KMC X11E question

[Mountie]

Hello I was wondering what missing link I should be using with the KMC X11E ebike chain my dealer says the standard 11 speed KMC is the right one but it looks different to the one that came with the chain and that just doesn’t make any sense to me. Anyone know the part number on this missing link ebike specific chain?

Thanks

 

[eFat]

Any 11 speed missing link will work. The width is determinant.

 

[Mountie]

If the chain is three times stronger than the standard KMC chains how can we use the standard missing link? A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. This is my quandary.

 

[Kernow]

Kmc do a number of ebike chains all denoted by e - x11e or x10 e etc , depending on number of gears .
KMC Chain. See here
As far as I know all kmc chains come with the quick joiner link included .

 

[Mountie]

I like to take the chain off every 100kms or so to clean it I really like to change missing links after a couple of uses.

 

[Kernow]

I like to take the chain off every 100kms or so to clean it I really like to change missing links after a couple of uses.

Park Tool Cyclone Chain Scrubber CM5.2 | Chain Reaction Cycles. Treat yourself to one of these , much easier and more effective method of chain cleaning , plus it tends to help with cleaning the cassette and rings etc

 

[Mountie]

I do have one but just like being able to clean everything off of the bike and being able to get the jockey wheels spotless

 

[R120]

My X11E snapped a link two weeks ago, and i have fixed it with the KMC missing link, no issues so far

 

[Mountie]

Hmm that doesn’t sound promising, how many miles or kilometres did you get before it snapped?

 

[R120]

about 100 miles - however i have fully abused my drivetrain in that period, and not really been kind to the chain in terms of doing a lot of down changes under full load on silly hills - it did make me rethink how i change gear on the e-bike

 

[Mountie]

I’m thinking there must be a part number for the X11E missing link or the entire “three times strength” thing is a total scam. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link.

 

[eFat]

If you look at their website and choose the e-bike chains, the corresponding links are the "PRO" ones.
MissingLink 11 PRO Silver non-reusable for e-Bike | KMC Chain
MissingLink 11 PRO Gold non-reusable for e-Bike | KMC Chain

On the packaging you should have "11", "Non re-usable" and "CL555".

It doesn't say “three times strength” and a chain, any chain, won't break by itself on normal use if it's not defect. The main reason is a bad shifting.

 

[Mountie]

Thank you that’s what I needed I was being told that didn’t exist and to use a standard KMC non ebike missing link. This makes more sense thank you.

 

[Mountie]

Quick update at 172kms one approximately 106 miles on the KMC silver and it seems to be holding. It is showing some wear though not sure if it will last longer than the normal KMC.

 

[outerlimits]

Quick update at 172kms one approximately 106 miles on the KMC silver and it seems to be holding. It is showing some wear though not sure if it will last longer than the normal KMC.

My original KMC lasted 600km.
Tried a SRAM x1 and it shifted smoother and quieter and have just clocked 1100km on that and it’s due to be replaced.

 

[Mountie]

So the model number on the Sram you used is X1?

 

[R120]

One thing i have learnt is that cleaning and lubing the chain after each ride makes a big difference to performance on an e-bike - if i go 3 ride without doing so the drivetrain gets a lot clunkier

 

[Mountie]

Agreed, I clean every second and lube every ride fingers crossed.

 

[outerlimits]

So the model number on the Sram you used is X1?

SRAM PC X1
Pretty sure that’s the exact model. Not the pc xx1, which is dear as poison, but hardened and 4x more wear resistant
And a pc1130 would also be suitable and a bit cheaper than the x1

I also use Squirt wax based lube as I mainly ride in dry conditions. It’s ok in the wet too. Just got to degrease the new chain then apply. Then it’s just a matter of a wipe down with a rag to remove any dirt/ dust and relube.

 

[glovemtb77]

A guy with allot of experience at Luna told me go back to 9-speed and get a 9-speed e-bike specific chain or something like the x10 at least. 12-speed's are the thinnest and weakest and breaking e-bike chains in 12speeds systems are common. My latest e-bike comes with a 10-speed but I am going back to 9 speed when the cassette wears out. Just makes good sense, not to mention someone who has years and years of experience with 1000's of systems he has worked on over the years. For now after seeing this video I think I will just use the KMC X10 that came with the bike.
Yes, I know it is just one test...but still.

 

[DrStupid]

A guy with allot of experience at Luna told me go back to 9-speed and get a 9-speed e-bike specific chain or something like the x10 at least. 12-speed's are the thinnest and weakest and breaking e-bike chains in 12speeds systems are common. My latest e-bike comes with a 10-speed but I am going back to 9 speed when the cassette wears out. Just makes good sense, not to mention someone who has years and years of experience with 1000's of systems he has worked on over the years. For now after seeing this video I think I will just use the KMC X10 that came with the bike.
Yes, I know it is just one test...but still.

Do you have a 9 speed system already picked out, if so which one?

Reading the OP question about quick links brought to mind something I recently discovered, Wipperman Connex quick links are reusable, and that can be very handy.

 

[glovemtb77]

Do you have a 9 speed system already picked out, if so which one?

Reading the OP question about quick links brought to mind something I recently discovered, Wipperman Connex quick links are reusable, and that can be very handy.

No I don't, Luna was supposed to send me some info. I was thinking just a standard shim cassette or search on e-bike nine speed cassettes or something. Then use the kmc x9.93 or the X9-e ($$$ yikes). Yea man used to use those Wipperman Connex quick links for years, as well as the chains I had forgot about them.

 

[DrStupid]

It seems like 9 speeds were a tough nut to crack when I was looking into it. Box has one, and even an 8 speed, which I purchased, but never installed becuase the 10 speed system I've been using wont die.

I'd love to try one of those Luna beasties!