Ordered a new chain what I got was fake
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I'm thinking maybe contact KMC directly about your suspect chain (with photos). They may want to know more and can confirm it's real or they may just tell you to purchase from "reputable" dealers but it's worth a try. Companies are flooded with claims of fake products these days so they don't always jump on every possible patent thief.
#28
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The good KMC chains are made in China, so being Chinese-made doesn't mean it's bad.
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#29
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Ok, I've looked around, and maybe KMC did themselves a disservice with their packaging. They went from decent graphics to something so plain that anybody could just copy it, or it looks that way. Look at the examples above, the right side one is the current packaging and compare it to the middle one. On the one that I received it didn't even have the full model number, just X8.
So maybe it wasn't a fake, but even the chain itself didn't look right. I'm using KMC chains on my other bikes and I always thought they looked like quality chains, but the one I had just received just did not. I'll see what the re-ordered chain looks like.
So maybe it wasn't a fake, but even the chain itself didn't look right. I'm using KMC chains on my other bikes and I always thought they looked like quality chains, but the one I had just received just did not. I'll see what the re-ordered chain looks like.
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Here are the current KMC 8sp chains from their "Official" website. Does yours look like any of these? https://store.kmcchain.us/c/road-bike_8-speed
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A few months back I ordered a new 8 speed chain from Amazon. Clicking on the OP's link, it turns out I ordered the exact same as they. The 8sp chain now comes in the plastic case and is denoted on the package as an X8, no longer as a X8.99. There is a small sticker on the back that identifies it as a X8.99 From what I see, the .99 denotes the silver version.
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A few months back I ordered a new 8 speed chain from Amazon. Clicking on the OP's link, it turns out I ordered the exact same as they. The 8sp chain now comes in the plastic case and is denoted on the package as an X8, no longer as a X8.99. There is a small sticker on the back that identifies it as a X8.99 From what I see, the .99 denotes the silver version.
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Here are the current KMC 8sp chains from their "Official" website. Does yours look like any of these? https://store.kmcchain.us/c/road-bike_8-speed
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No, I think the 7.3mm link is correct. Every one of my X8.9x chains came with the 7.3mm links. Only some of my older Z7-type chains came with the narrower 7.1mm link.
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The 7.3 mm KMC links are black, 7.1 are shiny silver, at least any I have seen.
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I know it says 7.3 pin length right on the box, but any I have sold and installed came with a 7.1 link. Also used many 7.1 replacement links off the card and they are a perfect fit. Just tried one now to confirm I'm not going senile.Tried a 7.3 and it's way sloppy.
The 7.3 mm KMC links are black, 7.1 are shiny silver, at least any I have seen.
The 7.3 mm KMC links are black, 7.1 are shiny silver, at least any I have seen.
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7.3mm links being black may be a recent (or very old) thing. I'm attaching a picture below of a 7.3mm link (you can tell by the part number...as you probably know, CL571 is a 7.1mm link and CL573 is a 7.3mm link) on a 2016 vintage X8.99 chain. Both the link and the chain are entirely silver. I have a good number of extra links, too, and they're all silver. I have the 7.1mm links, 7.3mm links, and whatever 9-speed uses (6.6mm?)...all are silver.
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It looks like the black links may have been a recent change. Here is a link to silver carded ones. And, though it doesn't show the card itself, here is a link to ones that appear to be black. It is interesting that your X8 chain connects with 7.1mm links. I have a few of the 7.1s, but only for some of my older Z7 chains. The 7.1s don't work with any of my X8 chains.
There definitely seems to be some confusion around 7.1 vs. 7.3. This link, for 7.1mm links, includes a number of reports that these are too narrow for certain chains.
There definitely seems to be some confusion around 7.1 vs. 7.3. This link, for 7.1mm links, includes a number of reports that these are too narrow for certain chains.
Last edited by hokiefyd; 10-21-19 at 05:24 AM.
#39
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I ordered a KMC X8.99 chain on Amazon and what I received was in a box that didn't match the box on the KMC website. Apparently there are enough fakes out there that KMC publishes the packaging. It was marked as X8, without the .99, and it looked to be a flimsy fake made in China. Other Amazon reviews said the same thing.
I'll try again, but not on Amazon. I've ordered a lot of stuff on Amazon and get an occasional clunker, but this one ticked me off because it was so obviously not the product I ordered. They need to clamp down on the sellers using the platform and ensure that what they advertise is what you get.
I'll try again, but not on Amazon. I've ordered a lot of stuff on Amazon and get an occasional clunker, but this one ticked me off because it was so obviously not the product I ordered. They need to clamp down on the sellers using the platform and ensure that what they advertise is what you get.
#40
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There was for a decade much confusion as to KMC's connecting link widths, which for so long were named "Missing Link" and "Missing Link II"
I received many Amazon question requests as to this very subject in my email, and still do (got another one yesterday).
Additionally, I have myself experienced confusion as to the chain's actual inner-link widths as relates to the proper link needed and as to the width printed on KMC's boxes. KMC has royally messed this up for years, a marketing disaster of sorts imo.
I have more than once broken out the calipers to waste five minutes again measuring chains and links.
