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Submitted by
LCTexSS
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | Many I am sure | | Weaknesses: | Also many I am sure | | Similar Products Used: | shimano SRAM regina noname | | Bike Setup: | which one? | | Bottom Line: | seeing as how KMC makes 23 different chains, this entire review section seems totally utterly pointless since noone seems to know nor states what model chain they are reviewing, love or hate. I'm no fan of giant Asian industrial monoliths making bike parts, but I'm sure not all their product is crap nor all perfect and exquisite. So if anyone else posts a review here, PLEASE tell us which model chain you are reviewing!!!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Shirk
a Racer
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Amazing piece of equipment. I had been riding Campy Record on my Colnago. Took it in for tune-up and was told by mechanic to just try KMC chain . . . that I'd like it better than Campy Record.
I do! It is silent. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
martin
a Cross Country Rider
from memphis, tn
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | easy to put on | | Weaknesses: | cheaply made and next to impossible to remove. | | Similar Products Used: | extra links and pins and a chain tool. | | Bottom Line: | this review is for the KMC Missing Link.
don't use it. period.
if you've got a chain tool on the trail when your chain breaks you'd be better off with some other product. and if you don't, you're not going to be able to get it on your chain anyway. either way, it goes on quickly and easily and NEVER comes off until it breaks while riding and you need it the most. if you put this on your chain, it becomes another link. don't think you're going to use this to easily take your chain on and off.
after trying to remove it unsuccessfully for an hour by compressing the links to either side of it, i tried to break it with my chain tool to get it out, which only bruised and hurt my hands. i ended up having to take out the links to either side of it to get rid of it after i ruined it trying to get it out. what a piece of crap. save yourself time, money, and a lot of frustration. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Guttmann
a Weekend Warrior
from Chester UK
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | pfffft.. Street all the way | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$6.00 | | Strengths: | Andrew from canada, its you who must be the chain tool.
this chain is amazin hasnt snapped in a year, snapped 2 KHE half link chains in half that time. | | Weaknesses: | andrew dunt have a clue what hes on about. its amazin | | Bike Setup: | No brakes, no gears. all bout it | | Bottom Line: | it works n there well cheap. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
m k
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, GA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Blankets | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | no problems, strong | | Weaknesses: | none yet. | | Bike Setup: | k2 attack stock, so far. | | Bottom Line: | I ride pretty hard and haven't had any issues w/ the chain. I suppose there are a few bad eggs in every batch but come on... breaking after 15 minutes of riding...I don't buy it (referring to some prevoius post). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from CANADA!
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhare with rocks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | came on bike | | Strengths: | its shiny | | Weaknesses: | basicly everything, sory, i ment everything | | Similar Products Used: | shimano | | Bike Setup: | khs dj 50, sun ditch witch rear formula hubs, avid bb5's | | Bottom Line: | sucks, rode my bike around back yard when i got home and the thing broke in about 15 minutes as i was admireing my once plush forks, dont leave the shop with out a chain without a diffrent brand on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikhail Scosyrev
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | deserted highway | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | Schwinn Shop | | Strengths: | price, availability (for me) | | Bike Setup: | 12 speed Schwinn Traveler | | Bottom Line: | I used this chain to ride a fully loaded bike from LA to NY. 3800+ miles. Chain was worn out in the end, but kept working for another 1000+ miles of commuting. Replacing now with the new chain of same type, along with other parts.
Hey, it's just a chain... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from Westland, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | yes | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | came stock on bike | | Strengths: | Nope, can't think of any... | | Weaknesses: | Sloppy shifting, broke after two weeks | | Bike Setup: | K2 Zed 3.0, stock except Candy SL pedals | | Bottom Line: | Worthless piece of crap chain that broke after about 30 miles of riding (about two weeks after I got the bike). This was the IG-31, the IG meaning IMMEDIATELY GONE! I am a big guy (6'0", 205 lbs.), but I lube the chain before I go out every time and I clean it every couple of times out, so it shouldn't have broken, especially this fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
amc amc
a Cross Country Rider
from winder ga usa
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Hub | | Strengths: | uh,,,it worked 3 times | | Weaknesses: | Well, it broke after 4 rides...thats all i can say | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Bianchi Grizzly | | Bottom Line: | Well, i havent ridden much, but i know that i rode my new bike 4 times, and on the 4th time, the chain broke. So, after reading all these other reviews, i can assume this chain sucks big ones... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maxim Chuchalin
a Weekend Warrior
from Moscow, Russia
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Wahoo'01 | | Bottom Line: | This chain run more then 3000 km without any problem(no break, no bend).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean-Marie
a Weekend Warrior
from Marseille
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$33.00 | | Purchased At: | Shop de BK | | Strengths: | need not much to be lubed | | Weaknesses: | Just fine | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano/Sachs | | Bike Setup: | XTR | | Bottom Line: | ever used various kinds of chains, among which I prefere KMC for not so expensive as Shimano but provide quite good quality and durability.
