SRAM Cassettes
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Los Alamitos, Calif.
Bikes: Canyon Endurace
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(?)
#3
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.
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.
#4
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From: South Shore of Long Island
Bikes: 2010 Carrera Volans, 2015 C-Dale Trail 2sl, 2017 Raleigh Rush Hour, 2017 Blue Proseccio, 1992 Giant Perigee, 80s Gitane Rallye Tandem
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.
#6
Clark W. Griswold




Joined: Mar 2014
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From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
I have been using the SRAM PG-990 for years with no issues and have used other SRAM cassettes on Shimano stuff just fine.
#7
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From: North Florida
Bikes: 2019 Specialized Diverge, 2021 Cervelo Caledonia
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.
#10
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From: Surrey, UK
Bikes: Dolan Tuono 105 Di2, custom built 653 and 531 bikes with frames by Barry Witcomb, Sonder Dial XT mountain bike and a Brompton folding bike.
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.
#12
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Kearney NE
Bikes: 2018 Specialized Diverge Expert, 2018 Specialized Diverge Comp, Volagi Liscio, LHT
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.
#13
On Your Left
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Long Island, New York, USA
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
#14
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 633
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From: Kearney NE
Bikes: 2018 Specialized Diverge Expert, 2018 Specialized Diverge Comp, Volagi Liscio, LHT
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
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
#15
Sunshine
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Des Moines, IA
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
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
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





