Real or fake Shimano chain?

https://www.velonews.com/gear/tech-faq-chain-width-explained-compatibility-queries-answered/
Lennard’s answer to Barb here gives an indicator of some of the differences and reasons why modern chains might cost more. It’s also a good explanation of how chains work, for those that might not fully understand.

Anyway, use the fake chain, what’s the worse that can happen?
Thanks for that, I'd always assumed that outer plates had got thinner and the bearing had changed width to suit, allowing for shorter pins, but that assertion is wrong and now I know it.

So my comment on tooling is wrong, what's changed is oink the pin press and that's become something different.
 
I posted a graphic of what a 'CN HG901' should look like -

here is a link to shimano's own very handy website that shows your 'CN HG901' and Shimanos' CN HG901 are wildly differing

afterall your box does say CN HG901...

The chain you've picture looks badly stamped, enough to make it look like the plates are deformed where the pins have gone in. And the quick link looks cheap and nasty when compared to a Shimano one

https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/105-5800/CN-HG901-11.html
s-l1600.jpg
 
Either that or they know 9 speed buyers are poor 😉
And its with these sort of comments that I award you the much coveted 'Bellend of Month' award, a crown that will fit you so well.

Awarded for the continuous pecking away with the snide comments and remarks against anyone that doesnt conform to your freakishly narrow view of the world

Dont worry too much though, its an illustrious line of winners but due to covid restrictions, the part where the recipient is made to wear old 6 speed chains and be doused with 3in1 has been put on hold
 
And its with these sort of comments that I award you the much coveted 'Bellend of Month' award, a crown that will fit you so well.

Awarded for the continuous pecking away with the snide comments and remarks against anyone that doesnt conform to your freakishly narrow view of the world

Dont worry too much though, its an illustrious line of winners but due to covid restrictions, the part where the recipient is made to wear old 6 speed chains and be doused with 3in1 has been put on hold
why would we cover him in delightful colongue? surely we should be using muck off dry lube or similar?

in case anybody doesn't know, the fragrance top 5 goes:
1, WD40
2, 3 in 1
3. finish line dry wax lube
4, lithium grease
5, that green shit that shimano use on the inside of derailleurs.
 
On the interweb, there's a whole host of guides to spotting fake shimano chains....

I had one sent to me 2 years back....box in advert and chain in picture legit......rubbish copy sent....the guy is still selling them via ebay despite being reported for selling counterfeit good several times.....

Links were stiff, poorly stamped (with the wrong thing), came with a split link not pins and the box had incorrect graphics and wording.
 
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