Mes friends and fighters think so aussi.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Earnest
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | came on my bike | | Strengths: | Cheap, good shifting with SRAM 7.0 sprocket | | Weaknesses: | Rust easily, weak plates. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano cassettes | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn w/ Deore combo | | Bottom Line: | It worked well while I stayed off the dirt. On my first visit to the mud, I bent a plate during a missed shift. I weight 155 lbs. and didn't started to break a sweat when this happened. It ruined my ride big time!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom gibney
a Cross Country Rider
from novato,CA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to list... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$22.00 | | Purchased At: | ClassCycle Novato, CA | | Strengths: | none...it broke after second ride...!!! | | Weaknesses: | Link connectors (where pin goes in) ..WEAK fractured in several areas | | Bike Setup: | 99' Marin Eldridge grade | | Bottom Line: | Not recommended... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Queens, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the next one I ride | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | 25 | | Strengths: | strength, responsiveness | | Weaknesses: | company support | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale SuperV700, XT cranks and chainrings, SRAM Superglide 9.0 cassette, KMC Z9900 | | Bottom Line: | I replaced my Cannondale drivetrain with this setup when I started breaking chains at the end of last year. So far this year, this setup - with the KMC Z9900 chain at its core - has been as smooth as silk. It shifts very quickly, although I don't clean it nearly as much as I should. I lube it every ride with White Lightening and that's about it. I am about 200 pounds, and I've been told that I grind in too big of a gear, but I am not going to change my ways if I don't have to. I'd rather pay the extra bucks for the equipment that'll let me grind and not complain. So pay the extra $10 for the Z9900 and you won't be disappointed. Otherwise buy a cheaper chain, know your trails, and shift early enough to make up for any shifting lag - and while you are losing momentum, I'll be cruising by in a higher gear, and shifting later!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Sodus, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$9.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | cheap | | Weaknesses: | cheap | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose A50R with LX cranks, KORE clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | ok, i have heard enough crap on this chain. my bike came with a KMC Z-Chain, i ride my bike very rough. I weigh 200 lbs, and my original 3-year old chain is still working good, and i just purchased a new one to replace it (only because it was cheap) i see no problem with it, as long as you put a REAL master link on it instead of KMC's POS 'missing link' | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Croteau
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | yeah right. | | Weaknesses: | weak links, all of 'em | | Similar Products Used: | shimano | | Bike Setup: | shimano hyperglide, grip shift | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy one of these chains.
Mine was the KMC Supershuttle model.
It's well worth the extra $ for shimano.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Milford, pa,usa
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | everything, it runs smooth and i hardly ever clean my chain
i also hit it on logs and things in the trail and it has not broken
| | Weaknesses: | none that i have found yet, if i ever will | | Similar Products Used: | only have used this kind | | Bike Setup: | gary fisher w/manitou,shimano,kore,panaracer,selle italia | | Bottom Line: | i have used this chain for almost 2,000 miles and it is still going strong. i have never experienced any problems with this chain and don't think i ever will
its a good chain, i think anyway! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Durham Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good for practicing how to fix a chain, TOO GOOD! | | Weaknesses: | Duct tape would work better. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bottom Line: | I weigh just over 110 pounds and I broke the coat hanger type quality chain. This chain made me replace my casset, deraliur, and chain rings, not to mention the new chain I had to buy.
