction, low lity tting : the m strongest conn aintenance ection Super Light
SPECS X-SL
X- Super Light
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X11 The New Light Weight Champion The X11 series is now guaranteed! Great shifting performance, ultra smooth running and now a guarantee of satisfaction on its unmatched durability.
X11L Gold
X11L Silver
X11SL Silver
X11SL Gold
assembly Mister D.S. Wu, responsible for our lines, has been with KMC since 1977. 8
The New Light Weight Champion KMC has long been ready for 11-speed and offers a superb alternative for use on Campagnolo’s and Shimano’s 11-speed drive train. At KMC we are always on top of new developments, not by copying others, but offering an upgraded product. It is either lighter, easier to use or more durable than the original. With KMC X11 series we have even surprised ourselves. By creating X11SL we now have a chain which offers very high durability, super lightweight, and the most user friendly connecting link available for 11-speed.
X11 Series
X-SuperLight KMC’s X11 SL merely weighs 235 grams/112 Links, certainly the light weight world champion. Double X Durability Our on-going battle to prolong the chain’s life makes KMC X-chains your best choice for durability. Ti-N Gold coating KMC’s special Titanium Nitride coating not only looks fantastic, it has an ultra-smooth surface and is extremely hard.
MissingLink-11 Every X11 chain comes with one set of MissingLink- 11, just shorten the chain to its required length and connect it with our closing tool. For maintenance the MissingLink-11 is easily removed by using our opening tool. For better performance, always use a new MissingLink-11 for reconnecting your X11 chain.
Including: MissingLink
Xll-SL The ne
w light weigh
t cham
pion! : 235 gr./112 lin ks : 247 gr./112 lin (X11SL) ks : for all 11-spee (X11L) d systems road + off ro X-Bridge oute ad r pl XX-SP heat tr ate : super fast + smoo eatment : unsu th shifting Ti-N Gold vers rp ions : less assed durability Flat Step Rive tting : the friction, low maintenance strongest conn ection Super Light Light Application
SPECS X-ll
Light Weight Champion
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X10 - The Race Proven Chain
X10SL Silver
X10EL Gold
X10SL Ti-Black
No LAB-test but FIELD-test! Type rider : Pro - Road Test date : February 2011 Conditions : dry weather conditions Tested chain : KMC X10L Silver Brand S
X10-93
0 km 250 km 500 km 750 km 1000 km 1250 km 1500 km 1750 km 2000 km
Brand S KMC 0 0 0,03 0,00 0,09 0,00 0,16 0,01 0,25 0,06 0,34 0,13 0,37 0,17 0,40 0,18 0,44 0,21
Measured data
C H A IN W EA R C O MPA RISO N KM C X 1 0 L S i l ver v. s . B r a n d S
-
suggested chain replacement
0,80 0,45 0,40
Brand S
Stretch in mm. >>
0,35 0,35 0,30
ingLink
Including: Miss
0,25 0,20 0,15
KMC X10L Silver
0,10 0,05 0,00 0
250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000
Distance in km. >>
Born from the results of a field test, conducted by one of our test riders. Each chain which KMC tests is made up of 1/2 KMC chain and 1/2 another leading brand chain. Both chain halves are driven in identical conditions, and the results of the test are meaningful. 0, 17 All KMC tests are conducted in this way.
10
C HAIN W EAR 0,4 0
X10 - The Race Proven Chain KMC sponsor various professional teams for Road racing, Cyclo Cross and MTB. They all use different 10-Speed derailleur systems, EXCEPT for the chain - the KMC X10SL.
X10 Series
Johnny Hoogerland (team Vacansoleil-DCM) completed the Tour de France 2011 on SRAM Red with KMC X10SL, Juan Cobo (team Geox) won the Vuelta a Espana 2011 with Shimano Dura-Ace on KMC X10SL, Sabine Spitz uses SRAM XX and fully relies on X10SL, while Julie Breset and Maxime Marott ride Shimano XTR Dyna-sys also with X10SL. Without question, KMC’s X10-series is 100% compatible with all 10-speed derailleur systems, and gives exceptional performance even to the most demanding riders. By creating and applying cutting edge technology, KMC is able to keep the quality of its chains ahead of the competition.
