Review of KMC DX10S Shimano Chain w/ Missing Link DX10s-116L 10 Speed Each Gray / Gray

KMC DX10S Shimano Chain w/ Missing Link DX10s-116L 10 Speed Each Gray / Gray
By: KMC
More Information

A long lasting chain,

On: 2007-10-28

even if it is a bit pricey for a chain not branded as Campagnolo or Shimano. That aside, it is the chain that was on my Felt when I purchased it over 2 years ago. In over 2 years of fitness riding I have not measured ANY wear (sometimes called stretch) using the 12" rule method. It still shifts fine, and is exceptionally quiet. Of course one must properly maintain a chain if it is to last long, so I use Dumonde Tech lubricant which also cleans it. Now, chain maintenance consists of applying the lube then wiping the chain down with paper towels to remove visible grime; gone are the days of removing it and soaking/scrubbing with solvent. While it has been my experience this chain has outlasted any of the other brand chains on my previous bikes (Im 58 and have gone through several bikes), others have commented on this as well. A poster to Road Bike Review (bicycling forum) recently complained that his Dura Ace chains were wearing out and did others have the same problem? Several replied that they did and they recommended the KMC for its long wear, and some also commented on how quiet this chain was. That has been my experience also. The missing link feature allows you to take the chain apart by hand without tools, but it is much easier if you use the tool designed for this purpose. I have one made by Park that operates similar to a small pair of pliers. I did have to remove several links to shorten it for my drivetrain, so the standard chain tool was still required. The only reason I changed the chain is because I thought after all this time the old one must be wearing and I did not want to wear out the chain rings and cogs on my bike. But I could not measure any wear, so I kept the old chain and will reuse it in the future. My only complaint is the price and weight. For the cost, I think KMC should drill the side plates to lighten the chain. Also, this chain was hard to find at my local bike shops, when I finally did find one it was marked $59.99!!! If you ride discount store bikes, use any cheap chain you want. If you ride higher quality, costlier 20 or 30 speed bikes, get this KMC chain.