A word of advice is if you have any problems with the chain, including a stiff link, replace it before it becomes a problem!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
allen baker
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | cheap, weak, garbage, breaks...need any more? | | Similar Products Used: | sachs | | Bike Setup: | litespeed tanasi, raceface crank/rings, shimano XTR cassette,derailleurs | | Bottom Line: | I can't believe I possibly put this on my bike. After spending 5,000 on a bike I was riding downhill and the chain broke. That wasn't enough, it broke my rear derailleur and proceeded to wipe out spokes meanwhile I was testing the durability of my helmet. I was going about 40 when all this happened. It pretty much ruined my bike. If I could I would like to take the broken chain, wrap it around the person who designed this things neck and pull really hard. Knowing my luck it would break. If I ever tell anyone not to buy a product it will begin with "kmc". If I could give it -100 flaming piles of crap I would. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from Kennesaw, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Their are way to many. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Everything ! | | Similar Products Used: | What ever chain come stick on a Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Sugar 2 | | Bottom Line: | This Chain Sucks What A Waste of Money,Time And Effort! I should have questioned it after I have nothing but problems since puting this chain on my bike less than 2 weeks ago. The end all bottom line is after a drive 1 1/2 hours to go to a trail and not even making it out of the parking lot before breaking the chain once then riding .5 miles and breaking it a second time forget it. This Chain is very bad. The chain has now broke 3 time in 2 weeks what a piece of crap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
buck wild
a Weekend Warrior
from staples, Mn
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Oregon Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Can be used as weapon after it breaks | | Weaknesses: | Worthless, Breaks, general crap | | Bike Setup: | 99 Voodoo hoodoo | | Bottom Line: | First time riding this flaming piece of $hit broke. At least I got out of the parking lot. I got about 1/2 mile in the woods and it broke. It's a waste of metal far as i'm concerned. I give it one flaming pile of $hit because thats exactly what it is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RATTLED
a Cross Country Rider
from houston tx usa
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ho chi minh | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | None. This chain is a piece of sh*t. | | Weaknesses: | Broke after 10 miles. Stretched so much after 500 miles I had to replace chain AND cassette AND middle chainring. This on a NEW BIKE. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano. | | Bike Setup: | Two wheels, Handlebar, and now a SHIMANO CHAIN. | | Bottom Line: | Stupid me. I should have gotten a clue when the chain broke after 10 miles. Instead I took the broken link out and kept riding on it. 500 miles and one race later the chain has stretched so badly I had to toss it. AND buy a new chainring. Dont buy one of these chains aftermarket, and if you buy a new bike, make sure the chain on it isn't KMC. If it is, insist the dealer replaces it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario Padac
a Cross Country Rider
from Vz, Croatia
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | -- | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very strong. Best for the buck. | | Weaknesses: | --- | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Sachs | | Bottom Line: | Exelent chain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cliff
a Racer
from Central Texas
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Weak | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Sachs | | Bike Setup: | Voodoo Canzo, XT/XTR, Kooka Crank, RaceFace Chainrings | | Bottom Line: | Put the chain on, snapped it on my preride during a climb, replaced the broken links, the following day, broke it during the race on my first climb. Less than 50 miles and it's out of here. Will not stand up to high torque. Can place you in a possibly dangerous position. This chain should be taken off the market completely!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rattled
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston,Texas
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | HOE Chi Minh | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | It hasn't broken a second time. | | Weaknesses: | It broke the second time I rode on it- after about 15 miles. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Sachs | | Bike Setup: | '00 Scwhinn Moab1, Kore Elite Flatbars to replace the fonky Hellbents that came OEM. | | Bottom Line: | The Super Narrow chain came stock on my bike. The second day I rode on it it broke, while riding an easy uphill in the big chainring. I was pretty pissed. The link tore completely. To it's credit I haven't had any trouble with it since (I took out the failed link). Still, based on my experience and what I have read here the next time I buy a chain it will NOT be a KMC! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SockBoy
