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EB13: KMC Adds Colors to Diamond Like Coated Black Chains

Written by Tyler Benedict
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KMC DLC Diamond Like Coating black bicycle chains now come in colors

KMC has had an all-black DLC chain in the line for at least a year. They say the “Diamond Like Coating” helps the chain last 20% longer than normal. The standard model is the X11SL DLC, part of their lightweight chain collection, and is all black with inner and outer plates all coated.

Now, they’re offering colored versions with the inner plates getting a different, colored coating. The Turquoise shown above was for a Bianchi sponsored pro team and will come in 11-speed only. The blue and red shown after the break will be offered in 10- and 11-speed versions. Price is €100.

KMC DLC Diamond Like Coating black bicycle chains now come in colors

KMCchain.com
Tyler Benedict
11,282 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com, where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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18 Comments
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pornitswhatlwouldratherbmaking
pornitswhatlwouldratherbmaking
11 years ago

Ooo. l like that blue one. l use a 1-10 can l still use it even though it says 11sp only?

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Sardinian Rider
Sardinian Rider
11 years ago

100 Euro,’nuff said.

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michel
michel
11 years ago

it lasts 20% longer for a price about 120% more, what am I missing?

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CXisfun
CXisfun
11 years ago

@portitswhatIwouldratherbmaking: “The blue and red shown after the break will be offered in 10- and 11-speed versions”

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Parkcyc
Parkcyc
11 years ago

Porn,

Yes, you can go up a size in chain. I have done it for years. It is quieter, smoother and the chain and cogs last longer. I currently run a gold KMC 11 on my xtr 2 x 10 system.

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Mcr
Mcr
11 years ago

I dunno about the cogs lasting longer…… The DLC coating is harder – and this coating rubs against the cogs and chainring – ….

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ChrisC
ChrisC
11 years ago

I could have sworn that I saw these at KMC booth at the Tour of California in 2012. But maybe they weren’t being generally distributed then…

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Mcr
Mcr
11 years ago

Maybe a DLC coated cog/s and chainring teeth will work best with the chain…

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pornitswhatlwouldratherbmaking
pornitswhatlwouldratherbmaking
11 years ago

Excellent! Thanks folks

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Parkcyc
Parkcyc
11 years ago

Mcr,
I was speaking in general wear. Not specifically with this chain. The chain being narrower than a standard sized one, the chain doesn’t rub the sides of the cogs as much. Which makes the chain and cogs last longer. And there is less noise due to this also.

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A Dork
A Dork
11 years ago

The black and red 10 speed DLC chain has been available for quite some time now (in addition to the all black that was mentioned in the article), I was using one up until recently. In my opinion it wore quite well for how light it was, but then again I clean and lubricate my chains frequently. I’ve also seen black and pink versions that were available this past season, and I’m not surprised that KMC is now doing a few new colors.
I did not have any issues with the DLC 10 speed chain, I did not notice any excess or undue wear on the cogs (PG-1070). Since I was running a 1x, I did replace my chainring when I changed out the chain (now trying a stainless Wipperman) but I was happy to try a different size ring anyway. At the end of its wear-life, the chain was missing the coating where it was contacting shift points, but that is to be expected. I think that if you are looking for something that stands out a little but still has high performance and durability, it’s worth the extra money you’ll spend (the only caveat being that if you are not maintaining your drivetrain then you are wasting money no matter what chain you buy, forgive me for saying so).

Overall, I had a good experience. You may find the same, but weigh your expectations carefully if you’re on the fence about pricing. I would say that the color is extremely cool, and at the time it was a deciding factor for my build.

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Matthew Alloy
Matthew Alloy
11 years ago

I love the blue DLC., The black 10spd DLC made a great improvement on my bike.

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Anders
Anders
11 years ago

I understand a completely black chain, but having bright coloured inner links will take forever to keep clean.

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greg
greg
11 years ago

anders: the color of the chain has nothing to do with its ability to get dirty, or to be cleaned.

i like the idea of dlc coated chains. my issue with it, however, is that these chains are coated AFTER assembly, and the overlapping parts of the chain are not coated. that’s the most important part IMO.

i think it’s Yaban, or Soul Chain, that makes a ti nitride coated chain with the parts coated before assembly.

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Matt
Matt
11 years ago

If the coating isn’t on the pins, rollers etc. then it won’t make the chain wear longer, it’ll just look prettier for longer… More rubbish!

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vectorbug
vectorbug
11 years ago

Hooray for ending utilitarianism!

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CXisfun
CXisfun
11 years ago

How do they coat the chain after it’s assembled yet have the outer links one color and the inner links another?

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Dafedico
Dafedico
11 years ago

Blueeeeee ñam ñam

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