Modified at: Aug 1, 2023
Posted at: Nov 2, 2021
KMC chains are popular because of their good shifting performance and high cost performance, and we have compiled a list of the types of KMC chains and the gears they support.
Table of contents
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KMC’s latest model, DLC chain, stands for “Diamond-Like Coating,” and is a chain with enhanced surface hardness and rust prevention. It is one of the most expensive chains for bicycles, with an actual selling price of over $ 100.
It is available in black, blue, yellow, red, and other colors, so you can enjoy color-coordinating your bicycle as a one-point accent.
DLC chains are available for 10, 11, and 12 speeds.
KMC KMC DLC12 Chain
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | DLC |
| Speed | 12s |
KMC KMC DLC11 Chain
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | DLC |
| Speed | 11s |
KMC KMC DLC10 Chain
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | DLC |
| Speed | 10s |
As for 12-speed chains, “Compatibility : SHIMANO, SRAM and all other 12-speed drivetrains” means that any major brand 12-speed gearbox will work.
KMC’s X chain is a chain with the letter “X” in the shape of the chain, which improves shifting performance when shifting gears. many people think of the X series when they think of KMC chains.
The X chain series comes in a wide variety of colors, not only the standard silver, but also gold and black, so you can use it to color coordinate your bike.
The following variations are available within the X Chain. 1.
1.L/EL: light chain 1.SL: Ultra light chain
The X chain is compatible with 6/7/8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 speeds, making it suitable for most current bicycles with shifting functions.
KMC KMC X12 Chain
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 12s |
KMC KMC X11 Chain
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 11s |
KMC KMC X10 Chain
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 10s |
KMC KMC X9 Chain
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 9s |
KMC KMC X8 Chain
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 8s |
KMC’s normal chain for 6, 7, and 8 speeds; does not have the features of DLC chain or X chain, but can be used as a normal shifting chain.
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Let’s take a look at KMC’s chain series and compatible gears.
| Series | 12-speed | 11-speed | 10-speed | 9-speed | 6/7/8-speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLC Chain | ○ | ○ | ○ | - | - |
| X Chain | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Normal Chain | - | - | - | - | ○ |
The DLC chain, the latest model, can only be used with 10-speed or higher, which is for higher grade components, but the high-performance and lightweight X chain covers all shifting, so the X chain is the basic choice.
X chains are graded by weight, so you can choose a non-marked chain for normal use, or an EL or SL chain for lighter weight.
KMC’s chains are available in a variety of colors.
Each color series in the lineup is different, but they are listed below.
| Color | DLC Chain | X Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Black | ○ | - |
| Black/Cheleste | ○ | - |
| Black/Yellow | ||
| Black/Green | ||
| Black/Blue | ||
| Black/Red | - | - |
| Black/Gold | - | |
| Black/Silver | - | ○- |
| Black/Gold | - | |
| Silver | - | - |
| Silver/Black | - | ○ |
| Black | - | ○ |
| VIVID (multi-colored) | - | ○ |
| silver/Cheleste | - | ○ |
| Silver/Yellow | - | ○ |
| Silver/Green | - | ○ |
| Silver/Blue | - | ○ |
| Silver/Red | - | ○ |
Even within the same series, there are different lineups depending on the number of gears.
Still, since most chains from other manufacturers are usually only available in silver, the colors you can choose are enough to allow you to enjoy color coordination.
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | DLC |
| Speed | 12s |
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | DLC |
| Speed | 11s |
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | DLC |
| Speed | 10s |
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 12s |
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 11s |
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 10s |
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 9s |
| Manufacturer | KMC |
|---|---|
| Brand | X Chain |
| Speed | 8s |
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