SHIMANO CN-HG95 10-speed HG-X chain - 116 links

Shimano 10 speed for an XTR Trail 10 speed. The XTR chains seem to last just as long as the XT ones. Fit good, smooth, not noisy, looks good, did the job.

This is a genuine Shimano CN-HG95 chain in Shimano packaging. It is the recommended chain for all Shimano 10-speed mountain groups.I had ordered this chain from a different seller and received a counterfeit, so I’ve included a few photos to show what the real Shimano chain and package should look like.The chain should come in a Shimano box. Inside should be two sealed plastic bags, one with the chain, the other with a single chain pin. The CN-HG95 chain does not come with a quick-link, just a chain pin. The box should also contain a separate Shimano instruction sheet.The sealed bag containing the chain has a green label at the top inside the bag with a pictograph indicating that the chain is directional, and the side of the chain that has stamped markings should face out.The chain outer plates have four different stamped markings, including links that say “Shimano”, links that say “VIA CN-HG95, links that say “HG-X, and links with a code and the word “Japan”. These are all at random, all are on the outside of the chain, and every outer plate has one of these markings. No photo of these markings, as they’re very small and hard to photograph.This is a high quality chain, made in Japan, which provides smooth shifting and long life. Make sure you get a real one, not a fake.I connect this chain with a KMC 10-speed Missing Link quick-link, much easier to use than driving a chain pin with a chain tool, and the KMC link can be removed and reused if needed. I have used KMC links for years with both Shimano and Campagnolo chains, never had a problem.

I made 10 speed work on an Orbea RISE that was originally 12 speed. It seems all eBikes are being delivered as 12 speed, but the truth is the 1-51T cassette gear rations are WAY too low. This is just silly, the three lowest gear ratios are totally unnecessary on an eBike for climbing.Another issue with 12 speed is th LONG derailleur cages that are required for the missive cassettes. These derailleur are expensive and FRAGILE, they are very close to the ground and always in danger of being smashed on rocks and roots.I had some old 10 speed components, and bought some toerhs, but didn't have a chain. Shimano chain for the win. Works on narrow-wide chain rings.FYI - I built using:Shimano 10 speed chainShimano XT 11-36T 10 speed cassetteShimano ZEE 10 speed rear derailleur (25T max)30T 104 BCD Wolf Tooth chain ringe13 54mm chain line chain ring spider for Shimano EP8 motorShimano SAINT 10 speed right shifter.Runs perfectly and I gained over two inches of clearance from the ground with this setup. Low speed is still quite low, and with assist is zero issues with steep climbing.

Chain last me 6 months, 3000 miles. Great smoothest shifting chain. I will only use XT-level components now.ONLY problem is if pin isn't installed properly, the chain will snap. It no longer comes with a backup pin. (I use 2 chains a year, but install 3 times yearly) for me if it doesn't snap on my 1st commute it will last the duration. (due to failures I value it at $25; NOT WORTH FULL RETAIL)Even my bike shop has this problem. (if they install it, they would replace the PIN if broken) I put a lot of stress on the chain (rider weight then about 50lbs extra from cargo & backpack)

It's an all five star in my experience; very decent wear and for me it's provided very decent performance as well. When combined with its pricing at least here on Amazon when I purchased it, it's proven to be a definite good buy. No drive train issues or at least ones that have been directly related to the chain. Other than the original chain having to be replaced due to chain stretch after several thousand miles (like easily 10,000 +... no exaggeration), there's been zero problems whatsoever. This 2nd chain I recently installed should keep me crushing it for a good long while if history is any indicator.

The chain is okay, but, when installing, the pin broke before it was through the chain. Cheap and very very frustrating.

As advertised

I was being proactive and replaced my old chain as it has been on the bike for 8yrs and now I wish I hadn't. It has broken twice now after 2 months of riding.First time it popped a pin in one of the links and the second time I noticed a link is seized up and doesn't rotate which cause it to twist and pop a link out. I clean and oil my chain every other ride so I keep it maintained, hence the 8yr old chain still being fine.Luckily I had tools with and could repair it on the trail to get home. Guess I will be going back to my old one for now.