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fairview | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Strong, really! take apart without breaking the chain. | | Weaknesses: | bad reviews, thats about it. | | Similar Products Used: | sachs and shimano chains | | Bottom Line: | Not a bad chain at all. the trick is that YOU CANT BREAK IT AND TRY TO PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. The pins are so flared that it weakens the chain too much to break it, so you have to use the little link to put it back together. This is a must, if you dont do so, your chain will break. if done right, its a very very strong chain. I wouldnt want to break one on the trail though, but I dont have to worry , because I do it right and this thing isnt going to break! The plates are ramped on 4 sides so they shift really fast. I think its great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MeandMyslef
a Racer
from nowhere
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Avalon | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
none | | Weaknesses: |
I had it for less than one month because that is how long it took me to break this cock sucker twice | | Similar Products Used: |
SACHS RULES | | Bike Setup: |
An XC bike | | Bottom Line: | THIS CHAIN SUCKS MY GIRLFRIENDS COCK!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Quartuccio
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pittsburgh PA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Works well, does what a chain should do. | | Weaknesses: |
None that I've seen so far, other than the grease it was packed in was heavier than most other chains. | | Similar Products Used: |
Our, lets say that this riders had seen enough chains come and go on his bikes. | | Bike Setup: |
Easter Woods Research modified trials bike. Front freewheel, rear fixed cog. 18x12. | | Bottom Line: | I am using a KMC bmx chain. It works well and I havent had any problems with it breaking or anything of that sort. Just put it on and haven't thought about it for the past 3 months. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rattle Snake Ridge, Boulder City | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
What Stregths? | | Weaknesses: |
Un-removable master link
Tendency to twist | | Similar Products Used: |
Sachs PC-21
Shimano IG-51 | | Bike Setup: |
Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo | | Bottom Line: | I bought this chain after blowing out my stock PC-21 chain that came on my bike, which lasted over 1000 miles. (Not bad for a crappy low end chain). My new KMC Supper Schuttle lasted about 50 miles before it started giving me problems. First it twisted during a ride causing annoying ghost shifting until I could get back to the car and fix it. 2 rides later, It met its final demise on a easy downhill in top gear. (No shifting under torque, no weird chain angles). I felt the chain bind up about 3/4 down the fast, fun 2 mile section. I coasted to the bottom, only to find the chain twisted like a double loop roller coaster. I had to pop a link to get it straight! I bought a meddium grade IG-51 to replace the peice of crap and have had no problems in 200 miles. Don't waste your money or your patience on this junk! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chatham MA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Exit 7 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Price, looks | | Weaknesses: |
Weak when installed traditionally | | Similar Products Used: |
Sachs Pc61
Shimany HG,IG | | Bottom Line: | KMC Z92 should not be installed with a chain tool, every one I've put on has blown a side plate off the pin, and I guarantee that the guilty plate is the one joined with the chain tool. If you're good with a chain tool, you can feel that the pin doesn't reengage fully. The pins are stepped for strength, but the step shears off when the pin is initially pushed out. Shame, 'cause the chain looks sweet, and seems to be nicely made, but can you really trust that wacky master link? Back to Sachs, I fear. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Kuyava
a Cross-Country Rider
from Duluth, MN
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any paved road in Duluth is as rough as and really goog trail I have ridden | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Stayed nice and shiny | | Weaknesses: |
Damn thing broke in three weeks | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano | | Bike Setup: |
Stock Giant XTC se2 | | Bottom Line: | Shifted great until it broke after three weeks of not so tough use. I would not suggest buying one. Use it to break your new bike in, replace it soon. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from ca
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
None | | Weaknesses: |
The chain | | Bike Setup: |
Rockhopper A1 FS | | Bottom Line: | I put about 100 miles on the road and my first off road ride the chain broke 3 miles in! I was not shifting the thing just broke. I am going to the dealer this has to be a warranty item! I will not use a KMC next time! I have to give it 1 star but it deserves none! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gav
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cheltenham
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Radnor Forest | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
None | | Weaknesses: |
Snapped too easily. | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano Chains. | | Bike Setup: |
Rockhopper A1 FS | | Bottom Line: | The KMC Z9900 Super Narrow chain came on my Rockhopper, and it broke after only 3 months/400k, right in the middle of an event, and then the damn thing broke my chain tool, super stronmg rivets but weak links. Exactly the same problems as Oliver and Otter (below). Shimano here I come... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Barberton OHIO
