Shimano Chain Cnhg701 11 Speed 126 W/Ql

Shimano CN-HG701-11 11-Speed Chain (126 links, Quick Link)

Shimano CN-HG701-11 Chain 11-Speed 126 Links Quick Link

What it is

The Shimano CN-HG701-11 is a:

• 11-speed road/MTB/gravel chain
• part of Shimano’s Ultegra / XT-level drivetrain range
• designed for HG-X11 directional shifting
• comes in 126 links
• includes a quick link (master link)

It sits just below Dura-Ace/XTR chains but above basic 105-level durability.

Key features

• ✔ 11-speed HG-X11 directional design
• ✔ SIL-TEC coating (low friction, improved durability)
• ✔ Smooth shifting under load
• ✔ Includes Shimano quick link connector
• ✔ Compatible with road, MTB, gravel, and e-bike 11-speed systems

Why “126 links” matters

• Supplied as full-length chain for installation
• Must be cut to correct bike length
• Common for MTB and long-cage derailleur setups

Compatibility

Works with:

• Shimano 11-speed drivetrains
• 105 / Ultegra / GRX (11-speed)
• XT M8000 MTB 11-speed systems
• many e-bike 11-speed setups

❌ Not compatible with:

• 12-speed systems
• 10-speed or lower drivetrains

Ride feel

• very smooth and quiet shifting
• strong under load (climbing / sprinting)
• noticeably more durable than entry-level 11-speed chains
• excellent chain retention with clutch derailleurs

Best suited for

• road cyclists upgrading from 105 chains
• gravel riders needing durability
• MTB riders on 11-speed XT setups
• endurance and training bikes

Pros

• excellent Shimano mid/high-tier chain performance
• SIL-TEC reduces friction and wear
• reliable shifting across cassette range
• includes quick link for easy installation
• wide drivetrain compatibility (11-speed Shimano systems)

Trade-offs

• more expensive than basic HG54 / HG601 chains
• must be correctly sized (126L rarely used as-is)
• not compatible with modern 12-speed systems
• directional installation required

Bottom line

The Shimano CN-HG701-11 is a high-quality 11-speed chain used across Shimano Ultegra and XT systems, offering smooth, durable performance with SIL-TEC efficiency and a quick-link for easy setup—making it a strong upgrade choice for serious 11-speed road, gravel, or MTB builds.