X-SuperLight KMC’s X10 SL weighs 253 grams/114 Links, being the very lightest of all 10-speed chains. Double X Durability Our longest lasting chain ever, making KMC X-chains your best choice for durability. Non-Directional Design Assembly of KMC X10-series chain is independent of direction, so it fits all systems perfectly - Directional, Road or MTB.
Ti-N Gold Coating
KMC’s special Titanium Nitride coating not only looks fantastic, it has an ultra-smooth surface and is extremely hard.
X10: The Race
Pro
ven Chain! Super Light : 253 gr./114 lin Extra Light ks : 262 gr./114 lin (X10SL) Light ks (X10EL) : 270gr./114 links Application (X10L) : for al X-Bridge oute r plate : su l 10-speed systems per fast + sm XX-SP heat tr oo ea Ti-N Gold vers tment : unsurpassed dura th shifting bility ions : less Flat Step Rive fr ting : the iction, low maintenance strongest conn ection PS: Smart & Simple No n-Directional Design!
SPECS X10
The Race Proven Chain
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X9 Reliability in Action X9SL Gold
X9L Silver X9-93 X9SL Silver
X9SL Gold
specialist Mister R.S. Chen, our heat treatment checking the steel structure. 12
ingLink
Including: Miss
Olympic Gold-Medallist Sabine Spitz chose X9SL Gold, because after comparing many chain brands, she found that KMC X9 SL performed the best of all products available, giving her the confidence to ride the race of her life in Beijing. KMC Chains have the right DNA to win and the right qualities to Ride Longer, be Stronger.
KMC’s 9-speed range offers you features like: (X9SL and X9L) Our longest lasting chain ever making KMC X-chains your best choice for durability. Satisfaction guaranteed!
X9 Series
Double X Durability
X-SuperLight KMC’s X9 SL only weighs 265 grams/116 Links, the lightest 9-speed chain available. Ti-N Gold Coating (X9SL and X9L) KMC’s special Titanium Nitride coating not only looks fantastic, it has an ultrasmooth surface and is extremely hard.
KMC X-Bridge (All X9 models) Specially designed to enable fast, smooth and precise shifts. MissingLink Connector (All X9 models) the most reliable and user friendly way of connecting your chain. If you are the most demanding rider, for whom only the best is good enough, or the occasional weekend warrior, KMC X9-series will not let you down, offering extremely high durability, unmatched shifting performance, smooth function and, of course, the MissingLink-9 connector for easy maintenance. X9SL – Race proven, to satisfy even the most accomplished rider and offers numerous features. X9L gives Super Light : 272 gr./116 lin you great value for money, as well as Chain suck reducing inner plates, Titanium Nitride coating and Double Light ks : 292 gr./116 lin (X9SL) Application X-Durability. ks (X9L) : for all 9-sp X-Bridge oute X9-93 and X9-73 offer all the major functions you can expect from an X-series Hi- performance chain. eed syst r pl XX-SP heat tr ate : super fast + smoo ems Reliability in action which will not let you down. eatment th shif
X9: Reliability
in Action!
ting : unsurp ions : less assed durability friction, low maintenance
Ti-N Gold vers
SPECS X9
Reliability in Action
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6- 7- & 8-speed X8: The most durable 8-speed chain! World-class professional racers have proven that KMC Chain provides outstanding products which help them achieve their victories! For 6-, 7- and 8-speed champions who are perfectly happy with their derailleur system, may want to use a different high performance quality chain. KMC have the perfect chain for every type of rider: X8. This series, compatible with all major shifting systems, and suitable for 6-, 7- and 8-speed cassettes, combines perfect shifting performance, high durability, easy assembly and affordability. If you’re looking for unbeatable value, check out our Z-Series; Z8 and Z7.
x8.99
Z8 S
Z7
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singLink
Including: re-usable Mis
Ride Trough the COLORS of life
X10 Vivid red
Color Chain
A bicycle is not only a means of transportation, it has increasingly become a lifestyle product. KMC provides a variety of coloured chains, so that everyone can realise their own personal style. For style conscious mountain bike and road racers the Vivid - Series combines all the advantages of our X-chains but with coloured elements. You will find an almost unlimited selection of colours and colour combinations in our Single Speed and BMX range. Rainbow, Trendy, or Shiny Colours give each bike that exclusive touch.
