KMCX9 9-Speed X-Series Bicycle Chain | Compatible with Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo and All Major Systems | Nickel Plate

Great chain and fantastic price. For less than half of the price of a 1-1 replacement for the original Shimano on my Trek and with the very positive reviews of this chain I took a shot. I have it installed on my hybrid now and it took less than 15 minutes to remove the original, measure, remove the two links required from this KMC for my fit, put the Missing-Link together, install and test it out. Flawless solution.My original chain was stretched to the limit of tolerances within 700 miles and I hope this one lasts longer. I maintain my bikes and the chain is no exception. Testing this KMC (other than lots of riding) was to test the play any lateral 'looseness' of the chain and to measure the links. Tight feel and perfect measure. No tight links and it was well pre-lubricated as shipped.I did clean and degrease the chain and re-lubricated it with a wet ceramic which I use for my bikes. Now all that is left is a few hundred miles, regular maintenance and stretch testing. I highly recommend the KMC as a solution and will update this review when I have significant miles on it. My riding is training and long touring so the chain condition is very critical for me. I kept the Shimano as a spare after adding a KMC 'Missing-Link' to it for the panniers as my backup spare.Update: After some miles on the chain here is my update. Exactly as expected and smooth. Shifting went great and I needed few adjustments of the derailleurs to get this chain running well on my bike. I did have one oops moment when I first tested it on a ride. I had a constant whiz sound like a maladjusted front derailleur but that was not it. I had missed one slight hard to see guide on the rail derailleur and had the chain over it instead of under it. I had to pull the chain using the included 'missing-link' and it came off with ease. Re-threaded the chain correctly and it is silent as can be. Love this chain.

Well made 9 speed chain.Design: The side plates have a diagonal raised area that will ride better along the front derailleur than a flat plate would. The pins have a small divot in the center which is really nice to help center the chain breaker.Construction: This chain appears well made. I did not find any sticky links and everything was well lubed with a storage protectant so that there will be no rust issues before it is installed. Be sure to clean as much of that shipping protectant off the chain, and properly lube it with your favorite lube before you use it initially. The entire chain, with the exception of the pins, is chrome plated, which looks nice and really helps keeping the chain clean. It wipes off easier than a non-plated chain, and the fact that the chrome looks so nice when clean motivates me to keep it clean.Installation: Just like any other chain. One thing you should know is that the pins are fairly tight, and you should have a good chain breaker to make it easier to remove the correct number of links. Break to the correct length, install with the included reusable master link, and lube before first use. Pretty straight forward.Use: It shifts well, runs smooth and quiet, and is easier than most to keep clean. The chrome plating dresses up the bike and looks great when kept clean. The only downside may be htat the tight pins may be hard to break with a trail side repair tool chain breaker.I will likely buy this model chain again when I need another.EDIT (5/21/2018):I am on my third chain of this model. It is now my go-to chain for 9 speed drivetrains. They last a long time when properly lubed, and the chrome plating really does help keep it clean, make it easier to clean, and rust has never been an issue. I will keep buying these as long as I need 9 speed chains!

KMC consistently makes great chains for the price. I've use them on multiple bikes and have never been let down. The master link works awesome and makes installation a breeze.Smoother shifting and a quiet ride with a clean look.I'd never recommend saving $10 and getting an off brand chain. It's not worth it.

Quality chain at a good price. As good or better that the Shimano chains I have replaced at a fraction of the price. Very smooth shifting. I have both the 8 speed cassette and 9 speed cassette chains on different bikes. Both work flawlessly. I was taught to press-fit chains back together years ago as the master links were thought to be inferior. However. my experience with these master links is very positive. Easy to install/remove and no riding issues or noise. Overall, for a consumable part (all chains stretch over time), this is a great chain that will serve you well.