{"product_id":"shimano-cn-hg901-dura-ace-xtr-11-speed-hg-x-chain-116l-sil-tec-quick-link-included","title":"Shimano CN-HG901 Dura-Ace \u0026 XTR 11-Speed HG-X Chain – 116L, Sil-Tec, Quick Link Included","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eShimano CN-HG901\u003c\/strong\u003e is the flagship 11-speed chain for Shimano's top-tier road and MTB groupsets — the \u003cstrong\u003eDura-Ace R9100\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eXTR M9000\u003c\/strong\u003e. It uses Shimano's \u003cstrong\u003eHG-X (Hyperglide-X)\u003c\/strong\u003e chain profile with a super-narrow, HG-EV symmetrical structure engineered to work with Shimano 11-speed HG-EV chainrings and cassette sprockets for smooth, precise shifting and near-silent operation under load. The chain features \u003cstrong\u003eSil-Tec PTFE surface treatment\u003c\/strong\u003e on the inner and outer plates and rollers, reducing friction and improving wear resistance compared to an untreated chain. \u003cstrong\u003e116 links\u003c\/strong\u003e, supplied with a \u003cstrong\u003eQuick Link\u003c\/strong\u003e for tool-free installation and removal. Compatible with the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/shimano-dura-ace-cs-r9100-11-speed-cassette-with-hyperglide-ev-sprockets\"\u003eShimano CS-R9100 Dura-Ace 11-speed cassette\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe CN-HG901 uses \u003cstrong\u003ezinc-alloy plated links\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ehollow pins\u003c\/strong\u003e to reduce weight while maintaining strength, and an inner plate geometry designed for superior sprocket engagement, increased rigidity, and efficient power transfer. The outer plate design reduces chain suck — where the chain sticks to the chainring on the downstroke rather than releasing cleanly. The chain is directional and must be installed with the Shimano logo facing outward. For 12-speed Dura-Ace R9200 or XTR M9100 builds, see the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/shimano-cn-m9100-xtr-dura-ace-12-speed-hg-chain-126l-sil-tec-quick-link\"\u003eShimano CN-M9100 12-speed chain\u003c\/a\u003e. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/transmission\"\u003etransmission collection\u003c\/a\u003e for chains, cassettes, and drivetrain components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat It's Good For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShimano 11-speed HG-EV drivetrains — \u003ca href=\"\/products\/shimano-dura-ace-cs-r9100-11-speed-cassette-with-hyperglide-ev-sprockets\"\u003eDura-Ace R9100\u003c\/a\u003e and XTR M9000\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSil-Tec PTFE surface treatment — reduced friction and improved wear resistance on plates and rollers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHG-EV symmetrical structure — smooth, precise shifting and near-silent operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e116 links — suitable for most road and MTB builds; trim to length as required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick Link included — tool-free installation and removal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHollow pins and zinc-alloy plating — lightweight and durable construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat It's NOT Good For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12-speed drivetrains — use the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/shimano-cn-m9100-xtr-dura-ace-12-speed-hg-chain-126l-sil-tec-quick-link\"\u003eCN-M9100 12-speed chain\u003c\/a\u003e instead\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10-speed or fewer drivetrains — chain width is not compatible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNon-Shimano 11-speed systems — HG-X chain profile is optimised for Shimano HG-EV components\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this chain compatible with Shimano Ultegra or 105 11-speed groupsets?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — the CN-HG901 is compatible with all Shimano 11-speed HG-EV drivetrains, including Ultegra R8000 and 105 R7000, not just Dura-Ace and XTR. It is Shimano's top-spec 11-speed chain and will work correctly with any Shimano 11-speed groupset, providing the same Sil-Tec treatment and HG-X profile benefits regardless of the groupset level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the chain need to be directional when installed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — the CN-HG901 is directional. Install with the Shimano logo and model number facing outward (away from the bike). Installing the chain in reverse will not damage the drivetrain but may result in slightly reduced shifting performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I size the chain correctly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRoute the chain through the front and rear derailleur without threading through the rear derailleur cage, then add two links to the length where the ends meet. Alternatively, use the largest chainring and largest sprocket method: route the chain through both without the rear derailleur, add two links, and cut to length. The Quick Link connects the two ends once sized correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I replace the chain?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReplace the chain before it reaches 0.75% wear (measured with a chain wear indicator tool) to avoid accelerated wear on the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/shimano-dura-ace-cs-r9100-11-speed-cassette-with-hyperglide-ev-sprockets\"\u003ecassette\u003c\/a\u003e and chainrings. Keeping the chain clean and well-lubricated will significantly extend its service life and protect the more expensive drivetrain components.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shimano","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45478468616367,"sku":"CNHG901116Q","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/2003\/4223\/files\/1560171347-49196000.jpg?v=1768522052","url":"https:\/\/www.swinnertoncycles.co.uk\/products\/shimano-cn-hg901-dura-ace-xtr-11-speed-hg-x-chain-116l-sil-tec-quick-link-included","provider":"Swinnerton Cycles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}