Recently the connecting links show up without the old names, but having the actual width (7.1 or 7.3mm) printed on their packaging.
Only to now have confusion about their newer chains inner-link width (which isn't specified, but which is what affects the connecting link fitting or not).
Measuring KMC chains, I can't recall often getting a clear-enough measurement that made it certain whether a chain was 7.1 or 7.3mm. How's 7.2 for you?
Fortunately for me, I have a box of remnants at hand with which to make all needed comparisons. And, if the narrower link fits ok, I always choose the narrower one.
Shimano HG70, 90 and 91 all use the wider link, but certain of the older 7/8s IG chains (i.e. some but not others) used the narrower one! Shimano OTOH made all of them work with the same length of connecting pin.
I fear that KMC have perhaps managed to re-create all of the old confusion all over again(?)!
This is the sort of confusion that marketers normally make absolutely sure to avoid, no?
Kind of a shame as I have quite often chosen KMC chains and links as a good buy.
As for KMC making Shimano chains, Shimano's upper-end chains have been and I believe still are made in Shimano's plants in Japan and Malaysia.
KMC's Z-series (vs. their X-series) chains seem reliable and work well for a quite-low price, but measuring their variation of roller spacing from link to link tells me that they are of a quality far below the HG70 chain. So I don't use these on my more precious freewheels and cassettes.
I received many Amazon question requests as to this very subject in my email, and still do (got another one yesterday).
Additionally, I have myself experienced confusion as to the chain's actual inner-link widths as relates to the proper link needed and as to the width printed on KMC's boxes. KMC has royally messed this up for years, a marketing disaster of sorts imo.
I have more than once broken out the calipers to waste five minutes again measuring chains and links.
Recently the connecting links show up without the old names, but having the actual width (7.1 or 7.3mm) printed on their packaging.
Only to now have confusion about their newer chains inner-link width (which isn't specified, but which is what affects the connecting link fitting or not).
Measuring KMC chains, I can't recall often getting a clear-enough measurement that made it certain whether a chain was 7.1 or 7.3mm. How's 7.2 for you?
Fortunately for me, I have a box of remnants at hand with which to make all needed comparisons. And, if the narrower link fits ok, I always choose the narrower one.
Shimano HG70, 90 and 91 all use the wider link, but certain of the older 7/8s IG chains (i.e. some but not others) used the narrower one! Shimano OTOH made all of them work with the same length of connecting pin.
I fear that KMC have perhaps managed to re-create all of the old confusion all over again(?)!
This is the sort of confusion that marketers normally make absolutely sure to avoid, no?
Kind of a shame as I have quite often chosen KMC chains and links as a good buy.
As for KMC making Shimano chains, Shimano's upper-end chains have been and I believe still are made in Shimano's plants in Japan and Malaysia.
KMC's Z-series (vs. their X-series) chains seem reliable and work well for a quite-low price, but measuring their variation of roller spacing from link to link tells me that they are of a quality far below the HG70 chain. So I don't use these on my more precious freewheels and cassettes.
Last edited by dddd; 10-21-19 at 07:36 PM.
#41
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Hello,
The chain may not be a fake. At the co-op where I volunteer, I’ve noticed changes in the finish of KMC 8 speed chains. To me they look cheaper. We get them in cartons of ten & the individual packaging often changes. I remember seeing some in the plain white package with what looked like a rubber stamp label with a part number and “8 speed” on it.
hope this helps.
Cheers,
Van
The chain may not be a fake. At the co-op where I volunteer, I’ve noticed changes in the finish of KMC 8 speed chains. To me they look cheaper. We get them in cartons of ten & the individual packaging often changes. I remember seeing some in the plain white package with what looked like a rubber stamp label with a part number and “8 speed” on it.
hope this helps.
Cheers,
Van
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#42
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KMC here to answer a few questions from the above conversation:
- Not sure about the chain that the OP bought as there are many accounts selling fake chains of all speeds (regardless of price). We are trying to clamp down on this but the gray market is difficult to eliminate and a very hard animal to tame.
- we produce all of our own chains. We don't outsource chain production so there aren't any rogue production lines out there or "extra" production stock being sold.
- X8 new packaging is the plastic box. There is still some old packaging in the market but all should be changed over soon. If you buy any chains in sketchy looking packaging or in bags or plain white boxes or whatever else is out there, this could be fake or not official product.
- X8 is 7.3mm and corresponding connecting links are 7.3mm. These come in several color options and have the code CL573 or CL573R (R = reusable).
- Not sure about the chain that the OP bought as there are many accounts selling fake chains of all speeds (regardless of price). We are trying to clamp down on this but the gray market is difficult to eliminate and a very hard animal to tame.
- we produce all of our own chains. We don't outsource chain production so there aren't any rogue production lines out there or "extra" production stock being sold.
- X8 new packaging is the plastic box. There is still some old packaging in the market but all should be changed over soon. If you buy any chains in sketchy looking packaging or in bags or plain white boxes or whatever else is out there, this could be fake or not official product.
- X8 is 7.3mm and corresponding connecting links are 7.3mm. These come in several color options and have the code CL573 or CL573R (R = reusable).
