Creaky 9100 dura ace cassette under load
 

Was this just a bad run or do they all creak?? I Just installed new 52/36 DA 9100 cranks, DA chain and DA 9100 12-28 cassette. It's my 2nd 9100 cassette. The first had basically zero creaking..occasionally if I was in the 36 in front and got into the 28 n rear, I would get a creak but only for one or two pedal strokes then it would go away. No big deal. BUT with this setup when I am in my 52 and 25/23/19/17 under heavy load or out of the saddle, I get this horrendous creaking. I replaced the cassette with another and I am getting the same creaks. Cassette is torqued to 40nM (even past by a few clicks), shifting is perfect, no chain rub or loud drivetrain. I am not a ******. 5'11" and 160 lbs, so not due to being 250. I know the 28/25 and 23/21/19 have the carbon shell/rivots design which seems to be what is causing the noise.

Any clues/advice is greatly appreciate.d My LBS and many other sources are stumped. Shimano knows nothing about this of course...

It's a known issue, unfortunately. The carbon carriers creak and sometimes break where the cogs are riveted. Keep an eye on yours for cracks.

Dura Ace 9000 11 speed cassette- rubish product design - Weight Weenies

Creaky 9100 dura ace cassette under load
 

I've heard it out there but have been lucky with the past DA cassettes I've run. Both new 9100 cassettes I've installed over the last week is sounding the same. Creaky. Next build Sram eTap.

Or just run Ultegra cassettes. Much cheaper and they last a lot longer anyway. The 9100 cassettes are stupidly under-engineered.

You'd think the engineering would be a few notches higher with the DA. That carbon shell/rivot design is crap. I might wind up running an Ultegra cassette and call it a day. The silence will win out over the 75g weight gain. Not sue if Ultegra is offered in 12-28 though. Thanks.