jnbrown

It seems there is a shortage of Shimano 11 speed chains.
Looking for Dura Ace (HG901) or Ultegra (HG701).
I found this one on Amazon but have no way to know if it is counterfeit or not:

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Ulteg...TF8&th=1&psc=1

Thanks

cxwrench

We've been out of them forever, might have got 5 from QBP a little while ago, but that's it.

jnbrown

So are you using a different brand instead? I hate to not use Shimano as they have always been the best chain IME.

Thanks

Crankycrank

KMC have always been equal to Shimano dollar for dollar IME. Actually a little less expensive usually. KMC X11 11-Speed Stretch-Proof Gray Bike Chain 118L fits Campy SRAM Shimano 766759711771 | eBay This is just one of many sellers that have them in stock but I have used them a few times with excellent service and never any suspicion of selling fakes.

squirtdad

they are on back order (both ultegra and dura ace) at colorado cyclist. so am guessing it is just sign of the times

ThermionicScott 

Maybe prj71 knows where to find one...

SoSmellyAir

Ultegra / XT chain available (with one Shimano Quick Link) for $45 at one of my LBS:

Shimano XT HG701 11-Speed Chain - Southern California Bike Shop | Jax Bicycle (jaxbicycles.com)

When I bought a spare early this summer it was still only $40, which was already $5 more than the one currently installed on my bike.

Shipping is a bit expensive but what isn't nowadays?

Maybe jnbrown can order one for pickup at the San Clemente location if on the way to do something in the OC?

scottfsmith

I have had to order parts from Europe Asia etc. shipping is usually surprisingly cheap, the US domestic shipping prices have jacked up so much recently that the international prices are not much different.

looking up chains now I see bike-discount.de has them in stock.

jaxgtr

I bought a Shimano Ultegra chain from Backcountry about a month ago, but looks like they are out of stock now. My bet is that they are sitting in a container in port of on one of the ships of LA port.

Sy Reene

YBN chains do well in the frictionfacts testing, ie. https://moltenspeedwax.com/collections/ybn-chains
Otherwise, shop overseas and grab a potenza, record or non-series chain from Campy.. you'll have to supply your own quicklink though or be able to pin/peen

afm199

I've used KMC with zero problems, and on both my Shimano and SRAM bikes.

Bagel Bob

Can anyone offer an informed opinion on the original question? Is the chain in his Amazon link counterfeit? Is there any way to know for certain?

SoSmellyAir

No, who knows, and no; who can predict from pictures posted by a third party seller on Amazon.com whether an actual product to be shipped in the future will be authentic?

And even if anyone somehow could, why should the OP take the risk instead of ordering from the above link I posted from a legit SoCal LBS, which costs less!?

Sy Reene

I'm guessing Jax is rebranding one of the main equipment distributors' website. Note anything similar between all 3 of these?
https://www.jaxbicycles.com/product/...n-356156-1.htm
https://www.freewheelinbikes.org/pro...n-356156-1.htm
https://www.bikesourceonline.com/pro...n-356156-1.htm

By the way, another shop using the same storefront, but only have DuraAce chain if OP prefers
https://www.brandscycle.com/product/...n-356098-1.htm

tendency

Amazon has numerous KMC 11 speed versions in stock available via Prime. I've always used KMC and prefer it over Shimano. I've never had issues with authenticity when ordering from a Prime vendor that has 100s (or 1000s) of good reviews.

sch

FWIW, IME on 3 bikes and 5 chain sets over the past 8 yrs a 10 spd chain (KMC/SRAM/Shimano-used them all) works
fine on an 11spd cassette and chainrings. You use what is available.

GhostRider62

I would not order it.

1. No picture of the packaging
2. I do not like what I am seeing on the other side of the plates
3. It is not coming from a recognized store
4. Pins look all wrong

I could be wrong Old eyes and bad photos

jnbrown

I checked with Competitive Cyclist and they are saying December for Ultegra and January for Dura Ace so that is probably the real situation.
I have used KMC before but like Shimano better, seem quieter and better shifting but may have to compromise this time.
SRAM RED 22 seems to be liked a lot so I may go with that.

SoSmellyAir

Maybe? What I do know is that (1) Jax is a legit LBS chain and (2) there seems to be only a handful of website / online store templates which are used by so many bike shops. For example, yesterday I just order a RD-6800-SS from this bike shop:

Shimano Ultegra 11-Speed Rear Derailleur - Race Pace Bicycles | Baltimore Bike Shop

I hope it is legit; I have been looking for a RD-6800-SS (or RD-5800-SS) from a legit source for a long time.

Sy Reene

?? Meanwhile you've been provided 4 different sites that have Ultegra or DA chains in stock

EDIT: I take this partially back. It looks like two of the linked suppliers for some odd reason won't ship. One of them actually indicates: "This item is not permitted to be shipped direct to consumer..." which is pretty odd. It's not an overseas supplier

Sy Reene

It certainly seems legit. A simple look at their About page and you know this isn't a fake entity. https://www.racepacebicycles.com/abo...cles-pg447.htm
Likewise, probably could easily call them to confirm.

Sy Reene

So, now I'm curious about how this works. I'm sure it's not a scam, but what is this scenario all about?

Do this google search on the upc number for an Ultegra chain: https://www.google.com/search?q=upc+192790378619

Literally pages worth of hits, all to bike shop websites that look pretty darn similar, Most are listing this chain as in-stock, but store pickup is usually req'd, most will not ship anything but some will?

SoSmellyAir

My best guess is that it is a website and online store template offered ultimately by a single vendor as a white label software or platform, likely with the option to integrate with point-of-sale and inventory systems commonly used in the industry, which are only slightly customized or modified by downstream service providers. All the LBS and LBS chains who use it are probably similar sized (in terms of revenue and buying power), because once there is a template which works reasonably well there is little financial incentive to reinvent the wheel unless it is for a larger competitor. But to be sure we need to ask people who are in the industry.

Paging Psimet2001 and cxwrench ! Do you guys have any insight on why so many LBS have very similar website and online stores?

SoSmellyAir

Jax Bicycles now has 11 speed Dura Ace / XTR chain in stock:

Shimano XTR/Dura Ace HG901 11-Speed Chain - Southern California Bike Shop | Jax Bicycle (jaxbicycles.com)

scottfsmith

100% legit, there is a Race Pace store by where I work and I occasionally pop in when I need an odd part.