Which 11sp Chain

[Cowsham]

I'm about to replace the 11sp chain on my 2017 cube acid ( xt groupset ) so I looked up the spec on the bike to find the chain is Shimano CN-HG601-11 but when I looked at the choices available I find there's an R5800 or an R7000.

Anyone know what the numbers mean?

[mumbojumbo]

These numbers mean very little.Would avoid Shimano chains-buy Sachs or kmc who focus on chains.

[RickH]

These numbers mean very little.Would avoid Shimano chains-buy Sachs or kmc who focus on chains.

Sachs? I presume you means Sram, as they bought the Sedis chain business from Sachs, who had themselves bought the company in the 1980s.

[Ross K]

KMC

[TrevA]

I'm about to replace the 11sp chain on my 2017 cube acid ( xt groupset ) so I looked up the spec on the bike to find the chain is Shimano CN-HG601-11 but when I looked at the choices available I find there's an R5800 or an R7000.

Anyone know what the numbers mean?

Are you sure it isn’t R6800? These are the groupset versions of the 105 groupset. My 2015 Specialized has a 105 6800 groupset, but the latest version of the groupset is the R7000. Either chain would be OK with an 11 speed set up, though I would personally buy SRAM or KMC.

[gxaustin]

Are you sure it isn’t R6800?

Yes, because R6800 is Ultegra.

[Cowsham]

Thanks for the replies
It's a mountain bike -- I think it maybe confusing because I've seen on the spec of the 2017 cube acid it has a mix of XT and SLX parts in the drive train ( apparently XTR, XT & SLX are compatible )

The derailer is XT ( m8000 series I think ) while the cassette is SLX (m7000 series )

So I probably need the 7000 series chain -- very confusing

So still not sure which chain I need

I'd like to replace with same as the drive train on this was always super duper smooth slick changes -- even after I bent the derailer hanger ( in the smash I got knocked out in ) and replaced it I didn't even have to adjust anything.

But now I've noticed some signs of chain wear and would like to replace it.

[foxyrider]

As others have said, buy a KMC chain, they are compatible with any brand sprockets and come in several finish and quality options depending on your pocket/needs.

I got @ 10,000km out of the last one, a standard silver X11 model currently @ £20 - £26 on line, running on a mix of Shimano/Campag componentson my very abused CX touring bike. The gold X11EL (slotted side plates) on my best bike has been running for a similar mileage and has retained its finish for that, something that i find quite rare. My other bikes run KMC too in various 7 + 10 speed guises, they all perform better than the other brands i have tried/used in recent years.

[Chris Jeggo]

I bought a pair of Shimano HG93 9-speed chains on special offer but they only lasted about 3000 miles each - a bit disappointing. I have just fitted a KMC, which runs beautifully smoothly.

Edit: 9 spd silver/grey X9-93 116 Links

[Jdsk]

It would be really helpful to know which type of KMC chain people are using.

Thanks

Jonathan

[Cowsham]

It would be really helpful to know which type of KMC chain people are using.

Thanks

Jonathan

Yes I thought that you can't mix and match chains ie in shimano there is a 'heavy' chain and a 'light' chain and and 'super narrow' for 11 speed which are interchangeable but what are the equivalents in KMC for the 11 speed chains ?

[st599_uk]

I've got a KMX X11-93 running with a Shimano cassette and Spa chainrings.

Shifts beautifully, No problem with the different manufacturers components.

Not sure how many links, it came with the bike.

[Cowsham]

Is there a cross reference chart anywhere?

[TheBomber]

I'd like to replace with same as the drive train on this was always super duper smooth slick changes

On this basis, and in line with your OP, you might want to have a look at the MTB compatibility charts from here:

https://si.shimano.com/#/

If your drive train components are listed in the ‘ 11-speed rear drivetrain [MTB] C-435’ chart you’ll see there is a specific Shimano chain with a code such as ‘CN-HG701-11’. If not, then the more generic chart ‘ 9,10,11-speed rear drivetrain compatibility C-434’ says you should use an ‘HG-11’ chain. Which amounts to the same thing as it means any Shimano chain including the code number HG-11 in the description. There doesn’t seem to be a such a thing as an ‘R5800’ chain so I believe where you’re seeing that in the product description, it is just indicating that it is part of that groupset (which is presumably a ‘road’ groupset).

All that said, I agree with others that any brand and model 11speed chain should work. Choose on the basis of price, finish, weight etc.

[Jdsk]

KMC have a Chain Choice page...
https://www.kmcchain.eu

Jonathan