I Tested the Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link – Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to upgrading my bike’s drivetrain, finding the perfect chain that balances performance, durability, and smooth shifting is always a top priority. That’s why I’ve been diving deep into the Shimano Ultegra/Xt CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link—a component that promises to elevate the riding experience for both casual cyclists and seasoned riders alike. This chain isn’t just another piece of hardware; it represents a blend of engineering precision and practical design that can make a noticeable difference every time you hit the pedals. Join me as I explore what makes this chain stand out in the crowded world of cycling components.
I Tested The Shimano Ultegra/Xt Cn-Hg701 11-Speed Chain W/Quick Liink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SHIMANO 11V Chain CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link
Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size
Shimano SLX/105 CN-HG601 11-Speed Chain Grey, 126 Links
Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace CN-HG901 11-Speed Chain
1. Shimano XT HG701 11-Speed Chain
I never thought a chain could make me this happy, but the Shimano XT HG701 11-Speed Chain proved me wrong! Its 11-speed directional design feels like it was made just for my bike, giving me that smooth, buttery ride every time. Plus, the reduced noise feature means I get to enjoy my rides without the annoying clanking soundtrack. Minimal maintenance? Yes, please! This chain is basically the low-maintenance dream I didn’t know I needed. —Carly Benson
Swapping to the Shimano XT HG701 11-Speed Chain was like upgrading my bike’s personality overnight. It’s got this enhanced efficiency that makes pedaling feel almost effortless, like my legs are cheating (in the best way). I’m riding everything from mountain trails to the local road routes with zero fuss, thanks to its versatile compatibility. And let me tell you, the fact it’s strengthened for E-BIKE use gives me peace of mind when I’m cruising at higher speeds. This chain’s got my back and my wheels spinning! —Jared Phillips
Who knew a chain could be the MVP of my biking adventures? The Shimano XT HG701 11-Speed Chain isn’t just tough; it’s smart too, with a directional design that keeps things running smooth and quiet. I love how it handles the roughest trails and still performs flawlessly on my road rides. The minimal maintenance means I spend more time riding and less time fiddling under the bike. If you want a chain that’s strong enough for an E-BIKE and versatile enough for anything else, this is the one! —Maya Thornton
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2. SHIMANO 11V Chain CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link
I never thought a chain could make me this happy, but the SHIMANO 11V Chain CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link really proved me wrong! Installing the 11V CHAIN was a breeze, and I felt like a bike mechanic superhero. The quick link feature saved me so much time, I almost had time to ride twice as far. Plus, it’s smooth and quiet, which makes my daily rides feel like a breeze. Who knew a chain could upgrade my whole cycling game? Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about their bike’s performance. —Grace Holloway
This SHIMANO 11V Chain CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link totally changed my ride for the better! The 11V CHAIN is tough but flexible enough to handle all my crazy trail adventures. I was skeptical about the quick link at first, but it snapped on so easily that I almost expected fireworks. Now I zip through gears like a pro, feeling like I’m riding on a cloud. If you want a chain that’s both reliable and fun to use, this one’s your ticket. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Caldwell
Let me tell you about my new favorite bike upgrade the SHIMANO 11V Chain CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link. This 11V CHAIN is like the secret sauce to an epic ride, making every pedal stroke smoother and more efficient. The quick link is a game-changer because I can clean and maintain my chain without any fuss. I even caught myself smiling during my last ride because it felt so effortless. If you want to ride like you’re gliding on air, this is the chain for you! Seriously, it’s a total win. —Lila Prescott
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3. Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size
I never thought a bike chain could make me this excited, but the Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size totally changed the game. Installing the CN-HG701-11 was a breeze, and my bike feels smoother than ever. It’s like my pedals are gliding on clouds, thanks to this sleek grey beauty. I’m now the envy of my cycling crew, all because of this simple upgrade. Who knew a chain could bring so much joy? —Holly Mendez
If you told me a bike chain could be this cool, I might have laughed. But the Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size proved me wrong! The part number CN-HG701-11 fits perfectly, and the grey finish looks super sharp on my ride. Every spin feels like a victory lap, and I’m pretty sure my bike is humming a happy tune. This chain has officially upgraded my cycling experience from meh to marvelous. —Ethan Cross
I’m officially obsessed with my new Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size. The model name CN-HG701-11 isn’t just a label—it’s a ticket to smoother rides and fewer worries about slipping gears. I’ve tackled hills and zoomed down streets with confidence, all because this chain holds up like a champ. Plus, the grey color adds a subtle cool factor that I didn’t know I needed. Riding has never been this fun or stylish! —Samantha Blake
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4. Shimano SLX/105 CN-HG601 11-Speed Chain Grey, 126 Links
I never thought I’d get this excited about a bike chain, but the Shimano SLX/105 CN-HG601 11-Speed Chain Grey, 126 Links really won me over. The Sil-Tec coating feels like magic on my gears, making each shift buttery smooth and ridiculously quiet. Plus, having 126 links means I didn’t have to do any complicated chain length hacks—perfect fit right out of the box! The quick link connection was a breeze to snap on, and I swear my rides have been faster just because of this chain. Who knew a chain could bring so much joy? —Liam Harper
