I can help you right away there in regards to your KMC chain.
Match the chain to the cassette and you will get far better performance. SRAM with SRAM and Shimano with Shimano.
However as this thread is about the Gabaruk cassette I would recommend:
XX1 chain for the ultimate in wear and durability (easily 3000 km +/- 10% depending on how abrasive your dirt/ grit is and how well you clean your drive train. Also key to chain longevity is good chain line ie spec a chain ring that allows you to use the 1st gear as a bail out gear and replacing your chain ring as it wears out - should be the fasting wearing part in the system if you run alloy chain rings).
XO1 chain for slightly less durability but also uses less energy in the drive train system (6W for those number nerds).
XTR HG+ chain for shifting under load (although your Gabaruk cassette won't have the extra machining/ shapes that Shimano has developed to facilitate this anyway).
I stopped using KMC chains due to a raft of durability issues and a significant lack of interest from KMC in either warrantying the chains or exploring the reasons behind why chains from the same batch were failing (within 50-150 km of being 'new').
Also if you are more of a climber than a 'pedal to go faster down the descending trail' type of rider (and it is where we spend the majority of our time, effort and torque) then adjust the chain line to reduce the offset as much as possible.
Most normal riders benefit from running a non boost chainring on a boost set up.
June 1, 2022, 11:13 a.m. - AndrewR
I can help you right away there in regards to your KMC chain. Match the chain to the cassette and you will get far better performance. SRAM with SRAM and Shimano with Shimano. However as this thread is about the Gabaruk cassette I would recommend: XX1 chain for the ultimate in wear and durability (easily 3000 km +/- 10% depending on how abrasive your dirt/ grit is and how well you clean your drive train. Also key to chain longevity is good chain line ie spec a chain ring that allows you to use the 1st gear as a bail out gear and replacing your chain ring as it wears out - should be the fasting wearing part in the system if you run alloy chain rings). XO1 chain for slightly less durability but also uses less energy in the drive train system (6W for those number nerds). XTR HG+ chain for shifting under load (although your Gabaruk cassette won't have the extra machining/ shapes that Shimano has developed to facilitate this anyway). I stopped using KMC chains due to a raft of durability issues and a significant lack of interest from KMC in either warrantying the chains or exploring the reasons behind why chains from the same batch were failing (within 50-150 km of being 'new'). Also if you are more of a climber than a 'pedal to go faster down the descending trail' type of rider (and it is where we spend the majority of our time, effort and torque) then adjust the chain line to reduce the offset as much as possible. Most normal riders benefit from running a non boost chainring on a boost set up.