Road and MTB chain Shimano SLX CN-M7100 12 speed 126 maillons ICNM7100126Q

The Shimano SLX CN-M7100 is a 12-speed chain designed for modern Shimano drivetrains. With its 126 maillons, its directional design and HYPERGLIDE+ technology, it ensures fast, precise and smooth gear changes.

Part number ICNM7100126Q refers to a 126 maillons CN-M7100 chain, fitted with a Shimano Quick Link to simplify fitting.

Part of the SLX range, this chain is a particularly attractive option for cyclists looking for an excellent balance between performance, reliability and value for money, particularly for mountain biking. It is also suitable for certain compatible Shimano 12-speed road bike set-ups.

Key features of the Shimano CN-M7100

• Shimano SLX 12-speed chain.
• Product code: ICNM7100126Q.
• Model: CN-M7100.
• 126 maillons.
• HYPERGLIDE+ technology .
• Directional design.
• Shimano -coated surface to reduce friction.
• Compatible with the corresponding Shimano 12-speed drivetrains.
• Quick Link included.
• Primarily suited to mountain biking, but also suitable for certain road set-ups.
• Excellent balance between weight, strength and durability.

A chain optimised for Shimano HYPERGLIDE+

The CN-M7100 has been designed around HYPERGLIDE+ technology, developed by Shimano for its 12-speed drivetrains.

This technology notably improves the chain’s performance during gear changes. Shifting from one sprocket to another is faster and smoother, even when the cyclist continues to pedal with a heavy load on the drivetrain.

This is particularly useful in mountain biking, for example on a climb where it is necessary to change gear quickly without interrupting your effort.

The chain also features a directional design: it must therefore be fitted in the correct direction.

126 maillons for a wide variety of drivetrains

With its 126 maillons, the CN-M7100 offers sufficient length for numerous 12-speed Shimano configurations.

This length is particularly well-suited to mountain bike drivetrains using wide-range cassettes. It may also be suitable for certain road bike set-ups.

However, the 126 maillons do not necessarily have to be retained in full. The chain must be adjusted to the correct length for the bike.

The correct length depends, in particular, on:

• the size of the chainring
• the largest sprocket in the cassette
• the chainstay length
• the type of drivetrain
• the capacity of the rear derailleur

A correctly sized chain ensures the derailleur operates optimally and minimises unnecessary stress on the drivetrain.

Quick Link included for easy fitting

Part number ICNM7100126Q is supplied with a Quick Link Shimano.

This quick link makes it easier to close the chain once it has been adjusted. In particular, it makes maintenance or replacement operations easier to carry out.

As with other relevant Quick Links Shimano, it is recommended that you do not reuse the Quick Link once it has been removed. For re-fitting, use a new, compatible Quick Link.

After fitting, always check that the link is correctly locked before riding.

An SLX chain designed for mountain biking

The CN-M7100 fits perfectly into a compatible Shimano 12-speed MTB drivetrain.

In particular, it is a logical choice when paired with components from the SLX and XT ranges, provided the specifications of each drivetrain are adhered to.

For mountain biking, its features are particularly appealing:

• fast gear changes
• smooth operation under load
• good resistance to stress
• compatibility with the corresponding 12-speed Shimano cassettes
• 126 maillons length suitable for wide-range drivetrains

Road and gravel: suitability depends on the drivetrain

Although the CN-M7100 is primarily associated with mountain biking, some 12-speed Shimano drivetrains may use components from different ranges.

It is therefore essential to check the chain’s compatibility with your cassette, derailleur and crankset, rather than relying solely on the SLX designation.

For a Shimano 12-speed road drivetrain, be sure to check the exact specifications of your groupset before choosing this model.

Technical specifications

CN-M7100 or CN-M9100: which one should you choose?

Both of these chains are designed for Shimano 12-speed drivetrains, but they are not in the same product range.

For regular, sport-oriented riding, the CN-M7100 already offers excellent performance. The CN-M9100 is more suited to riders seeking the superior build quality and lightness of the XTR range.

When should you replace your 12-speed chain?

Regular checks for wear are particularly important on 12-speed drivetrains.

Replace the chain when it reaches the recommended wear limit or if you notice:

• less precise gear changes
• the chain skipping
• a noisy drivetrain
• significant wear as measured by a tester
• seized links
• significant corrosion

The mileage before replacement may vary considerably depending on the terrain, the weather, the cyclist’s power output, and cleaning and lubrication.