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vultures Knob-when it's dry! | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Strong and shifts good | | Weaknesses: |
None really | | Similar Products Used: |
I've ridden KMC chains all my life. | | Bike Setup: |
Many different setups on different bikes | | Bottom Line: | I've rode KMC chains on BMX bikes and mountain bikes. From my experience I would have to say they were all good. The one I had on my last mountain bike broke but that was after I had it for about 4 years and I lubed it about once or twice a year. It also shifted great and didn't have any chainsuck and it always ran smooth. Now a KMC Z-chain came on my new bike and I must say it is great. I have had no problems and it is a continuous smooth shifter, even with derailleurs that aren't very high-end. Though I rarely lubed it on my other bikes, the KMC Z-chain that came on my new bike seems to be lubed very often. I now lube very often because I ride in very extreme conditions but even the slightest bit of water will make it orange in color. So if you buy it, take lube with you on long rides. Overall, a average chain that does what it's supposed to. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oliver
a Weekend Warrior
from Devon, England
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Exmoor, England | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
It worked ok for 3 weeks. | | Weaknesses: |
It broke on a medium uphill climb. Ouch. | | Similar Products Used: |
Numerous bikes with chains that haven't broken. | | Bike Setup: |
Orange Ev02 hardtail XT rear, LX front. | | Bottom Line: | My Orange Ev02 is 3 weeks old and came with a KMC Z9900 Super Narrow chain on an XT/LX set-up.I have done about 150 miles, only about 50 of these off road. The gears always worked fine, until the chain broke. There was no warning, no bad changes etc. but examining the broken link showed that it had broken off where the pin passed through ( so instead of my link looking like O=O it looked like O=C )Very disappointing after so little use, and pretty mild use at that. Getting it replaced and I will give them (KMC) one more chance. The Orange EV02 is a well balanced machine, great fun to ride - will review it under hardtail bikes soon.Chain should get 0 for breaking so soon. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Otter
a cross-country rider
from Alaska
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Man I got blathering away about this and that and I forgot to mention a few observations about this chain in my review below...
I forgot, but the darned thing never has shifted very well, even when well lubed. I checked its number of links, and made sure they wern't tight. They lag in shifting time, and tend to skip and just decide to shift down suddenly. It used to be like a smooth auto shift and I would be like cool. Now it just jumps down with a klunk! and when I am riding on the slick ice in a hurry to get to class its like $h!T. The nine year old Shimano it replaced worked alot better at least until it started skipping maddly on the worn out cogs (also nine years old!). I ride that bike almost every day, so I just sort of live with it... but I find it funny that I forgot all that! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Otter
a cross-country rider
from Alaska
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this chain, and a freewheel, and installed them in the bike shops parking lot. It didn't have the funky master link that was supposed to come with it, and not knowing it was supposed to come with one, and disliking master links from childhood experiences, I installed it without it. Dang, the links are well rivited! I have never had as much trouble getting a chain link pressed out of a chain before... reinstalling the link was just as strenuous. Don't expect to use your tiny little aluminum multi-tool chain tool to fix it on the trail. But then I would expect a chain so well riveted to fail often either.
I have used the chain to commute every day for about 8 months now, through wind, rain and snow ( no hurricanes here in AK) with no problems. While I usually keep my chains well lubed, the one on my commuter bike sometimes gets neglected for a week or so after it should have been lubed. Even then, no rust!
Seems like a good chain for the money... but made in China. To quote Nepoleon, There lies a sleeping giant...let her lie.... I am not on some quasi-political boycott China thing, but until they improve in their treatment of human rights I am not 100% enthusiastic about buying stuff made there... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a cross-country rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Funny that any roadie or mtber would even think of using a KMC. The Z chain is the only decent chain they make - for BMX. Stick to Sachs for bikes with gears and such... SBC makes a SICK BMX/track chain, about 3x as beefy as the Z and $24 to boot! The rating reflects the KMX Z chain on a BMX. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Boswell
a racer
from Dublin, OH
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
In the BMX world, we say that KMC stands for Kills More Children. I do not have any experience with KMC chains on an MTB, but I will say that for BMX use they are pretty decent and you can get about a year out of them without any troubles. The best chain I have ever used, though, for BMX AND long-distance road, is the original Sedisport. What a shame it's too wide for the candy-rump new drivetrains Shimano makes us eat every year. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edgar Reinfeld jr.
