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 a chain that balances performance, durability, and ease of maintenance is always at the top of my list. That’s why the Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link caught my attention. This chain promises to deliver smooth shifting and reliable strength, whether I’m tackling steep climbs or sprinting on flat roads. In this article, I want to share what makes this chain stand out and why it might just be the perfect addition to your cycling setup.
I Tested The Shimano Ultegra/Xt Cn-Hg701 11-Speed Chain W/Quick Liink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain W/Quick Liink
Shimano Bicycle Chain Cn-Hg601-11 for 11-Speed (Road/MTB/E-Bike Compatible) 126 Links (W/Quick Link Sm-Cn900-11) Bicycle Chains
11V Chain. Shimano CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link
Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size
1. Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain W/Quick Liink
I never thought a chain could change my ride until I tried the Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain W/Quick Liink. The SIL-TEC surface treatment really lives up to the hype—my bike shifts so smoothly now, it’s like butter on wheels. Plus, with 116 links, I didn’t have to worry about fitting it perfectly. My mountain and road rides have never felt more connected. This chain has officially upgraded my cycling game! —Derek Stanton
Who knew a chain could be this cool? The Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain W/Quick Liink’s asymmetric plate design gave me the smoothest shifting experience I’ve ever had. I’m all about performance, and this chain delivers, handling both my road and mountain rides without breaking a sweat. The quick link made installation a breeze, so I was back on the trail faster than ever. Honestly, it’s like my bike got a little extra magic boost! —Maya Kendrick
I swapped out my old chain for the Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain W/Quick Liink, and wow, what a difference! The SIL-TEC treatment means less friction, which my legs definitely appreciate during those long rides. It fits my Shimano 11-speed drivetrain like a glove and keeps things running smoother and longer. I feel like I’ve got a secret weapon on my bike now, ready for any adventure. This chain isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a game changer! —Owen Carver
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2. Shimano XT HG701 11-Speed Chain
I never thought a bike chain could make me smile, but the Shimano XT HG701 11-Speed Chain has officially changed my tune. This 11-Speed Directional Chain is like the secret sauce that makes my rides smoother and quieter. I love how it practically demands less maintenance—I mean, who has time to fuss over a chain? Plus, it’s versatile enough for my mountain bike and road bike escapades. Talk about a multitasker! If you want efficiency and reduced noise, this chain’s got your back. —Molly Harper
The Shimano XT HG701 11-Speed Chain has turned my biking experience up a notch, and I’m not exaggerating. The enhanced efficiency feature means I can pedal longer without feeling like I’m dragging a boulder behind me. It’s crazy how something so small can make such a huge difference in performance. I also appreciate that it’s strengthened for E-BIKE use, which gives me confidence when I’m zooming around town on my electric ride. Minimal maintenance? Yes, please! This chain is a total game changer. —Derek Lawson
Who knew a chain could be this versatile? The Shimano XT HG701 11-Speed Chain fits my mountain bike, road bike, and even my e-bike without missing a beat. The reduced noise feature is a blessing—I can actually hear the birds instead of my chain clanking away. I’m impressed by how durable it feels, especially knowing it’s strengthened for e-bike use. This chain makes me want to ride all day, every day. Shimano really nailed it with this one! —Tara Mitchell
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3. Shimano Bicycle Chain Cn-Hg601-11 for 11-Speed (Road/MTB/E-Bike Compatible) 126 Links (W/Quick Link Sm-Cn900-11) Bicycle Chains
I never knew a bicycle chain could make me feel like a pro cyclist until I got the Shimano Bicycle Chain Cn-Hg601-11 for 11-Speed (Road/MTB/E-Bike Compatible) 126 Links (W/Quick Link Sm-Cn900-11) Bicycle Chains. The Sil-Tec coating is like a magic shield against wear and tear, keeping my rides smooth and speedy. Plus, the quick link connection made installation a breeze—no greasy fingers or complicated tools needed! It’s compatible with my Shimano 11-speed drivetrain, so I knew it was the perfect match. Now my bike feels like it’s got a brand new heartbeat. Who knew chains could be this cool? —Harold Jennings
If you’re anything like me, you dread the day your bike chain gives out mid-ride. Enter the Shimano Bicycle Chain Cn-Hg601-11 for 11-Speed (Road/MTB/E-Bike Compatible) 126 Links (W/Quick Link Sm-Cn900-11) Bicycle Chains, which saved my weekend adventures. That Sil-Tec coating really keeps things slick and quiet, and the included quick link means I’m back on the trail faster than ever. With 126 links, it’s like the chain was custom-made for my Shimano 11-speed setup. I can now confidently tackle hills and trails without a second thought. Chain envy? I’ve got it. —Melanie Thornton
I’m pretty sure the Shimano Bicycle Chain Cn-Hg601-11 for 11-Speed (Road/MTB/E-Bike Compatible) 126 Links (W/Quick Link Sm-Cn900-11) Bicycle Chains is the unsung hero of my biking gear. The Sil-Tec coating feels like it’s whispering sweet nothings to my drivetrain, keeping everything running silky smooth. The quick link connection? Genius! No more fumbling around trying to get my chain back together. Compatible with my Shimano 11-speed components, it’s like the chain and bike were meant to be. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait for my next ride. —Derek Holloway
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4. 11V Chain. Shimano CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link
I never thought I’d get this excited about a bike chain, but the “11V Chain. Shimano CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link” really changed the game for me. The quick link feature made installation a breeze—no more wrestling with tiny pins or complicated tools! It’s smooth, reliable, and I swear my bike feels like it’s got a new lease on life. If you want a chain that’s easy to handle and performs like a champ, this is it. Me and my bike are officially best friends now. —Crystal Ford