Z510HX orange/black
HL710 red
K710SL white
S1 Shiny green 15
e-Bike single speed e-Bike, where would we be without it? Nowadays the demand for Electric Powered Bikes is really growing, it allows many people to keep on enjoying the benefits of cycling. Of course, e-Bikes come in many shapes and sizes, and with a variety of drive trains. At KMC we watch all the developments in e-Bikes, particularly those which may have a direct impact on the drive train. Roughly e-Bikes can be divided into two categories: 1. Pedal assist powered by front or rear hub engine (no extra impact on the chain) 2. Pedal assist powered by a centrally placed drive unit (Chain Driven) e.g. Bosch or Panasonic Specifically for the chain driven bikes, KMC has developed a re-inforced chain to cope with the significantly higher torques these bikes create.. And for the Internal gear system bikes, the most important features for the chain are a high tensile strength and durability. KMC offers the following options for your e-Bike with internal gear hub:
Z1X RB
Z1HX Narrow
• ½” x 1/8” • Long life • RB coate d (Anti-r
ust)
• ½” x 3/32 ” • Heavy duty • Tensile st design ren • Nickel pla gth 30% over standard ted
X1 NP
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• ½” x 3/32 ” • Extremely durable, this chain really lasts! • Tensile st rength 20% ov er standard • Light weigh • Nickel pla t ted
The special e-Bike derailleur chain Chain driven sports e-Bikes, the latest trend Chain driven high performance e-Bikes with derailleur systems really push the chain’s performance to the limit. Extreme conditions, like shifting under high loads and steep uphill climbs with high torque, has led to the development of a special reinforced e-Bike version of the famous KMC X-series chains for 9 and 10 speed cassettes. Field tested and proven reliability make it the right choice for middle engine chain driven systems.
X9E
• Compatib le with any 9speed derailleur system • Pin power increased by 30 • 30% highe r torsion resist % • Available in Shiny silver ance and RB coated (A nti-rust)
For 10-speed cassette systems:
X10e
e-Bike chain
For 9-speed cassette systems:
• Compatib le with any 10speed derailleur system • Pin power inc • 30% highe reased by 30% r to • Special sh rsion resistance aped – under load – plates for smoother shifting • Available in Shiny silver and RB coated (A nti-rust)
The Special e-Bike chain
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Internal Gear Chain
Our Single Speed line offers features like:
Stainless steel materials Our Z1 Inox chain utilises stainless steel parts with Long-Life technology and AntiDrop Chamfered innerplates;
Anti-drop inner plates Because of the special shape of the inner plate, the chain will not drop, even after it has stretched;
Long life treatment We are the only chain maker offering this feature for Single speed chains. The Long Life treatment will considerably enhance chain life;
Heavy-duty (HX) Reinforced chains, which offer 30% greater strength, for the toughest environments and strongest riders;
Inner plate chamfering For silent and smooth running; Anti-rust treatment KMC’s Rust Buster anti-corrosion protection makes your chain virtually rust- proof!
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X1 The special internal gear chain Most chain manufacturers pay little or no attention to the development of special chain for a single speeder or an internal Geared bike. At KMC we think differently - a chain for your Rohloff 14 speed gear has completely different requirements compared to a chain fitted on a child’s bike. Accordingly we have developed specific chains for specific bikes - from the simplest bikes with coaster brakes up to the hippest hi-end city commuter bike equipped with a top notch internal gear system.
KMC also offer great products for any single speed application - our Z- single speed chains are always comfortable, safe, reliable and affordable. And now the technically more advanced chains, as well as the basic models, are available in various colours - to match the style and look of your hi-end single speeder.
Single Speed
For every category of bike we offer a special application; extremely strong for Freestyle BMX, extremely durable for commuting, or other daily use, or simply a trendy colour chain, to fit your life style. Similarly KMC takes the single speed (which includes the Internal Geared bike) range very seriously. Take our X1, it’s the first chain specifically developed for hi-end internally geared bikes, where durability and stability have been keywords all along the design process. And all KMC technologies and experience have been utilised to create this chain.
