Affordable wide range MTB/Gravel cassettes with durable alloy granny cogs?

[jonathanf2]

I'm noticing the big alloy cog on my ZTTO 9-46t isn't very durable. Even from light use, the teeth appear to wear quickly. It defeats the purpose of using such a cassette since climbing is the reason to have such low gearing.  In comparison, I'm also using a Sunrace 10-46t and the alloy big cogs are far more durable. The teeth are thicker as well.

Are there any other cassettes worth checking out within a reasonable price range? Thanks!

[00Garza]

I'm noticing the big alloy cog on my ZRace 9-46t isn't very durable. Even from light use, the teeth appear to wear quickly. It defeats the purpose of using such a cassette since climbing is the reason to have such low gearing.  In comparison, I'm also using a Sunrace 10-46t and the alloy big cogs are far more durable. The teeth are thicker as well.

Are there any other cassettes worth checking out within a reasonable price range? Thanks!

I've lurked many a thread trying to find this myself. Very mixed results or inconsistent reviews have kept me from trying one. I have sunrace 11-46 on my mtb, gravel bike, and direct drive trainer.

[jonathanf2]

I've lurked many a thread trying to find this myself. Very mixed results or inconsistent reviews have kept me from trying one. I have sunrace 11-46 on my mtb, gravel bike, and direct drive trainer.

The Sunrace cassettes are hard to beat. Even with the funky two-piece carrier/spider setup with the XD 10-46t, the alloy big cogs are just more durable compared to the wide range XD cassettes from AliEx. Also I like having at least a 10t cog. I can run a smaller chainring, while still having a decent high gear and better low gear climbing.

[FullCarbonAlchemist]

I do find that Sunrace’s HG cassettes can sometimes creak in the low gears on high torque climbs but generously greasing the freehub interface and between cogs/carriers/spacers can help. And they are otherwise one of the best third party cassette options on both value and durability.

[Daviddavieboy]

I'm noticing the big alloy cog on my ZRace 9-46t isn't very durable. Even from light use, the teeth appear to wear quickly. It defeats the purpose of using such a cassette since climbing is the reason to have such low gearing.  In comparison, I'm also using a Sunrace 10-46t and the alloy big cogs are far more durable. The teeth are thicker as well.

Are there any other cassettes worth checking out within a reasonable price range? Thanks!

 have you considered changing the chain rings to get the range lower ? It would help you stay on the steel cogs of those cassettes.

[jonathanf2]

have you considered changing the chain rings to get the range lower ? It would help you stay on the steel cogs of those cassettes.

Yes I have considered it. Get this though, most these wide range XD cassettes from AliExpress have steel cogs only up to 42t! They don't have any cogs between the 40/42t and 46/50t range. At that point what was the point getting an 11-46 or 11-50t? The Spedao 10-42t is steel throughout the range, so might as well just get that. The Sunrace cassettes have smoother cog jumps before getting to the granny gear and the alloy is much better at that range.

Maybe going 1x on gravel is a bit premature! A 2x 46-30t + 11-36t is pretty much the same range as a 1x 38t + 9-46t, but at least you get an all steel cassette with 2x and better chain line.