a cross-country rider
from WA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using a KMC-90ss for over a year and have had no problems. It has proven more resistant to corrosion than the SACHS chains I used to use. Nothing against SACHS, but they rust even when properly lubed if the humidity changes more than twenty percent. The only drawback to the Super Shuttle is the connector link. It cannot be reused (read the box, only for first time assembly) and creates potential for mistakes when you go to connect it. Guys I know use a Craig Metalcraft link for ease of changes with good sucess. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy Swart
a
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Sucks. The Super Shuttle broke twice on our tandem (pedals out of phase) and it had a third break in progress at the time. Destroyed our front derailler when the link came unglued and grabbed the front derailler cage as it went by. I would not even give it one star except they won't post your review if you don't. Am now looking for a Sedis - please email me if you have a source of new ones. Used them for 25 years on our tandem and they never broke. Interesting that some reviews below say they never had a problem... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
7/8
a cross-country rider
from Lodz, Poland
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This thing (=KMC SS-something) really sucks! It broke after some 600km, but how! I was standing on the pedals at the point, accelerating and wham! This piece of crap broke, and so did my nose, as it hit the handlebar! And before it broke, it didn't shift as reliably as my ol' Alivio chain, which, by the way, never let me down (excuse the pun) thru some 7500km. So get rid of this shiny menace while you can still breathe thru your nose! 1 Chillie! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bikexpert
a downhiller
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: May 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
KMC HP-70 appears to be a real problem when used on a hyperdrive system.
This combination is not recommended and should not be used, as chain jam or
chain suck may result and seriuous injury could result. The KMC HP-70 has
been out of production for several years apparently, although some of these
units are still out there. I would not use a KMC chain on a Hyperdrive
system.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rl630
a racer
from Riverdale, MD
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
KMC chains really don't have a good enough reason for existing. I recieved a KMC chain, one of the narrow race models through a bike seminar. I put it on to replace the Shimano IG90 which I was using. What a poor excuse for a chain. With a Shimao chain and cog combo, I could go for six months of racing before I had to replace the chain and cogs. Now with the KMC and Shimano cog combo, I'm down to three months. The chain simply wore down the Shimano cogs. The thing developed noticeable amount of stretch only after a months use. Nice concept with that link thing, but poor execution on a promising design. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Carney
a weekend warrior
from St. Pete., FL
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a bike that came with a KMC super shuttle. I was skeptical about the chain since i hac bad luck with KMC's in the past. It actually was a pretty good chain. it was setup with stx'rc derailleurs, hubs, IG60 7spd cogset and GS 600, and it lasted a year before it broke. first chain in my life i broke but hey it ws bound to happen sooner ao later. teh next chain I had was a sachs SC40 Chorme plated. and it broke in 4 months. 4 chilies | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BFR
a cross-country rider
from MIGHTY CANADIAN SINGLETRACK
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Utter crap!!!
NO WAIT!!!
I had a KMC chain for 4 years and it was the BEST
It finally died when the links got sticky and could not be fixed
My chain will now become a decoration in my room, No, i'm going to give a proper burial and EulogyKMC a true leader in Longevity.Not once did it ever snap on me, it did cause a few accidents, but they were preventable. REST IN PEACE OLD FRIEND
May you long rest in the backyard never be interupted | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tj shot
a cross-country rider
from gdansk/poland
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
SS71 >>> shitty one: first failure after 250km, got it!?@ it was fourth day!! !!
it's as powerful as the sheet of paper (almost), i'm giving KMC 2 chillies: one for it's existing, two: it's cheap. kropka sropka. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have used the KMC on all my bikes. I have never had a chain break or any problems what so ever (granted I am a lightweight rider). Quick easy shifting. The key to long chain life is religious cleaning and maintence. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a downhiller
from Norco, Ca.