X1 silver
X1 The Kilometre Killer
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The Rust Buster Chain
B1RB
Z1XRB
Z9XRB
X9eRB
X10eRB
Rust-Buster
Nickel Plated
Regular
All our RB coated models can withstand up to 500 hours salt spray test without rusting, thus meeting the highest standards in rust protection.
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First class rust protection KMC is a pioneer in anti-corrosion coated chains and a true market leader. The maximum rust protection is produced with non- toxic environmentally friendly materials, all complying to European standards.
Rust - Reduces chain life - Reduces the drive train’s efficiency - Has a negative influence on the chain’s (shifting) performance - Increases the chance of chain breakage
Conclusion: rust = no riding fun
The advantage
s
Less maintenan : ce • High re liability • Conserva tion function • Longer life •
Comfort
Anti-Rust
KMC Rust Buster chains add comfort to your life, the RB chain requires less maintenance (although it will need some lubrication now and then). So you can simply ride without worrying about rain or the road salt ruining your chain. The true benefits of our Rust Buster chains are: more comfort, less maintenance, increased reliability and durability. There are several models with anti-rust coating; from single speed to 10-speed derailleur.
The Rust Buster Chain
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The Kool Jumping Chain
IF Gold Award 2010
Kool Knight KK710
K910/K810/K710 Z510HX X1 Silver
Z510HX 22
K710/K810 The Kool Jumping Chain K710 and K810 are the K-Series top selling BMX chains because of their durability and performance. Whether you are hitting those rails or grinding those curbs. Because of its broader and thicker plate design K710 and K810 will protect your sprocket better than any other chain. And with a tensile strength of over 1300 kgf these chains are literally bomb proof. The K710 size is 1/2”x 1/8” making it compatible with almost every BMX sprocket and freewheel. The K810 size is 1/2"x3/32", compatible with narrow chain rings and sprockets.
K910
The K910 is a bigger version of the K710 Kool chain with a tensile strength of a whopping 1500 kgf. The K910 is perfect for strong riders who push their chains to the max. This chain will not let you down.
Z510HX & Z610HX The best of both worlds, this chain is lightweight and durable. The HX chains feature thicker outer plates which boost the tensile strength of 1200 kgf. They can be used on almost every sprocket or freewheel because of their 1/8” and 3/32” size options. They are also very popular in the mid-high end range internal gear hub equipped bicycles because of their durability and reliability.
BMX Series
K710SL The K710SL offers the same features as the K710 but with a 20% weight saving. The hollow inner/outer plates and pins gives those weight conscious riders an equally durable chain but with significant weight reduction. For both BMX freestyle and racing this chain has all the features you could ever want.
KK710 The KK710 (KOOL Knight) is the most durable half link single speed chain ever. It is perfect for extreme BMX freestyle and park riding. It is also perfect for the emerging fixed gear freestyle market because the chain features a double L bridge to protect the sprocket while performing grinds. It features a split top plate design for better absorption of energy when taking hits, and also hollow pins to keep the weight down. An XX-SP Stretch Proof Treatment increases durability. The KK710 is a perfect example of what over 30 years of innovation and experience in the chain market can create.
The Kool Jumping Chain
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Chain related accesoires
by
Our pliers for opening- and closing the MissingLink, work without damaging the chains.
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The original Chain Lube, which we use to lubricate our X-Series chains, is the best lube for long and efficient chain life. It is available in a 120ml bottle or as a 3mm mini bottle for ‘emergency use during your ride.
Besides offering high quality chains, KMC now also offers chain related accesoires under the name eXtra.. Extra by KMC
Our digital ChainChecker is the most accurate tool for checking your chain’s elongation.
KMC's Chain De-Rivetter is the perfect tool for cutting your new chain to its required length. For single speed to 11-Speed chains.
By using regularly, ChainChecker quickly gives you information about your chain’s condition.
Our new sprocket checker is a handy tool to check the wear of your (cassette) sprocket.
eXtra. Chain Related Accesoires
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Maintenance A new Chain Usually the chain feels a little sticky on it’s outside, you can remove it with a cloth containing some (non-aggressive) cleaner. It prevents the chain attracting dirt.
