SRAM, Ultegra, or 105 cassette?
11-13-07, 04:21 PM
#1
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SRAM, Ultegra, or 105 cassette?
I am going to be replacing the wheelset on my bike. Instead of swapping the SRAM 12-26 9 speed cassette that is currently on my bike I am planning on replacing it with a new one. This way, if I need to swap the wheels again for any reason I can do it quickly without having to swap cassettes.
The SRAM 970 is available in the same 12-26 that is currently on my bike.
The Ultegra is available in 12-25 or 12-27.
So far, I can only find the 105 cassette in 12-25, not 12- 27.
The SRAM and Ultegra are about the same price ~ $35 -$40 while the Ultegra is about $20 more. I know the weight is different between these cassettes, but it is not much. If I need to save 30 grams, I can have a smaller bowl of cereal in the morning.
Is there much of a differnce in the longevity of these products? Is the Ultegra actually $20 better?
Any suggestions or experiences would be helpful. I do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new wheelset and then screw up by trying to save $20 on a cassette.
The SRAM 970 is available in the same 12-26 that is currently on my bike.
The Ultegra is available in 12-25 or 12-27.
So far, I can only find the 105 cassette in 12-25, not 12- 27.
The SRAM and Ultegra are about the same price ~ $35 -$40 while the Ultegra is about $20 more. I know the weight is different between these cassettes, but it is not much. If I need to save 30 grams, I can have a smaller bowl of cereal in the morning.
Is there much of a differnce in the longevity of these products? Is the Ultegra actually $20 better?
Any suggestions or experiences would be helpful. I do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new wheelset and then screw up by trying to save $20 on a cassette.
11-13-07, 04:27 PM
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I've had a 11-23 Ultegra 9-speed cassette on my GF's bike before and now have the 12-26 SRAM cassette on there. I have perceived no difference.
11-13-07, 04:46 PM
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11-13-07, 04:53 PM
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Ultegra = best performance value for the money.
Last edited by Tequila Joe; 11-13-07 at 08:06 PM.
11-13-07, 05:06 PM
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One thing you have to watch out for is wear, if you put a new chain on and use an older cassette that's well used, it will wear the chain faster.
I bought a tiagra cassette as a spare that I use on my climbing wheels 12-25. The difference in shifting is not noticable. A 12-25 cassette will be no problem when moving from a 12-26. I used mine for an 11000 vertical, 110 mile race.I have noticed no difference in the longevity either.
Spend the $20 on something else.
I bought a tiagra cassette as a spare that I use on my climbing wheels 12-25. The difference in shifting is not noticable. A 12-25 cassette will be no problem when moving from a 12-26. I used mine for an 11000 vertical, 110 mile race.I have noticed no difference in the longevity either.
Spend the $20 on something else.
11-13-07, 05:44 PM
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I use ultegra cassettes on my bikes, as it seems to be the best compromise of design/quality and cost.
11-13-07, 05:48 PM
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11-13-07, 07:07 PM
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I have found the SRAM 970 to be a good cassette.
I like the fact all the rings are "bonded" together.
A lot less wear on the splines that way.
I like the fact all the rings are "bonded" together.
A lot less wear on the splines that way.
11-13-07, 07:11 PM
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11-13-07, 07:27 PM
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11-13-07, 09:40 PM
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11-13-07, 09:41 PM
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