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using the Super Shuttle for 3 years of racing and on my race teams bikes. Race probably 20 or more races, local and nationals. Not a hint of trouble , just lube and keep it clean and the link, makes working on the bikes so easy. Thanks Dan from Summit MTB's http://www.fietsnet.nl/summit | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a racer
from the Heights
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
In the past year I have begun tricking out my bike. I finally saved enough money to get Chris King hubs, 217 rims and DT spokes. I put a brand new Shimano XT cassette on my new wheel and put on a brand new KMC Super Shuttle chain. It was immediatly apparent. This chain was the biggest piece of crap I have ever seen. I am no bike mechanic but I spend a several hours a week on simple bike maintenance and upkeep ( which was a factor in purcahsing the chain in the first place with that link it has). I spent about a total of an hour attemping to fix the poor excuse for shifting I was experiencing. I then took it to the local bike shop and they could not adjust it either. I know it was not my wheels or cassette so after multiple ghost shifts I elected to purchase a good ol' IG-90. Night and day. With no adjustment since the KMC was on, my bike suddenly shifted as smooth as silk. Lightning quick shifts ( Rapid Fire shifters or course) , no ghost shifts, and deathly silent. In short the KMC SS chain has got to be one of the worst purchases I have ever made and the clearly the biggest piece of sh!t out there. If I could I would give it zero chilies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Lavander
a weekend warrior
from Canton, MI
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using KMC Supershuttles for about 2 years now and only had 1 break. Before that, my Shimano and Sachs
chains broke on a regular basis. These are very quiet chains that ride very smooth. The shifting is very good too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peisho
a weekend warrior
from New York, NewYork
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Chain sucks really bad, if not for the money I wouldn't have gotten one. It tends to break after 1 month of purchase, but only 17th day of use. Tragic results especially when you are deep in the woods with no tools.... Definitely the NO BUY!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Myers
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been using KMC chains for 2 years now - models (ss90 and ss91) and they work great. If someone sez it broke, I think it's more likely that someone doesn't know how to assemble a chain. Or maybe their chain tool is so tiny and trick that it can't properly assemble a chain regardless of technique. The best part about the KMC is the master link that allows the chain to go together without ever disturbing a link. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kona Boy
a cross-country rider
from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This chain came with my bike. It was a very dependable chain for me. It lasted 1200 kilometers before I replaced it with a Sachs chain. I can't say I had any problems with this chain although on a personal level, I would buy Sachs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carl
a racer
from
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Only race i DNF was at the hands of KMC. I tried one (Free to get me to use it)
and it broke in the middle of a side plate. Never seen that before. It worked fine until
then. I'll just stick to my XTRS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AL
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I dont know what most of these people are talking about. I've got one...and it
works fine. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a weekend warrior
from Marietta
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Don't buy it it blows. I broke it the firts two weeks I had my bike. If my friend didn't Ihave a chain tool I would have been screwed. Buy a Sachs SC-M90 it is the bomb. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Cleven
a racer
from San Carlos
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I tried the KMC chain on the advice of by local bike shop. I usually run a Sedis chain but I was looking for something to help with chain suck on the 32T Hyperdrive C. They should re-name this to HyperSuck, in my opinion the 32T middle ring is too small to shift reliably under hard conditions; such as, mud, pedal pressure etc. So I tried the KMC, and had more problems than usual. And more chain suck than usual. One of the strangest problems was not completely engaging the little ring on downshifts. It would ride on top of the teeth, while you spun away, just as if you had dropped the chain, but once you relaxed the pressure a bit it would engage. After that happened a few times, I put another Sedis on and it's back to normal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Cohen
a weekend warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I broke 2 KMC chains within 5 minutes of riding each time. The chain came with
my KHS Pro. My recomendation is to switch to a Sachs. I did and have never had one
break on me yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donal
a racer
from Tempe, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Haven't had one break yet, and I broke three Sedis before I switched to KMC (though that may have something to do with improved timing on the shifts). Also if I did ever have to fix one, the masterlink is great, every time I had to fix a Sedis chain I got a stiff link, with KMC all you have to do is break it part, put the master link in and set it, no need to use a chain tool to put it back together, just to break it, and NO STIFF LINKS. Killer, ran same chain through an entire season with no breaks (knock on wood). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Hoppmann
a cross-country rider
from Gainesville FL
Date Reviewed: December 7, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Snapped 3x within first week of use. Loaud, mishifts in mud, promotes chainsuck. Buy a Sedis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny Danner
a
from Norman, Ok.
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an excellent chain. I have not had any kinks or anything with this
chain. It works great compared to other chains I have had. I am impressed
and do recommend this product to anyone.
| | Overall Rating: |
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