Bicycle Mechanics - cassette wear

I am running a campy ergopower shifter (10s) with a shimano 9s cassette. I have been doing this for a while but recently got a new wheelset (AC 420). So I am getting a new cassette to go with this wheelset. My question is about hte Dura Ace 9s cassette. I am wondering whether to go exotic and look for a DA or token 9s cassettee (fairly cheap, lessthan 100). Those cassettes are made of exotics materials such as Ti and Alu, so they may not last as long. My question is the longevity of cassettes. SHould i go for a regular ultergra or SRAM 9s cassette (steel) or something more exotic? In your experience what is the diff in longevity. I am around 1120-30 lbs and commute (sometimes on my race bike) and race in local criteriums.

Dude, at 1100 pounds, i'd think you should go for the most sturdy cassette possible! ;)

:eek:
Dude, at 1100 pounds, i'd think you should go for the most sturdy cassette possible! ;)

If I remember correctly Token gives an estimated life span of their cassettes. But, as with all cassettes, weather conditions (rain = gunk = wear), chain condition, and lubrication can mean the difference between a long lasting cassette and one that needs changing at short intervals. I really can't see where you are going to get a great advantage in a crit with a cassette that weighs a few less grams.

so what on the market (shimano 9) cassette has the best lifespan.

For you, it doesn't matter.

Pick the prettiest one.

Dura Ace 9-speed 12/21 cassette weighs 155g.
Ultegra 9-speed 12/21 cassette weighs 196g.

Only the three largest cogs on the DA cassette are titanium so I can't imagine that durability would be a factor. The Ultegra weighs 2 oz. more but it only costs about half as much.

Haven't used a token cassette, but they are advertised for a lifespan of 10k km. Also they state the their weight is 70 gms lighter than a 10 sp DA. Haven't checked 9spd. I've used SRAM PG970 and Ultegra casettes with great luck and they are about $200 less than the Token cassettes.

I don't see any reason why the SRAM 9-speed cassettes would be less durable than Shimano, and they're often cheaper nowadays.

Most durable cassettes that I know of are BBB, but I am unaware of their US availability.

http://www.bbbparts.com/

Unless weight is an overriding consideration and money no object, get an Ultegra or 105 (HG70) level cassette or one of the SRAM's.

Why would you run a 9-speed cassette with 10-speed shifters?