For 2015, Shimano's 105 groupset got a few high-profile upgrades. It's gone to 11-speed, and now has many of the same crankset technologies seen in Dura-Ace and Ultegra. As you'd expect, changes to the cassette and crankset also necessitate changes to the chain that connects them. Shimano designed the new SLX/105 CN-HG601 11-Speed Chain as one of the new 11-speed chains from the Japanese manufacturer. The HG601 differs from the HG901 in that it uses solid pins instead of hollow. This amounts to a weight gain of about 0. 08 grams per link, but it also adds to the durability and reliability of the only chain worthy of being associated with the hardworking 105 group. Despite its slightly higher weight, it does receive the same revolutionary new Sil-Tec ultra-low friction treatment as its more expensive sibling. Sil-Tec reduces friction dramatically while also increasing the chain's longevity and decreasing noise. Please note that while it's specifically designed for the new 11-speed 105 5800 and SLX M7000 groupsets, the CN-HG601 chain is also compatible with all of Shimano's 11-speed drivetrains.
Price: $31.20 from Backcountry
| Merchant | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| $31.20 | Visit Store |
The XTR/Dura-Ace CN-HG901 Chain keeps our bikes shifting with precision, and pairs brilliantly with Shimano's top-notch XTR and Dura-Ace 11-speed drivetrains. This model features a revised plate profile that's compatible with E-bikes and single-speed...
"What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: ""I run the XT CN-M8100 chain on all my 12-speed Shimano bikes—it's buttery smooth and shifts perfectly even under load. The HYPERGLIDE+ tech really does make a difference on punchy climbs and techy terrain,...
When you turn the pedals, you often take for granted that each link of your chain will go on grabbing each cog of your cassette for every mile of every ride. That is, until the day it stops, and you're left standing in the shoulder questioning your life...