12 speed chain on 11 speed groupset

[Random84]

It's time to change the chain on my 11 speed Ultegra R8000 groupset and I noticed a topic on another forum mentioned using a 12 speed chain, it even said it improved the gear changes and it was quieter.

Has anyone tried this and if so which 12 speed chain?

I've always used SRAM pc1130 11 speed chains due to the quick link but I'm tempted to try a 12 speed.

Am I correct saying this chain will work? ( It says it's hyperglide just like the 11 speed cassette):

https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/u...

[ucb]

https://productinfo.shimano.com/en/compatibility/C...

This Shimano link says it will not work
That said, I don't know the width of the links or indexing of the 11 and 12 speed derailleur/cassette to say for sure.

[dave123456]

It should work. Generally you can have a greater speed chain on a cassette and chainring.

[IroningMan]

I can’t say for certain, but I’m running an 11spd Ultegra chainset on my otherwise 12spd 105 bike with no problem at all.

I’ve found this guy’s site https://bettershifting.com/ to be very helpful.

[Random84]

Cheers ironingman, that website is very useful:

12-speed chain with 11-speed Di2 / cranksets
While the 12-speed chain is slightly narrower than an 11-speed chain, a 12-speed chain works just fine on 11-speed Di2 systems. The inner width is the same as that of an 11-speed chain, and the 12-speed chain will in fact run slightly quieter than the 11-speed chain.

You can use 12-speed chains with 11-speed Di2 derailleurs and 11-speed cranksets and chain rings

[Master Bean]

Lots of people on WeightWeenies do this.

[markcp]

I've been running 12sp Shimano chains on 11sp DA and Ultegra groupsets for the last few years without any issues. I started because I was trying to get rid of the annoying noise on DA9100 and its certainly quieter and apparently stronger/longer lasting.

I've got the DA chain on my summer bike and XT/Ultegra on the winter bike (I bought a load when they were on offer at Merlin for £18).

[Random84]

12 speed chain fitted and it's so much better than the 11 speed SRAM chain it replaced!

Shifting is smoother, Its quieter and I'm sure it's shifting quicker.