Riders and e-bike owners on an 11-speed drivetrain who want a reinforced Shimano chain that suits road, MTB and e-bike use.
The Shimano CN-HG701-11 is a directional 11-speed chain with SIL-TEC treatment on the roller link plates and pin link plates for extra durability. Its right and left sides are shaped for front and rear shifting, so it has to be fitted the right way round.
It is reinforced for e-bike use, and Shimano lists it for both HG and LINKGLIDE 11-speed systems. This one is 126 links with a Quick-Link connector, so most bikes will need it shortened to fit.
Directional HG-X11 design
Right and left sides are optimised for front and rear shifting, for smooth and reliable shifting performance.
SIL-TEC treatment
A low-friction surface treatment on the roller link and pin link plates for increased durability. Shimano describes the chain as more efficient and silent, with less maintenance.
Reinforced for e-bikes
A new chain plate dimension and a reinforced design make it compatible with 11-speed road, MTB and e-bike drivetrains.
Quick-Link included
Supplied at 126 links with a Quick-Link connector for joining the chain.
Chain
Use and weight
HG-X11
Shimano's directional 11-speed chain design. Right and left sides are optimised for front and rear shifting respectively, for smoother shifts and greater overall performance.
SIL-TEC
Shimano's ultra-low friction surface treatment. It is a plating process with embedded fluorine particles, so parts run smoother and wear longer in all conditions.
Great for
Maybe not for
Supplied at 126 links, so compare it against your old chain or your bike's recommended length and shorten it before joining if needed. Shimano's listed weight of 257 g is for a 114-link chain, so a 126-link chain weighs more.
Look after it the way Shimano says
Clean the chain regularly with a proper chain cleaner and avoid alkali or acid based solvents such as rust cleaners, which Shimano warns can make a chain break. Before you ride, check for deformed or cracked links, skipping, or gears that shift on their own, and have any problem looked at by a mechanic.
