Subscribe now and choose from over 30 free gifts worth up to £49 - Plus get £25 to spend in our shop
Evening all,
My partner has just got a brand new slash 9.8XT.
Bike has arrived and has a 9-50 E13 helix plus Cassette, which I believe are only available to suit XD drivers (If true - it means I can't simply swap the correct XT cassette onto it without freehub replacement)
The bike should have an M8100 10-51 Cassettte, XT to match the rest of the group set. Hence the name '9.8 XT'.
I know covid has effected supply chains and parts shortage etc, trek have swapped bits around to keep the cash flowing...
Am I being unreasonable in not being happy with this and pursuing it?
Should I just accept its still decent kit and ride off happily?
I'd like a microspline driver and XT cassette as the spec said, and don't feel this is 'equivalent' given the whole shimano hyperglide+ spiel.
No mention prior to delivery (wasn't direct from trek, was from a trek dealer though).
Retailer said they can pursue with trek.
I called trek customer service they said pursue though retailer but explained they wanted to keep selling bikes and couldn't get correct parts, disclaimer on website below spec lists explain they can chop and change etc.
I did compare to another 9.8XT in my local trek store, which had the XT cassette but instead had SLX brakes fitted.... so clearly clearly are chopping and changing lots.
“specifications are subject to change”
Pretty normal in these times and covered under the wording that they reserve the right to chance spec without notice.
If you really want an XT cassette, sell the brand new E13 cassette and freehub and buy a microspline freehub and cassette. Shouldn't cost you that much.
Tbh I expect to change a few things on a new bike anyway (grips/saddle/tyres) so it wouldn't be a big deal for me.
Your options are not likely to be E13 casette or XT casette.
It'll be E13 casette or no bike.
It sucks, yes, but we all know its soemthing that can happen.
Send it back if you’re not happy.
Personally, I’d want to be asked about the change before getting the bike, it’s a serious downgrade in my opinion. I’d rather have the correct freehub and a Deore cassette. Reasonably to substitute, but with anything significant, it’s rude not to check with the customer.
You're very lucky to find a bike you like in stock.
I know covid has effected supply chains
Bloody hell, using a virus to deliver bike parts.... how cool is that 😎
FWIW I fitted an E13 cassette during the peak of the Great Drivetrain Blight and it's been superb. Not to mention, lighter and more expensive than XT with a bigger range (and XD's lighter than microspline too, and I reckon still more common since it's a longer standing, uh, standard). I've not used the current XT, though, so I can't compare shifting with the hyperglide, but the E13's shifting is pretty much invisible.
Plus, I like the replacability of it (though I'm yet to take advantage of it) Though I would say that fitting is more of a hassle. Not difficult, but I wouldn't want to try and do it in a car park.
Not sure what I'd buy today with availability and such back to normal but I've no regrets with the E13.
Not much you can do, it will be written in the small print. I've had it happen twice but both times to my benefit so can't complain.
"We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, specifications, models, colours, materials and pricing. The prices shown are the manufacturer's suggested retail prices."
Weird disclaimer. they reserve the right to change the info on the site, but don't mention anything about changing the actual specs of bikes they sell. Like some web designer wrote it without talking to legal.
I'd consider an XD freehub an upgrade, I'd be happy to take a SRAM cassette for longevity, agree that I wouldn't want an E13 part, they're usually junk.
Assuming you’ve not ridden the bike you can turn it for a full refund.
Or you can keep the bike and ride as is or swap bits at your own expense
Choose your option.
You may feel unhappy or angry. But it
doesn’t help or change anything
Now i am sympathetic. These things really get to me as I hate buying new stuff.
or l, ask if they’ll swap the wheel for the one on the bike you saw in the shop.
edit assuming that it was the op and the same shop, of course
It’s just a cassette. Once it’s dirty will you even notice?
XD driver is a bonus in my book too.
I would be upset especially having had the misfortune to experience an E13 cassette. I would expect something that at least uses the microspline interface
Annoying disclaimer covers their arse I think.
If you picked it up in person, it’s on you - you managed to spot the brake downgrade on the other bike.
Distance selling though, I’d expect them to mention the change, though not give you any option other than refusal.
What’s the RRP difference?
Yes all the bike companies have disclaimers addressing this kind of situation, but that doesn't mean OP is being unreasonable or that the bike shop/Trek won't do anything to address the issue.
Perhaps they could supply a spare microspline freehub as a compromise, so you can move to Shimano with the next cassette?
Let us know how it turns out.
I'd be fine with the e13 cassette - my yt capra came with one and its great, no noticable different in shifting compared to shimano xt, but is better range and lighter.
I know covid has effected supply chains
Bloody hell, using a virus to deliver bike parts…. how cool is that 😎
Well I at least appreciate that 🙂
My partner has just got a brand new slash 9.8XT.
Are they bothered by it?
Well I at least appreciate that
Thank you sir. Means a lot to me 🤭
Count yourself lucky - had nothing but problems with xt microspline freehub failure ( 5 in 18 months) before I 'upgraded' to 11 speed!
Glad there's been lots of positive comments since my negative post. Sounds like the bike might be sorted as it is then. Rejoice! It would have been courteous to tell/ask you before delivery though.
I’d be happier with that. Sure that cassette is more expensive than an XT and lighter. If bothered just switch them both when due for a replacement.
E13 is decent kit. I just replaced a shimano mech for having as much structural integrity as brie so I dont think shimano stuff is top notch exactly.
It wont affect the bike and you're stressing for no reason
I’d be happier with that. Sure that cassette is more expensive than an XT and lighter. If bothered just switch them both when due for a replacement.
It's not so much the cassette as the freehub which I assume is a Bontrager one that Trek either have or don't.
I did compare to another 9.8XT in my local trek store, which had the XT cassette but instead had SLX brakes fitted…. so clearly clearly are chopping and changing lots.
That would have been a bonus for me.
The only differences are the dimpled lever and 2 Philips screws replaced by safety screws.
Since I like grip tape and it doesn't stick well to dimpled levers I'd have had to change the levers anyway... which is a fiddly operation.
The bike should have an M8100 10-51 Cassettte, XT to match the rest of the group set.
It doesn't work like this. The name 'XT' on the bike means nothing. Bikes have always mixed and matched components to save money and increase desirability. Back in the day, they'd put a higher level of rear mech on because that's what people would look at, so they'd go 'ooh XT' and the rest of the bike would be Deore or whatever.
My road bike came with Ultegra mechs and cranks, but 105 brakes/shifters, because they are way cheaper and basically the same. However it was advertised as such. I am fine with this because I didn't want the bike to be £200 more for no benefit.
As above, bike companies are fitting what they can get, and you will not notice anything. I would consider that a reasonable substitution, especially if it meant I could get my bike delivered now rather than having to wait 6 months for it. That said, it would be mildly annoying having xD instead of microspline, but that could be changed later probably.