An endless link chain, particularly for use in a continuously variable transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle, has composite links and pintles which articulately connect neighboring links to each other. At least one of the links is assembled of at least two types of parallel plate-like components which differ from each other in size, shape, material and/or strength. The purpose of such selection of the plate-like components is to enhance one or more characteristics of the chain, for example, to reduce or eliminate vibration, to reduce the bulk and/or to properly position the pintles. The distribution of components in one or more links can be selected with a view to influence the above-enumerated and/or other characteristics, such as the resistance to deformation, of the chain.