Shimano CN-LG500 11-speed road and mountain bike chain, 138 links - ICNLG500138Q

The Shimano CN-LG500 11-speed chain – 138 links, part number ICNLG500138Q, is designed to deliver smooth, reliable and long-lasting performance on 11-speed bicycle drivetrains.

Based on Shimano ’s LINKGLIDE technology, this chain is suitable for 10/11-speed LINKGLIDE drivetrains as well as 11-speed HYPERGLIDE drivetrains. It therefore offers a versatile solution for a wide range of compatible road bikes, mountain bikes, trekking bikes, all-rounders and e-bikes.

With its 138 links, this version offers a generous length, allowing it to adapt to various drivetrain configurations, particularly where the bike has a cassette with a high-tooth count or a drivetrain requiring a longer chain.

Shimano ’s LINKGLIDE technology: smooth shifting and durability

The CN-LG500 features LINKGLIDE technology, developed by Shimano to prioritise smooth gear changes and the durability of the drivetrain.

The profile and design of the LINKGLIDE drivetrain have been engineered to ensure the chain moves smoothly between the sprockets and to minimise jerks during gear changes. Shimano presents LINKGLIDE as a technology particularly suited to all-round bikes and high-torque e-bikes, which place significant strain on the drivetrain.

The CN-LG500 is therefore particularly appealing to cyclists looking for a chain capable of withstanding regular and intensive use.

A versatile 11-speed chain

The Shimano CN-LG500 is not limited to LINKGLIDE drivetrains. Shimano states that it is also compatible with 11-speed HYPERGLIDE systems.

It can therefore serve as a replacement for various 11-speed set-ups, provided the overall compatibility of the drivetrain is checked.

This versatility makes it particularly suitable for:

• compatible 11-speed road bikes;
• 11-speed mountain bikes;
• trekking and all-round bikes;
• e-bikes fitted with a compatible drivetrain;
• Shimano ’ LINKGLIDE 10/11-speed drivetrains;
• Shimano HYPERGLIDE 11-speed drivetrains.

138 links for maximum flexibility when fitting

Part number ICNLG500138Q corresponds to a 138-link chain fitted with a Shimano SM-CN900-11 Quick-Link. Shimano officially lists this part number amongst the available packaging options for the CN-LG500.

A longer chain can be particularly useful for certain mountain bike, e-bike or drivetrain set-ups using a large cassette.

However, the chain must be cut to the correct length before fitting. The number of links required depends on the bike’s specific configuration: chainstay length, chainring size, size of the largest sprocket and derailleur capacity.

Quick-Link for convenient fitting

This version of the CN-LG500 is supplied with an SM-CN900-11 Quick-Link, allowing the chain to be closed once it has been cut to size.

The Quick-Link facilitates the assembly and maintenance of the drivetrain. It is recommended to use a connecting link compatible with the chain and to follow the assembly procedures Shimano to ensure correct assembly.

A chain suitable for e-bikes

The CN-LG500 is particularly well-suited to electric-assist bicycles. The documentation at Shimano states that this chain is compatible with rear derailleur systems on electric bicycles and classifies it as a chain suitable for e-bike applications.

LINKGLIDE technology was specifically developed to provide a durable drivetrain capable of withstanding the stresses of daily use and the high torques encountered on certain e-bikes.

For a mountain bike, a versatile bike or, above all, an electric bike, its focus on robustness and longevity is particularly appropriate. Shimano also states an average weight of 257 g for 114 maillons, which places this chain more firmly in the realm of reliability and durability than in the pursuit of weight reduction.

Workshop tip: the 138 links represent the available length, not necessarily the final length to be used. After fitting, the chain must be correctly sized to suit the bike’s drivetrain.

The advantages of the CN-LG500 Shimano

• Genuine Shimano chain.
• Compatible with suitable 11-speed drivetrains.
• Works with LINKGLIDE 10/11-speed.
• Compatible with HYPERGLIDE 11-speed.
• LINKGLIDE technology for smooth gear changes.
• Designed for durability.
• Suitable for the demands of compatible e-bikes.
• 138 links to suit a wide range of set-ups.
• Supplied with Quick-Link SM-CN900-11.
• Suitable for certain mountain bikes as well as road bikes and hybrid bikes.

Conclusion

The CN-LG500 11-speed 138-linkShimano – ICNLG500138Q is a versatile chain designed for cyclists seeking a reliable and durable drivetrain.

Thanks to LINKGLIDE technology, it offers smooth operation and is designed to withstand regular use, including on compatible e-bikes. Its compatibility with 10/11-speed LINKGLIDE and 11-speed HYPERGLIDE drivetrains significantly broadens its range of applications.

With 138 links and an SM-CN900-11 Quick-Link, this version is particularly well-suited to set-ups requiring a long chain, such as certain mountain bike, touring or e-bike drivetrains.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Shimano
• Productcode: CN-LG500
• Product reference: ICNLG500138Q
• Range: LINKGLIDE
• Number of speeds: 11 speeds
• Drivetrain compatibility: LINKGLIDE 10/11-speed and HYPERGLIDE 11-speed
• Number of links: 138
• Connection: Quick-Link SM-CN900-11
• Colour: grey
• Inner and outer plates: grey
• Axle rivet finish: chrome-plated
• Hollow axle: no
• Compatible with e-bike rear derailleur system: yes
• Approximate average weight: 257 g for 114 maillons
• Use: road, mountain biking, trekking, all-round bikes and e-bikes.