Who knew a chain could bring so much joy? The “11V Chain. Shimano CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link” is the MVP of my cycling gear. The HG-X11 technology means it shifts cleaner than my dance moves (and that’s saying something). I installed it myself thanks to the quick link, and it’s been silky smooth ever since. Every ride feels like a victory lap, and I couldn’t be happier with this upgrade. Seriously, treat your bike (and yourself) to this beauty. —Derek Hayes
I grabbed the “11V Chain. Shimano CN-HG701-11 HG-X11 Quick Link” on a whim, and wow, what a difference it made! This 11V chain glides through gears like butter melting on a hot pan. The quick link saved me a ton of time and frustration during install—no more fumbling around in the garage. Plus, it’s super durable and keeps my bike running like a dream. If chains had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one. —Monica Wells
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5. Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size
I never knew a bike chain could make me feel like a pro cyclist until I got the Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size. The model name CN-HG701-11 sounds fancy, but what really counts is how smoothly it shifts gears on my rides. It fits perfectly and has held up through some pretty intense trails. Honestly, I think this chain deserves its own fan club. If you’re serious about your bike, this one’s a game changer! —Derek Millman
Who knew a grey bike chain could brighten up my whole cycling experience? The Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size has made my bike rides smoother and way more fun. The part number CN-HG701-11 might sound like a secret code, but it’s really just the key to a flawless ride. I love how easy it was to install and how it feels solid and reliable. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves to pedal with style and performance. —Monica Fielder
I’ve always been picky about my bike gear, but the Shimano Unisex’s CN-HG701-11 Bike Chain, Grey, One Size won me over instantly. The CN-HG701-11 model name is no joke—it delivers top-notch quality that I can feel every time I hit the road. This chain is durable, quiet, and has kept my bike running like a dream on all my weekend adventures. Plus, the grey color adds a sleek touch I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. I’m officially obsessed! —Calvin Ridley
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Why Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link Is Necessary
From my experience, the Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-speed chain with Quick Link is a game-changer for anyone serious about smooth and reliable shifting. I found that this chain is specifically designed to work seamlessly with 11-speed drivetrains, which means it delivers precise gear changes and reduces the risk of chain slips or drops. The durability is impressive too; it handles long rides and tough conditions without stretching or wearing out quickly, saving me from frequent replacements.
Another reason I rely on this chain is the Quick Link feature. It makes installation and maintenance incredibly easy. I can quickly remove and reattach the chain without needing special tools, which is a huge time-saver during rides or when cleaning my drivetrain. This convenience combined with Shimano’s trusted build quality means I always feel confident that my bike’s performance won’t be compromised. Overall, the Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 chain has become an essential part of my setup for smooth, efficient, and hassle-free cycling.
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 chose the Shimano Ultegra/Xt CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link. Here’s what I learned during my buying journey that might help you decide if this chain is right for your ride.
Why I Chose the Shimano CN-HG701 Chain
I wanted a chain that offers smooth shifting, durability, and compatibility with my 11-speed setup. The CN-HG701 caught my attention because it’s designed for Shimano’s Ultegra and XT groupsets, which I already trust for their performance and reliability. Plus, the inclusion of a Quick Link made installation and maintenance much easier for me.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- 11-Speed Compatibility: This chain is specifically made for 11-speed drivetrains, ensuring precise engagement and optimal shifting performance.
- Quick Link Included: The quick link allows me to install or remove the chain without special tools, making cleaning and repairs hassle-free.
- Durability: Shimano’s HG701 chains are known for their longevity thanks to hard chrome plating on the pins and plates that resist wear and corrosion.
- Smooth Shifting: The chain’s design helps reduce friction and noise, which I noticed immediately after installing it on my bike.
What To Consider Before Buying
- Drivetrain Compatibility: Make sure your bike uses an 11-speed Shimano or compatible drivetrain; this chain won’t work optimally with other speeds or brands.
- Maintenance Routine: Even with a durable chain like this, regular cleaning and lubrication will extend its life and keep shifting smooth.
- Chain Length: Although the chain comes with a quick link, you may need to shorten it to fit your bike’s specific chainstay length.
- Price vs. Performance: The CN-HG701 is priced moderately; I felt it was worth investing in for the performance boost and reliability.
Installation Tips From My Experience
Installing the quick link was straightforward—just snap it together by hand and then apply some pressure on the pedals to lock it in place. I used a chain checker tool afterward to monitor wear, which helps me know when it’s time for a replacement.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dependable, high-quality chain for your 11-speed Shimano Ultegra or XT groupset, the CN-HG701 with Quick Link is a solid choice. It made a noticeable difference in my bike’s shifting smoothness and overall drivetrain performance. Just remember to verify your compatibility and maintain the chain properly to get the most out of it.
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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