I need a new cassette to fit on some spare wheels I have. It is an XD free hub. What cassette do I need? The range is quite baffling. There are GX XG, NX PG and other combinations.Which one is XD compatible?
And, are there any aftermarket alternatives available?
Thanks.
SRAM ones GX and above fit the XD Freehub. GX ones last ages, they are really good, quality wise, better than the equivalent shimano XT
Sram NX don't fit XD drivers, basically anything SRAM with a 10-tooth smallest cog will fit XD (10-42 in 11 speed, 10-50, or 10-52 12 speed)
Garbaruk make good aftermarket XD cassettes, light, not cheap
Sunrace make cheap XD cassettes, not light, not as durable
Other cheap brands do exist also.
If 11 speed, SRAM GX XG-1150 10-42 is super durable and light but the 42t biggest cog might be restrictive.
If 12 speed, SRAM GX XG-1275 10-50 or 10-52 (I think).
Like @honourablegeorge says, SRAM cassettes are generally very durable.
If you get a spare chain and rotate those xg1150 cassettes have been the longest lasting I think I’ve ever used. I bought a spare cheap nearly two years ago because I thought it was starting to look worn and it’s still going strong.
Garbaruk make good aftermarket XD cassettes, light, not cheap
Cheaper than the equivalent weight SRAM though, iirc
It is an XD free hub. What cassette do I need?
You haven't stated whether you're running 11 or 12 spd, Eagle or T-Type...?
We need more info to help you make a decision!
12 sp. Eagle. Thanks all, GX it is then. But the price. I can remember cassettes being £30, so £150 is a bit of a shock, though it seems it’ll last a good long time.
I've done 5,000 miles on one of those GX Eagle cassettes and it's still going strong so the cost is relative. It's actually been a revelation coming from over a decade of exclusively using Shimano.
(Disclaimer: I'm using wax and changing chains at 0.5% stretch according to the SRAM-recommended Pedro's chain checker).
Yeah, I have literally no idea how long my current GX has lasted, which makes it definitely way longer lasting than any 9 10 or 11 speed cassette I ever used. Really impressive.
E13 can be a good option too- not at RRP, but then I don't think I've ever seen them for sale at RRP. The fitting is sort of weird but they last well, shift just fine and are pretty light, iirc they compare with about the second top of the range Sram but I paid GX price for it.
Another happy e*13 user here, I've run 11 and 12 speed versions with no issues.