Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain w/ Quick LIink

Ultegra 11 speed chains with QuickLink are awesome. Cost-effective and great performance. Wipe down lightly with a cloth after every ride. Combine with Rock and Roll Gold Lube for a great combination.

The HG701 chain is a good compromise between price and quality. Having more and better coating than the HG601, results in more resistance to tarnish from adverse conditions. My experience has been that the HG601 will show tarnish spots rather quickly on the face of the links. At the 701 level, the chain remains shiny silver throughout much of its life. The specially shaped links work with the 11s HG cassette for smoother, quieter shifting, even under some load both up and down the cassette. The 701 retails about $10-15 less the top model, HG901, and since performance and wear resistance seem negligible between the upper two models, the lower price point equates to the better value.

Works as expected. I would suggest buying the tool for the quick link. It makes connecting it much easier. I also suggest removing the factory grease and using some MucOff lube instead. I did not believe this would make an improvement until I tried. Much quieter.