[maximum15]

I am converting one of my bikes from 9 to 10 speed. While installing the chain last night, which came from a box marked Shimano 6701 - HG - 10 speed chain, I noticed the chain plates were stamped different than I expected.
The new chain has plates stamped with "Shimano Ultegra" and with "KG".
Looking at my other bike and wife's bike, both of those chains were stamped with "Shimano 6701" and "HG", as I would expect.

Does anyone know about chains stamped with "Shimano Ultegra" and with "KG" and what the difference is between that and ones stamped "Shimano 6701" and "HG"? The chain came from a reputable multi-location shop, so I can return it if it isn't what it is supposed to be.

 

[AlleganyBicycleShop]

I just got off the phone with Shimano. We had two ultegra chains (6701 and 6700) break. They said the ultegra chains have had issues with links cracking? Maybe they should do a recall?

 

[scottma]

I just looked at an Ultegra chain and I see Ultegra KG, 6701 and HG on different links

 

[maximum15]

You are absolutely correct. I looked at 3 different ultegra chains this weekend and they consist of a hodgepodge of stampings on the various links. Not all the chains had the same stampings, but all did contain many variations.