Originally Posted by
Dunbar
I'm using the SRAM 11-28 cassette as well on 5800 (50/34 crank.) I like it although the 22-19 jump when you're climbing is noticeable. I came from a 10sp 12-27 and the 21-19 jump is preferable but you do adapt. I spend most of my time on the flats so I'll take the 16T over the 21T cog. My ideal 11sp cassette would be a Shimano 11-27 but they don't make one. I really would miss the 11T cog when I'm descending so the 12-28 or 12-29 aren't really options for me.
SRAM seems to set the cassettes up for a cadence section and then for a climbing section. On the 11 speed, there is a tight grouping and then a break and then an even grouping in the larger cogs. Shimano's is more consistent across the range in spacing but not having that 16 tooth cog in there limits the ability to tune cadence on flatter rides.
Anyhow, the SRAM cassette has worked out surprisingly well for me. Where I ride, there are a lot of short choppy but steep climbs. So that bifurcated spacing makes a lot of sense for me. Rarely do I wind up being surprised by the gap in the middle. It's pretty cool that now back at 11 speed, all three are compatible cassettes in terms chain compatibility and gear spacing. Makes for a lot of options that way.
J.