Company presentation: The chain - inconspicuous, often ignored and generally not necessarily the star of the two-wheeler world, but an elementary part of most bikes. One of the largest manufacturers of all is KMC Chains, which, in addition to bicycle chains, also produces cam drive chains, differential drive chains, oil pump chains, motorcycle chains and industrial chains. What is produced in the eleven KMC factories around the world not only ends up on the market under its own brand name - for example, KMC also manufactures chains for the industry giant Shimano.
KMC is a Taiwan-based roller chain manufacturer, founded in 1977 by Charles Wu. Wu started his business, which later became KMC, after buying two small second-hand chain factories. He built this company into a mini-empire within the industry, manufacturing bicycle and motorcycle chains in nearly a dozen factories worldwide. What used to be two small chain factories has now grown into almost a dozen huge factories, which also produce chains for industry giants Shimano. For the late founder Charles Wu, his son Robert has now taken over the helm of the company as President. Wu's daughter, Deborah, is vice president and responsible for sales and marketing.
To keep the dimensions of KMC's production volume in mind: Since the company was founded, so much chain has been produced there that it has been looped three times around the earth and the moon. In other words, KMC produces more than 150 million meters of bicycle, motorcycle, industrial and automotive chains every year. That's more than 93.000 miles, enough to encircle the equator almost four times.
The quantity is one thing - but especially with a chain, quality and durability must also be right. KMC chains have an excellent reputation precisely because they work well with Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo drives. So it makes sense that bicycle manufacturers like Specialized Bicycles equip all bikes with KMC chains - after all, they work equally well with the built-in Sram or Shimano components.
However, KMC is more than just a gray industry giant in the background and attaches great importance to cycling at all levels: With the Haibike KMC team, for example, they promote young talents, with the Dimension Data for Qhubeka and Caja Rural-Seguros RGA teams they are with the professionals represented on the street. A positive side effect: KMC gains important conclusions from the team sponsorship as to how the material proves itself in competition use.
Why should you assemble a KMC?
KMC shifting chains are compatible with all shifting systems. There is also no difference between mountain bike and road bike chains. The chains of the X11 series, for example, fit all 11-speed systems and are suitable for all purposes. Almost all KMC chains are supplied with a chain lock. Installation is very simple and a secure connection is guaranteed. To shorten the chain to the right length, you only need a standard chain rivet tool.
Technical features
Diamond Like Coating (DLC)
The most important property of Diamond Like Coating is the reduction of friction. The extremely hard surface ensures long-lasting, consistent function and appearance as well as an unsurpassed service life. The Diamond Durability guarantees a long service life for the DLC11 and DLC10 chains.
3XSP
The Triple-X Durability guarantees extreme durability for the X10e, X9e and X101 chains. If the chain does not meet the durability requirements, you can contact KMC without further ado. They usually then refund the complaint.
2XSP
Not quite as resistant as the 3XSP technology, KMC still promises a far above-average durability for the X1, XL, XEL and XSL chains with the Double X Durability. The same applies here: If the chain breaks the straddle sooner than expected, KMC always has an open ear for complaints.
EPT
Hardly any external influence affects chains as much as rust. KMC is tackling this problem with EcoProTeQ technology. The significantly smoother surface of the EcoProTeQ coating not only has a positive effect on the running properties, but also gives the chain a very high-quality look.
Ti-N
Thanks to the KMC Titanium Nitride coating, the chain has an extremely smooth and hard surface, thus reducing friction.
Super Light
With 11 links, the KMC X114SL weighs just 237 grams. This makes it the lightest 11-speed chain currently available.
X Bridge
The X-bridge is manufactured with precisely defined angles and ensures fast and smooth shifts.
e-Bike
The e-bike chains have been specially developed for the requirements of powerful mid-motors. Optimized pin strength, higher tensile strength and unmatched durability are the key features of these chains.
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