Some of you who have been checking out the site for a while now might recall the review I did on KMC‘s prototype “Kool Knight” chain around a year or so ago. At the time, the idea was still new (before DK announced their version) and they were just in the testing phase of things. They asked if I wanted to give one a go and give them feedback on it. After the review was done and I felt I had done sufficient “testing”, KMC had asked for me to send it back to them so they could conduct stress testing and such.
Fast forward to earlier last week and I get an email from KMC asking if I would be interested in getting a final version of the chain that’s finally in production and should be available soon. Then the other day I had a box from them show up and I thought it felt a little heavy. That’s because they sent through a few extras for me to GIVE AWAY to you guys.
So, here’s how we are going to run this contest. You have TWO chances to enter. One – write in the comments “I want that chain!” with your name and actual email address so I can contact you if you win. Two – Head over to The Union’s FACEBOOK and “Like” us. Then comment “I want that chain!” on the photo of the chain that will be on the wall. It’s as easy as that. I’ll pick three winners on MONDAY, OCTOBER 10th. So please, check your email and Facebook messages that day.
Check out a little more information on the chain along with a few photos and a video after the jump…
Which one of these are going to be yours?
All right, so what’s this chain all about? Well, it’s a regular 1/8″ half link chain with a wrap around top for extra protection and strength. Each side plate has a wrap around lip (“Double Bridge”), that when the chain is put together looks like one solid piece.
Why? Because that added top plate will help to protect the teeth of your sprocket when you come slamming down on that rail you missed your peg on. That added protection will also help prevent you from smashing your knee on your stem when your chain breaks from beating on it. Can’t go wrong there.
Sure, the slightly added material adds a bit more weight, but really, why are you trying to shave weight in your chain in the first place? That piece on your bike takes the most amount of constant stress.
KMC have included a “Bullet Pin” which is essentially a “master link” pin with an attached pointed end to allow the ease of installation. I actually don’t remember this feature being on the prototype. This is actually a good thing since I actually broke one of the prototype links because I didn’t put the pin in right and it ended up cracking the side plate… Whoops. This pin should resolve this issue. Basically, you push the pin in and then break the pointed piece off. I’m taking slight credit for this due to me breaking a link installing it on the prototype… I should also mention that this piece made installing the chain actually easier without worrying about the pin not going in straight.
Overall, I’m impressed with the final version of KMC’s Kool Knight chain. It helps increase the strength of the chain and they’ve made the original install of the chain easier with the bullet pin. I’m not too worried about this one holding up, that’s for sure. Below you can find a few more pictures of the chain and how it looks installed on my bike. Sorry for the dirtiness. Trails season.
Here’s the original video I did from the review as well…
