Earlier this year, KMC updated their X-shaped chain plates with additional chamfering all around the edges to make them shift evem smoother. That improved shaping is available on their top of the line DLC (Diamond Like Coating) chains in a growing rainbow of colors.
If you prefer the murdered out, all-black look, the new X11EL Blacktech chain might be for you…
All new is the X11EL Blacktech “extra light” chain for 11 speeds. Not DLC, and it’s not a coating, which means the color will stay because it’s essentially part of the material. It’s a 2-part process that first treats each individual piece, then done again once it’s all assembled, so it’s all black even inside and between links, but the “how” of it is their secret. It doesn’t add any slickness, just good looks, but is very rust resistant. 256g for 118 links. Available now, €50 same as XL11 Ti-Nitride Gold.
They’re also getting into E-bike sprockets because their chains were wearing out the stock sprockets and customers were complaining. So they designed something stronger for the Bosch mid-motor system up front and the NuVinci (20t) and Shimano (17-21t) internally geared hubs out back.
