Shimano CN-HG701-11 11-Speed Chain (138L, Quick Link)
Shimano CN-HG701-11 Chain 138L Quick Link
What it is
The Shimano CN-HG701-11 (138 links) is a:
- 11-speed road/MTB/gravel chain
- part of Shimano’s 105 / Ultegra / XT-level range
- designed for HG-X11 directional drivetrains
- supplied in 138 links (extra-long factory length)
- includes a quick link (master link)
Why 138 links matters
This is a longer-than-normal chain length version used for:
- MTB bikes with large cassettes (11–42T / 11–46T / 11–50T)
- e-bikes
- frames with long chainstays
- 1x and 2x setups that require extra chain wrap
Most bikes will still cut it down during installation.
Final Chain Length=Measured Bike Requirement+2 links (typical allowance)
Key features
- ✔ 11-speed HG-X11 directional design
- ✔ SIL-TEC coating (lower friction, smoother shifting)
- ✔ Strong durability for MTB + road + gravel use
- ✔ Includes quick link (tool-free connection)
- ✔ Optimised for smooth shifting under load
Compatibility
Works with:
- Shimano 11-speed systems
- 105 / Ultegra / GRX (11-speed road/gravel)
- XT / SLX / Deore 11-speed MTB setups
❌ Not compatible with:
- 12-speed systems
- 10-speed or lower drivetrains
Ride feel
- smooth, quiet shifting across cassette
- strong performance under load (climbing/sprinting)
- good chain retention with clutch derailleurs
- slightly more durable feel than lower-tier 11-speed chains
Pros
- high-quality Shimano mid-range chain
- SIL-TEC reduces wear and friction
- very reliable shifting performance
- includes quick link for easy installation
- long 138L version suits many MTB builds
Trade-offs
- must be cut to correct length (138L is usually too long out of box)
- directional installation required
- not compatible with modern 12-speed systems
- more expensive than entry-level Shimano chains (HG601/HG54)
Bottom line
The Shimano CN-HG701-11 (138L) is a versatile, durable 11-speed chain designed for MTB, road, and gravel use, offering smooth SIL-TEC shifting and strong compatibility, with the 138-link version mainly intended for longer or wider-range drivetrain setups before being sized to fit.
