Difference between KMC Z6 and Z7 for 6 speed cassete?

Question

What is the difference between KMC Z6 and KMC Z7 for 6 speed cassete?

On KMC site, both of them appear to be suitable for 6 speed bike.

KMC Z7: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/il/en/kmc-z7-7-speed-chain/rp-prod51830

KMC Z6: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/il/en/kmc-z6-6-speed-chain/rp-prod193013

Criggie · Accepted Answer · 2020-05-11 05:22:20Z

2

I think the only real difference is colour: Z6 is "silver" Z7 is "grey/brown" This is important to some people.

Note, Z6 was renamed from Z33, and Z7 was formerly called Z50.

I think your links show the wrong image for Z6 - the KMC site shows plain chain without slots, so CRC have a bad image.

answered May 11, 2020 at 5:22

Criggie♦

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1

On this page it shows chamfering for the Z6 which would probably make it lighter: kmcchain.com/en/product/bicycle-chain-z6-6-speed The different colours could be an indication of a different alloy, but not sure which one is better.
– Michael
May 11, 2020 at 7:49
@Michael the KMC site shows both have "chamfered internal plates" Given these are sub $10 USD or sub 5 UKP chains, they're not exactly high end.
– Criggie ♦
May 11, 2020 at 9:13
1

Interesting, but only the Z6 photo on the linked (by me) page actually shows chamfered plates.
– Michael
May 11, 2020 at 9:24
Does narrow label on Z7 chain has any meaning?
– Michael D
May 11, 2020 at 16:30
1

@MichaelD I think that just means its 3/32" chain, instead of wider 1/8" chain. Both are 3/32" derailleur chain for 6~7 speed bikes.
– Criggie ♦
May 11, 2020 at 20:38

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