SRAM Cassettes
 

I usually default to Shimano but since my 9-speed format is starting to age a bit I find the selection of my favorite Shimano 9-speed cassettes starting to thin out a little. Yes, I can find new higher end Shimano 9-speed cassettes but when the cost of a SRAM 950 comes in under $30 it gets my attention. I have no reason to believe there is anything wrong with SRAM cassettes, I was just reaching out for opinions. I am thinking that since I use SRAM chains that there might be a slight compatibility advantage(?)

I've had a number of Sram groupsets and have used both Sram and Shimano cassettes with no noticeable preference to either.

I've also never noticed any difference between Shimano and SRAM cassettes, and use them interchangeably. Same with chains.
Given the current challenge with finding parts, I'd encourage you to buy whatever you can get your hands on. These things are getting harder to find across the board right now.

I've had equal luck with both brands and buy the one that has the gear range I want for my bike in the weight and price range I like. Never really noticed a shifting difference.

Thanks for all the input.

I have been using the SRAM PG-990 for years with no issues and have used other SRAM cassettes on Shimano stuff just fine.

I'll echo what others have said. I wanted an 11-28 cassette for my Shomano Ultegra drivetrain but my LBS couldn't find a Shimano, so I'm now riding with a SRAM cassette on an otherwise Shimano drivetrain and it works fine.

i actually mostly use SHIMANO 10 speed cassettes , and look for used sram 10 speeds for my cx bike :)

Sram, Shimano, Sunrace..... I can never tell a difference in performance.

I don't know if this applies to the 9-speed cassettes as well but I find with the 11-speed versions that Shimano tend to space the gears more evenly. SRAM seem to go for smaller jumps at the higher gear (small cogs) end, gradually increasing the gaps. Whether you prefer that or not is obviously down to personal preference but I've gradually come to appreciate the logic. I have a compact chainset and I find that if I stay on the smaller chainring then, at the speed that I typically ride at, it's easier to find a gear that I want. In the old days I tended to get on to the big chainring and stay there until I needed to change down so at first I found the SRAM cassette annoying. Now I've got used to it I'm quite happy.

I have used a number of SRAM cassettes and can't tell the difference between them and any others.

Timely thread for me, as I was looking for an 11 speed 11-36 cassette. I have a Shimano group set, but to the best of my knowledge, they don't have an 11-36. SRAM does, but I was wondering about compatibility.

Got to a 36 large cog you will need a longer RD case.

i currently have an 11-40 cassette on this bike, using a long cage RT-R8000 derailleur. Also using a road
Link to extend the derailleur further out. I’ve had trouble with bending the whole contraption from just pedaling. Then I can’t access the 40 tooth. It’s happened several times even after hanger, road link and derailleur are replaced. Maybe if I take the road link out, it would help

A medium cage R8000 RD should be able to handle 11-36 on its own. Between personal experience and what I see, 11-36 is a relatively common cassette change for gravel bikes that run 11 sp 105/Ultegra RDs.