Originally Posted by
grayrest
3T makes a pair of 11 speed 9-32 road cassettes (Bailout, Overdrive) for SRAM XD driver hubs. I think the gear range is ideal on the Birdy and should be easier to fit than long cages with dinner plates but they're relatively expensive.
I bought a bailout but got tripped up on swapping from the shimano freehub body to the SRAM one since there were multiple options that looked like they might work and I didn't want to deal with guessing and returning. Then the weather got nice and I decided to put it off until I swap my chain.
Interesting option, thanks. I switched from 10-speed 9-32 to 11-speed 9-36 to get that extra range, so the 3T isn't very appealing to me, but it surely will be to some. I'll wait and see if my replacement hub innards will hold up better (covered by warranty). If they don't, I'll have to conclude that the Sunrace hub is too weak. The SRAM XD hubs are built for MTB and ought to be strong enough. Though getting the 10-42 cassette to work with the 52t chainwheel without having the chain sawing the rear fork off will be a challenge.
The Sunrace 9t cassettes are kind off expensive. The 3T 9t cassettes are nearly 3 times that. They're approaching the cost of the whole Alfine 11 hub. And the Alfine will presumably last longer than many cassettes. It's not for road racers, but might be good for my touring and commuting use. Anyway, crossing my fingers for the new Sunrace hub innards.