I got it because its bling yo!
I do notice some of the gold coating wearing off where it contacts the front derailleur.

Didn't feel any different than the DA7900 chain it replaced.

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I ordered a X10SL off ebay and it weighed 259 for 116 links, heavier than expected. I really doubt a $50 chain is worth making a counterfeit version for it, but I think it is highly possible that they are selling last generation's model from 3-4 years ago, which may have been heavier.

I had a period of about 4-5 years where I kept breaking chains (mostly Shimano and SRAM)... at least 1-2/year, sometimes more.
I got in the habit of bringing a mini park chain tool on every ride.
Then I switched to the X10SL. Haven't broken a chain in 4 years using it. It's getting to be a little silly carrying around the chain tool now...

I really don't care if it's gold, silver, or covered in a pink daisy flower pattern - as long as it works. So far, I've only tried the gold version... maybe 10 chains so far. Usually it doesn't look very "gold" due to all the long rides and neglect that I abuse it with.

Go for it and try it out.

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My Addict
Her Addict
My Cycling Blog

I've used mine for around 1000miles and it looks like new. Have removed and degreased it a couple of times and the shift quality is superb. Buy it.

Maybe that's why your chains don't last

I double make sure the connection is good when attaching a new chain and de-grease it once in a while and never let it make any noise from lack of lube....never broke a single Shimano chain (oh darn....I've just jinxed myself ). Or maybe I don't produce anywhere near the watts you do .

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It's not how much you spend on a bike it's how hard you can ride it.

Ive rode most of the high end chains and found no difference in performance .

I was using KMC X10 I bought 4 of these really cheap from ribble.
It was noisy and I had shifting problems with SRAM cassette and Ultegra derailleur.
Switched to the KMC X10SL and it made a big difference. Quiet and smoother shifting.
I think I paid $40 on ebay.
It looks great and the gold color makes me want to clean it more often which is a good thing.
I don't keep track of miles so I can't speak to durability but so far it is wearing fine.

I've used both, just swapped the gold fro a regular. Can't tell any difference.

People always said the Gold looked cool on the bike though.

You can get them on the bay inexpensively either way. Up to you.

"Black" is the new black when it comes to bling!

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Project CAAD9 7.2kg
The CAAD Build Thread

No, no KMCs are. I've had several and none are as quiet or smooth shifting (perceived) than as stock Shimano/Campy mid to top tier chains. Several of my Gold KMCs ended up having cracked links, they didn't last very long, and they weren't worth the extra cash. I've used them all on the same bike, with the same adjustment, and same number of links. Odd that they're the only ones I've had problems with and I generally ride enough to go through a chain every 2-3 months. My last KMC lasted maybe 7 or 8 weeks.

I agree. KMC is not as quiet or smooth but its rather close in performance.

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Wilier Cento Uno
Colnago Master X-light
Wilier 18carati

KMC chains cost more stateside than their main brand counterparts so I don't see the value.

IMO, well worth it.
But in Black!

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Project CAAD9 7.2kg
The CAAD Build Thread

To me that looks like a chain that's not cleaned properly

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2010 Guerciotti Whisper
2007 Bianchi 928L (update Sep '11)
1999 Bianchi MegaPro 25CrMo4

I have both the X10SL (gold) and the X10SL-DLC (black) and am very pleased with them: look great, function just as good as DA and weigh a good bit less on my scale than the DA I replaced. Plus, with some patient shopping online, I was able to buy the gold for the same price as a DA chain and snagged the blingy black for $85.

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Wilier Cento Uno, 13.25 lbs / 6.01 kilograms
http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=95887