Shimano CN-M8100 XT 12 Speed Chain

I want this to be the gold standard, never think about it drivetrain component, as previous generations of XT chain have been... but these haven't been perfect. I blew one up, sort of spontaneously after 50 off miles. Not a user issue or an install issue.I replaced the one that blew up, and am currently running 2 on a couple bikes - both are always showing a little rust, usually around the pins. I'm riding in the midwest, and almost always in the dry. I lube my chain roughly weekly, generally keep it pretty clean - I've never had rust issues before, even on cheaper chains on my fatbike that gets a lot of snow and road salt.And finally, both chains, both at about 1000 miles, have developed some rough edges on the inside, inner link plates. Not causing any issues ... MoreI want this to be the gold standard, never think about it drivetrain component, as previous generations of XT chain have been... but these haven't been perfect. I blew one up, sort of spontaneously after 50 off miles. Not a user issue or an install issue.I replaced the one that blew up, and am currently running 2 on a couple bikes - both are always showing a little rust, usually around the pins. I'm riding in the midwest, and almost always in the dry. I lube my chain roughly weekly, generally keep it pretty clean - I've never had rust issues before, even on cheaper chains on my fatbike that gets a lot of snow and road salt.And finally, both chains, both at about 1000 miles, have developed some rough edges on the inside, inner link plates. Not causing any issues that I can see yet, but I've never seen wear like that before, and it's weird. You can see it, and feel it if you run your finger across it, to check if the chain is dirty or dry, for example.

Shimano chains just work!Strong, durable, last well, shift crisply.Have tried other chains brands but they often snap, perhaps it is just me but I tend to stick with Shimano.

I've never really been able to tell the difference between various chains but this one comes with a quick link so you don't have to drive a pin, and works with the new Shimano 12spd group (also with a SRAM 10-50 cassette). Swapping out the chain before it stretches too much will give you a better performance boost than spending $$$ on a baller chain, and unless you're a time trialist/triathlete you're going to have muck in it pretty fast anyway. It's a good chain at a decent price.