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KMC here to answer a few questions from the above conversation:
- Not sure about the chain that the OP bought as there are many accounts selling fake chains of all speeds (regardless of price). We are trying to clamp down on this but the gray market is difficult to eliminate and a very hard animal to tame.
- we produce all of our own chains. We don't outsource chain production so there aren't any rogue production lines out there or "extra" production stock being sold.
- X8 new packaging is the plastic box. There is still some old packaging in the market but all should be changed over soon. If you buy any chains in sketchy looking packaging or in bags or plain white boxes or whatever else is out there, this could be fake or not official product.
- X8 is 7.3mm and corresponding connecting links are 7.3mm. These come in several color options and have the code CL573 or CL573R (R = reusable).
- Not sure about the chain that the OP bought as there are many accounts selling fake chains of all speeds (regardless of price). We are trying to clamp down on this but the gray market is difficult to eliminate and a very hard animal to tame.
- we produce all of our own chains. We don't outsource chain production so there aren't any rogue production lines out there or "extra" production stock being sold.
- X8 new packaging is the plastic box. There is still some old packaging in the market but all should be changed over soon. If you buy any chains in sketchy looking packaging or in bags or plain white boxes or whatever else is out there, this could be fake or not official product.
- X8 is 7.3mm and corresponding connecting links are 7.3mm. These come in several color options and have the code CL573 or CL573R (R = reusable).
I apparently added to the confusion earlier in the thread when I made the erroneous assertion that X8 chain uses a 7.1 link.
But here is what I hope you can clear up for me. The fact is I have been using 7.1 links on X8 chains forever. I have installed countless KMC links on chains up to 11 speed so I think I have a pretty good feel for how easily they should go on and how freely they should pivot.
Also when I put the calliper over the pins, I get something like 7.04 mm.
anyway as I said earlier, just to satisfy myself that I am not going crazy, I went to the shop and test fitted a 7,1 link, and, guess what. It snapped right on as it always has in the past, and pivots nice and freely like it should.
So, I remain as confused as ever.
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Thank you for chiming in. Always good to have industry representatives to clarify issues.
I apparently added to the confusion earlier in the thread when I made the erroneous assertion that X8 chain uses a 7.1 link.
But here is what I hope you can clear up for me. The fact is I have been using 7.1 links on X8 chains forever. I have installed countless KMC links on chains up to 11 speed so I think I have a pretty good feel for how easily they should go on and how freely they should pivot.
Also when I put the calliper over the pins, I get something like 7.04 mm.
anyway as I said earlier, just to satisfy myself that I am not going crazy, I went to the shop and test fitted a 7,1 link, and, guess what. It snapped right on as it always has in the past, and pivots nice and freely like it should.
So, I remain as confused as ever.
I apparently added to the confusion earlier in the thread when I made the erroneous assertion that X8 chain uses a 7.1 link.
But here is what I hope you can clear up for me. The fact is I have been using 7.1 links on X8 chains forever. I have installed countless KMC links on chains up to 11 speed so I think I have a pretty good feel for how easily they should go on and how freely they should pivot.
Also when I put the calliper over the pins, I get something like 7.04 mm.
anyway as I said earlier, just to satisfy myself that I am not going crazy, I went to the shop and test fitted a 7,1 link, and, guess what. It snapped right on as it always has in the past, and pivots nice and freely like it should.
So, I remain as confused as ever.
#46
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Yes, thank you for answering. I'm not sure at this point whether what I got was real or not since I sent it back immediately, my son lives down the street from UPS and happened to be there when I opened the package. I'm not a graphics designer, but I don't think the new packaging does you any favors. It left the product feeling too generic and didn't distinguish between the various X8 varieties. Just looking at the pics in the earlier post makes it obvious, the older cardboard box has X8.93 on it and some features of the chain, speeds that it works with, etc... The plastic box just says X8 with a generic "superior shifting performance". Nothing about the chain. Now since a lot of this is sold online maybe it doesn't matter as much, but it wouldn't jump off a shelf.
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Yes, thank you for answering. I'm not sure at this point whether what I got was real or not since I sent it back immediately, my son lives down the street from UPS and happened to be there when I opened the package. I'm not a graphics designer, but I don't think the new packaging does you any favors. It left the product feeling too generic and didn't distinguish between the various X8 varieties. Just looking at the pics in the earlier post makes it obvious, the older cardboard box has X8.93 on it and some features of the chain, speeds that it works with, etc... The plastic box just says X8 with a generic "superior shifting performance". Nothing about the chain. Now since a lot of this is sold online maybe it doesn't matter as much, but it wouldn't jump off a shelf.
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It left the product feeling too generic and didn't distinguish between the various X8 varieties. Just looking at the pics in the earlier post makes it obvious, the older cardboard box has X8.93 on it and some features of the chain, speeds that it works with, etc... The plastic box just says X8 with a generic "superior shifting performance". Nothing about the chain.
I like the new model name designations. The old Z50, Z51, Z72, etc...that got confusing. I do agree the packaging looks more generic today, though I appreciate the effort towards being able to recycle the package.