When to maintain your chain? Use a piece of dry cloth.
Maintenance depends very much on the conditions you ride in, obviously wet, off-road, dusty or muddy conditions require a more intensive schedule than dry and smooth roads.
Signs to look for: - increased noise level (dry rattling chain) - reduction of shifting function; - chain-Suck (chain sticking to the small/middle front chain ring); - squeaking noises from the drive-train. Clean inner bearing ends.
For road use, inspect your chain at least once every month or every 250 kilometres (150 miles). For off road use, inspect your chain at least once every 100 kilometres (60 miles).
Cleaning
Lubricate the chain ends.
Lubricate the rollers.
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- Clean your chain after every ride, especially after riding in the wet. - Always use a piece of dry cloth to clean the chain. - Do not forget the sprockets, front changer and derailleur pulleys. - To remove mud or sand, use the bristle brush (which comes with every 120ml packing of KMC’s chain lube Pro), use light soapy warm water, if necessary. - Do not use acidic or alkali based detergents (such as rust cleaners), these can damage the chain and may cause breakage. - Do not dip your chain in (aggressive) degreasers - they remove the remaining grease from the chain’s bearings, and may cause cracks. They are also bad for our environment. - If the chain is really dirty and difficult to clean, besides using a brush for the inside, try putting some solvent on a cloth and use it to clean the chain’s exterior. - Try to avoid a so-called ‘chain washing machine’ in combination with solvent. This will instantly ruin your chain. - Some lubricant brands advise you to completely degrease the chain, KMC does not recommend this
“A chain is a chain, Inspection Regularly inspect your chain for: - wear - damage - surface condition (rust etc.)
- lubricate the chain whenever necessary and after you clean it. - before lubricating, make sure the chain is dry. - use a lubricant which initially penetrates the chain’s bearing. In this way you can reach the chain parts which are most sensitive to wear. - make sure you are using the appropriate lubricant - if using an aerosol you should test it by spraying some on your hand - first it feels like water (penetration), after some time it should become sticky or dry (durable lubrication), KMC recommends it’s Chain Lube Original. - in order to avoid a build-up of excess grease, apply it to the critical places only, like the rollers. This helps to reduce chain wear and noise. - apply just a little grease on the rest of the chain to prevent rust. - remove excess grease from the outside of the chain by using a cloth, this prevents a buildup of dirt and dust. - prepare for wet and muddy, or dry and dusty conditions, by applying some wax after lubricating the chain. - in the case of derailleur bikes, use the same principle as above for maintaining and lubricating the derailleur pulleys, chainrings and cassette sprockets.
We hope that after reading this brochure, you have become aware of many different applications, treatments and qualities involved in a seemingly simple product, a chain. This ‘simple’ chain - consisting of roughly 650 single parts - is probably one of the most important, hi- tech and crucial parts of your bike. When it functions well, you are not aware of its existence, but when there is something wrong, you will either be annoyed with the loss of performance, the noise, or even worse, a breakage. On this pages we would like to give you some tips for maintenance and usage, which we follow ourselves. This will help you prolong the chain’s life and improve its performance.
Maintenace
Lubrication
they’re not so different”
Before re-connecting your chain, clean the chain ends inner bearings to make sure no dirt remains, then apply some grease inside and on the connector’s pins. Finally test the chain by running and shifting the gears, to make sure the system functions perfectly.
Ton Keller, mechanic VacanSoleilDCM team
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Maintenance In general, one of our Long Life or Hi-performance (X and X-SL) chains will give you the best durability and performance. We are often asked: “How many kilometres can I expect out of a chain?”. Well, according to our road test results, there is a wide range of chain life varying from 1000 km (heavy duty MTB) to 17000 km (Road Racing). Obviously chain wear depends on the individual circumstances: - usage (performance, shifting frequency, chain line) - conditions (terrain, wet, dry, mud, water, salt) - rider’s strength - degree of maintenance KMC’s X-Series chains have been extensively tested, and compared to other brands, we can confidently say that you will not be disappointed; we even have a unique satisfaction warranty on many products! For more information, check our website: www.kmcchain.eu.
