Let's talk about SUMC chain

[jonathanf2]

I think I'll order this chain just to try out. The flat edge should make these stronger than regular chains, so I don't think durability will be an issue. Glad to see Chinese manufacturers mixing & matching Shimano and SRAM tech! 

[gribs]

Are Shimano chains much more expensive elsewhere as these make no sense from a UK perspective when 11 spd XTR is ~£25 and 12 spd XTR is ~£35

[rovescio]

Saw something on chinese tiktok about fake SUMC chains.
The one with the beveled edge on the outer plate is supposedly real.

[Tijoe]

Regarding these Riderace links,  I have at least 5 boxes of 12 speed I purchased over time on sale, and several boxes of 11 speed links for my road bike.
I follow the recommendation of replacing the link each time you take it apart, therefore I replace the link a couple times a year after removing the chain for cleaning.

For my 2 "most" recent failures, I don't have a clue why they pulled apart, they had been installed hundreds, if not a thousand miles after their installation, so it wasn't like I had recently put it in.   Both times, it has been on my loaded bikepacking rig, in my 2nd to lowest gear, (30T front X 48T rear cog) under power on about a 10% climb.  I started hearing a ticking sound, that was quickly followed by the link letting go.  Both 1/2s were intact, one piece on each end of the chain.  I still have the latest failed one but have not looked at it under magnification.

[james7]

I tried one of those riderace 11 speed links, it was suuuper loose on a 105 chain. Like pulling each side of the chain with bare hands made it lock together. Not confidence inspiring. At least the kmc link i used next needed the cheapo tool to make it lock (I’m sure the pedal stomp would do it).

[Tijoe]

Well...  I examined my failed link this evening.   The good news, the removable link that failed is the stock KMC link, not one of my Riderace links.  This chain has 2 links in it, because when I changed from a 10 X 50 cassette to a 10 X 52, I had to add 2 chain links.

The failure of this KMC link is different than I expected.  Looks like the end of the pin failed over time as little pieces chipped of the end eventually allowing the link to separate.    (Sorry I have distracted from the SUMC discussion with these side-bar postings.)

[crazyravr]

I use those 12 speeds QL from RideRace on two of my bikes. I typically change them out after about 4-5 reconnects (using chain waxing). Zero issues.

[jonathanf2]

Those Riderace master links are fine. I wouldn't think much about it unless you weigh over 100kg and like grinding in crappy dirt all day.