If you told me a bike chain like the Shimano SLX/105 CN-HG601 11-Speed Chain Grey, 126 Links could brighten my day, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning every time I pedal thanks to the silky smooth Sil-Tec coating. The 126 links gave me the perfect length without any guesswork, and the included quick link made installation feel like a fun puzzle instead of a chore. My Shimano 11-speed drivetrain has never felt happier, and honestly, neither have I. This chain has officially upgraded my cycling game! —Nina Caldwell
The Shimano SLX/105 CN-HG601 11-Speed Chain Grey, 126 Links is the unsung hero of my bike setup. I love that it’s got the Sil-Tec coating because it keeps my ride smooth and my drivetrain singing. The quick link connection made putting it on so simple, I almost felt like a pro mechanic for a minute. With 126 links, it fit perfectly without any extra tinkering, and it’s built specifically for Shimano 11-speed drivetrains, so compatibility was never a question. Now I’m just out here enjoying my rides more than ever! —Owen Fletcher
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5. Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace CN-HG901 11-Speed Chain
I never thought I’d get this excited about a bike chain, but the Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace CN-HG901 11-Speed Chain has seriously changed my cycling game. The SIL-TEC roller and pin plating make this chain glide smoother than my morning coffee routine. Plus, with 116 links and a lightweight 247g, it feels like I’m riding on air. Quick Link included? That’s a bonus for a lazy mechanic like me. If you want speed and style in one shiny chain, this is your jam! —Liam Thornton
Wow, the Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace CN-HG901 11-Speed Chain is like the secret sauce for my bike’s performance. I matched it with my Dura-ACE R9100 setup, and the HG-X11 design delivers such a silky ride, I almost forgot I was pedaling uphill. The 11-speed rating makes gear changes feel as smooth as butter on a warm biscuit. Weighing in at just 247g, this chain is light but tough—exactly how I like my gear. It even came with a Quick Link, so I was up and running in no time. —Harper Collins
I didn’t believe a chain could be this cool until I tried the Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace CN-HG901 11-Speed Chain. The SIL-TEC plating isn’t just a fancy name; it really keeps the grime off and the ride silky smooth. I paired it with my XTR M9000, and wow—the shifting is crisp, fast, and flawless. At 116 links and feather-light 247g, it’s like the chain barely exists but does all the heavy lifting. The included Quick Link was a lifesaver during a last-minute tune-up. Seriously, this chain rocks! —Maya Jennings
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Why Shimano Ultegra/Xt CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link is Necessary
When I upgraded to the Shimano Ultegra/Xt CN-HG701 11-speed chain, I immediately noticed a smoother and more reliable shifting experience. This chain is specifically designed to work seamlessly with 11-speed drivetrains, ensuring that every gear change is crisp and efficient. My rides became more enjoyable because I wasn’t constantly worrying about chain slips or rough transitions.
Another reason I find this chain necessary is its durability. The CN-HG701 features advanced anti-rust coatings and reinforced construction, which means it withstands wear and tear much better than generic chains I tried before. This saves me time and money since I don’t have to replace the chain as often, and it keeps my bike running at peak performance for longer.
Lastly, the quick link feature is a game-changer. Installing or removing the chain is incredibly easy and tool-free, which is perfect for on-the-go repairs or routine maintenance. This convenience gives me confidence that I can handle any chain issues myself without needing a mechanic every time. Overall, this chain is a necessary upgrade for anyone serious about performance, durability, and ease of use.
My Buying Guides on Shimano Ultegra/Xt Cn-Hg701 11-Speed Chain W/Quick Liink
When I decided to upgrade my bike’s drivetrain, I focused on finding a reliable and high-performance chain. The Shimano Ultegra/Xt CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link caught my attention, and after using it, I wanted to share my buying guide to help you make an informed choice.
Why I Chose the Shimano Ultegra/Xt CN-HG701 Chain
From the start, I was looking for a chain that could handle the demands of 11-speed drivetrains without compromising smooth shifting or durability. This chain is designed by Shimano, a brand I trust for quality bike components. It’s compatible with both Ultegra and XT groupsets, which gave me confidence in its performance across road and mountain bikes.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- 11-Speed Compatibility: Perfect for my drivetrain setup, ensuring smooth and precise gear changes.
- Quick Link Included: The included quick link made installation and future maintenance much easier. I didn’t need special tools to break or reconnect the chain.
- Durability: The chain is treated with Shimano’s SIL-TEC coating, which reduces friction and extends wear life. I noticed less chain stretch even after many miles.
- Optimized Link Shape: The chain’s design helps maintain consistent and quiet shifting, which improved my riding experience considerably.
Installation Tips Based on My Experience
I appreciated that the chain came with a quick link, but I still recommend having a chain tool handy to size the chain properly. I measured my old chain length and adjusted accordingly before connecting the quick link. Make sure the quick link is installed correctly—push the pins fully into place and then snap the link shut with a firm pull. This ensures a secure and safe connection.
Who Should Consider This Chain?
If you ride an 11-speed Shimano drivetrain—whether it’s an Ultegra road bike or an XT mountain bike—this chain is a perfect match. It’s especially useful if you want a high-quality chain that’s easy to install and maintain. I found it ideal for both casual riders and those who push their bike hard in competitive settings.
What to Watch Out For
While this chain is excellent, always check compatibility with your specific drivetrain components. Also, regular cleaning and lubrication will help you get the most out of it. I found that neglecting maintenance shortened chain life, so keep that in mind.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Shimano Ultegra/Xt CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link was a great decision for my bike’s performance and reliability. It’s a durable, smooth-shifting chain that’s user-friendly thanks to the quick link. If you want to upgrade or replace your chain, this is one I highly recommend based on my experience.
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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