Prevent unnecessary chain wear To obtain the maximum mileage from your drive-train irrespective of the type of chain, simply: - follow our maintenance tips. - when shifting, try to keep the chain in as straight a line as possible between chain wheel and cassette (i.e. do not use the extreme positions like the smallest chainring and the smallest sprocket, or the largest chainring and the largest sprocket). - when shifting, try to anticipate a situation (i.e. when going uphill, shift up early in order to prevent excess force on the chain when having to change gear). - before stopping, shift to smaller chainring, to avoid having to shift from stand-still.
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To check the chain’s elongation A worn chain has a negative effect on your drive train, not only a loss of shifting function, but when extremely worn, you even risk breakage. Replacing your chain regularly ensures optimum performance, reduces wear on your chainset and sprockets and avoids any nasty shocks.
KMC has developed two chain checkers, the Regular Chain Checker, which can give you a good indication of the chain’s condition, and a special digital chain wear indicator, the ‘Digital Chain Checker’, which allows you to exactly measure the chain’s elongation. Changing the chain on time (not too early and not too late) prevents excess wear on other drive-train parts, so you can prevent unnecessary high repair costs.
Maintenace
If you do not have a gauge to test the chain’s elongation you could roughly check by: - put the chain on the outer chainring and lift up the chain from the middle of the ring - if you can lift it more than half a link, the chain or chainring, or both, are probably worn.
In general KMC recommends checks at the following intervals: - road use and riding in the dry: every 500 kilometres (300 miles). - off road use or more demanding environments: every 150 kilometres (100 miles). Note: The chain life varies; it depends on the product you use, the circumstances you ride under and the maintenance you adopt.
Regular chain checker.
Digital chain checker.
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Chain application chart
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Multiple speed (derailleur use)
11-Speed Cassette Any system ½”x11/128”
10-speed Cassette Any system ½”x11/128”
9-speed Cassette Any system ½”x11/128”
7 & 8-speed Cassette Any system ½”x3/32”
X11SL Ti-N Gold X11SL Silver X11L Ti-N Gold X11L Silver
X10SL Ti-N Gold X9SL Ti-N Gold X8-99 Silver X10SL Silver X9SL Silver X8-93 Silver/Gray X10EL Ti-N Gold X9L Ti-N Gold Z8XRB Anti-Rust X10EL Silver X9L Silver Z8RB Anti-Rust X10e RB Anti-Rust X9e RB Anti-Rust Z8S Silver/Brown X10e Shiny Silver X10e Shiny Silver Z8 Brown X10L Ti-N Gold X9-93 Silver/Gray X10L Silver X9-73 Gray X10-93 Silver/Gray Z9XRB Anti-Rust X10-73 Gray
Single speed and Internal gear hub use
Z7 Gray/Brown
Internal Gear & Single speed BMX RACE BMX RACE ½”x1/8” ½”x3/32” (Narrow) ½”x 1/8” ½”x3/32” (Narrow) Z1 INOX Z1 INOX Z510HX Silver X1 Silver Z510HX Heavy Duty Z1XRB Narrow Anti-Rust Z510HX Color Z610HX Heavy Duty Z1XRB Anti-Rust Z1 Narrow Brown Z1 Brown Z1HX Narrow Heavy Duty S1 Brown/Color BMX BMX BMX Track Freestyle Freestyle Freestyle ½”x1/8” ½”x3/16” ½”x1/8” ½”x3/32” K910 Silver KK710 K810 Silver D101 Silver or Gold K710SL Ti-N Gold Z610HX Silver Z510HX Silver K710SL Silver K710 Silver Z510HX Silver Z510H Brown E-Bike E-Bike E-Bike E–Bike Bosch/Panasonic) Bosch/Panasonic) (Bosch/Panasonic) (Bosch/Panasonic) ½”x1/8” Gear Hub ½”x3/32” Gear Hub 9-speed cassette 10-speed cassette Z1INOX X1 X9e Shiny Silver X10e Shiny Silver Z510HX Silver Z1HX Narrow Silver X9e RB Anti-Rust X10e RB Anti-Rust Z510H Brown
Chain application chart
5 & 6-speed Cassette Any system ½”x3/32”
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