Road and MTB chain Shimano CN-LG500 11v 116 links - ICNLG500116Q

The Shimano CN-LG500 11-speed 116-link chain, part number ICNLG500116Q, is a drive chain designed to deliver smooth, reliable and long-lasting performance on bikes fitted with a compatible Shimano drivetrain.

Based on LINKGLIDE technology, the CN-LG500 is compatible with 10/11-speed LINKGLIDE drivetrains as well as 11-speed HYPERGLIDE drivetrains. It therefore offers a versatile solution for a wide range of bikes fitted with an 11-speed drivetrain.

This version has 116 links and comes with an SM-CN900-11 Quick-Link, allowing the chain to be closed once it has been adjusted to the required length.

LINKGLIDE ‘ Shimano ’ technology

The CN-LG500 features Shimano ’s LINKGLIDE technology, developed to deliver smooth and reliable gear changes whilst improving the drivetrain’s durability.

LINKGLIDE is particularly well-suited to all-rounder bikes and high-torque e-bikes, where the drivetrain can be subjected to significant stress. Shimano presents this technology as a solution designed to withstand everyday wear and tear and maintain consistent pedalling and gear-changing performance over the long term.

The CN-LG500 is therefore a particularly attractive choice when reliability and longevity are priorities.

An 11-speed compatible chain

Although its name is often associated with 11-speed drivetrains, the CN-LG500 is officially a 10/11-speed LINKGLIDE chain.

Shimano It is confirmed to be compatible with:

• 10-speed LINKGLIDE drivetrains;
• 11-speed LINKGLIDE drivetrains;
• 11-speed HYPERGLIDE drivetrains.

This versatility means it can be used on different types of bikes, provided the entire drivetrain is compatible.

116 links: a versatile length

Part number ICNLG500116Q corresponds to the 116-link version of the CN-LG500. Shimano also offers this chain in lengths of 126 and 138 links.

The 116-link version is suitable for many drivetrain configurations. However, the actual number of links required depends on the bike’s geometry, the chainstay length, the number of teeth on the chainring and cassette, and the derailleur’s capacity.

Important: the 116 links correspond to the length supplied and not necessarily to the final length to be used. The chain must be correctly sized before fitting.

Shimano SM-CN900-11 Quick-Link

The CN-LG500 ICNLG500116Q is supplied with an SM-CN900-11 Quick-Link.

This system allows the two ends of the chain to be joined once it has been cut to size. In particular, it simplifies the processes of fitting and replacing the chain.

Shimano officially identifies the SM-CN900-11 as the connection system associated with the CN-LG500.

A chain particularly suited to e-bikes

The CN-LG500 is designed to withstand the stresses encountered on compatible e-bikes. Shimano explicitly states that the chain is compatible with rear derailleur systems on electric bikes.

LINKGLIDE technology is specifically designed to maintain long-lasting drivetrain performance on all-rounder bikes and e-bikes subjected to high torque.

For a compatible 11-speed e-bike, this chain is therefore a particularly suitable solution for maintaining the drivetrain.

A versatile chain for road and mountain bikes

The CN-LG500 is suitable for various types of bike fitted with a compatible drivetrain: mountain bikes, trekking bikes, all-rounders, e-bikes and certain 11-speed road set-ups.

However, it is advisable to check the compatibility of the entire drivetrain rather than relying solely on the number of gears.

Shimano confirms that the CN-LG500 is compatible with the HYPERGLIDE 11-speed drivetrain.

Workshop tip: when replacing a chain, also check the condition of the cassette and chainrings. A new chain fitted to a heavily worn drivetrain may skip or run unevenly.

The benefits of the Shimano CN-LG500

• Genuine Shimano chain.
• LINKGLIDE technology.
• Compatible with LINKGLIDE 10/11-speed drivetrains.
• Compatible with HYPERGLIDE 11-speed drivetrains.
• Smooth and reliable gear changes.
• Designed for durability.
• Compatible with certain rear derailleur systems on e-bikes.
• 116 links for a wide range of configurations.
• Supplied with SM-CN900-11 Quick-Link.
• Suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes and compatible all-rounder bikes.

Conclusion

The CN-LG500 11-speed 116-linkShimano – ICNLG500116Q is a versatile chain that prioritises reliability, smooth gear changes and durability.

Thanks to LINKGLIDE technology, it is particularly well suited to 10/11-speed LINKGLIDE drivetrains and remains compatible with 11-speed HYPERGLIDE drivetrains. Its compatibility with certain rear derailleur systems on electric bikes also makes it an attractive option for e-bikes.