Compatibility questions on drivetrain (Ali Cassette, Wheeltop GeX and Flattop)

[lidation]

I am in part-sourcing step of my 1x12 gravel build.
Frame:          SP-Cycle G069 gravel frame
Rear Wheel:   Xiamen Carbon Speed 142x12 with XDR drive body
Cassette:      AliExpress ZRace XPLR 10-44T 12-speed cassette.    https://shorturl.at/lcb9s
Derailleur:     Wheeltop GeX 1x electronic wireless groupset

Question:
1. Do I have to use the SRAM flattop chain to go with this XPLR cassette.
2. If 1 is yes, then will the Wheeltop GeX derailleur work well with the SRAM flattop chain? I read that you need a specific roller size and design on the derailleur to work with the flattop chain.

[Daviddavieboy]

I am in part-sourcing step of my 1x12 gravel build.
Frame:          SP-Cycle G069 gravel frame
Rear Wheel:   Xiamen Carbon Speed 142x12 with XDR drive body
Cassette:       AliExpress ZRace XPLR 10-44T 12-speed cassette
Derailleur:     Wheeltop GeX 1x electronic wireless groupset

Question:
1. Do I have to use the SRAM flattop chain to go with this XPLR cassette.
2. If 1 is yes, then will the Wheeltop GeX derailleur work well with the SRAM flattop chain? I read that you need a specific roller size and design on the derailleur to work with the flattop chain.

 Have a link for that cassette? I am doubting it's XPLR. If it is, the groove is larger for the larger pins on the flat top chain to mesh.

[lidation]

Have a link for that cassette? I am doubting it's XPLR. If it is, the groove is larger for the larger pins on the flat top chain to mesh.

I just added the link and a photo from AliExpress. You are correct, it doesn't say "XPLR". It only says XDR which is the drive body.  I was assuming it is XPLR.  But the thing is, SRAM calls the 10-44T 12 speed cassette that fit on XDR an "XPLR". 

[siranachronist]

the reviews say different things, ... so who knows?

[lidation]

the reviews say different things, ... so who knows?

Thanks for quoting the reviews. I didn't notice that.

One reviewer said "I do believe the SRAM flattop would be problematic".  ---- I think this is a typo and he really meant "I don't believe....."
Another reviewer said "Doesn't work too well with KMC x12 chain but PERFECT with SRAM flat top chain".

so if the first reviewer was a typo then it seems this cassette would work fine with the SRAM flat top.   But then the other question about whether the Wheeltop - SRAM flattop chain compatibility still needs help. Hope someone from here has real world experience.

[raisinberry777]

Ideally, the cassette should match the chain. Where this is not particularly helpful is that none of the XDR cassette manufacturers actually specify which chain their cassettes are designed to work with.

[Daviddavieboy]

I was assuming it is XPLR.  But the thing is, SRAM calls the 10-44T 12 speed cassette that fit on XDR an "XPLR".

 XPLR is a system meant to work with matching 1x derailleur. Regular SRAM AXS cassettes (either 1x or 2x) go to 36t and XPLR are the 44t all of which use the XDR carrier.

 Fun fact - for extra range the XPLR system (cassette/derailleur) can be run in a 2x setup even though SRAM says it's not compatible. On my gravel bike I am using a 11-46 ZTTO cassette, XPLR derailleur, Rival (wide) front derailleur and a Rival 43/30 crank. Shifting is a bit funny when it gets muddy but great otherwise. I am looking for a 1x option but not having much luck ATM as I want to keep my power meter as well.

[splashkit]

Ideally, the cassette should match the chain. Where this is not particularly helpful is that none of the XDR cassette manufacturers actually specify which chain their cassettes are designed to work with.

From what I have seen and read, XDR plays nice with sram obviously and YBN.. not kmc or connex