Looking for cassette recommendations: 1x12 gravel setup

[User_Name_Is_Taken]

I'm toying with a 1x conversion on one if my road bikes and am looking for cassette recommendations. I am using an LTWOO 1x groupset. Front chainring is currently a Goldix 44t, although I may need to replace it with either a 3mm or 6mm offset chainring in order to fix the chain line. I'd like to use an 11-50 cassette. Any recommendations? Wheelset has an HG freehub.

[Ludo]

spedao is what I run

[bastianb]

Have a Goldix one in 10-44 but they have mtb versions too and 11-51 I guess too. Hope this link works for you: Ich habe das hier gerade auf AliExpress gefunden:  | GOLDIX 12-Gang-Ultraleichte MTB-Kassette HG 12S 11-51T/12S 11-46T XD 10-46T/10-51T 12V K7 Alle CNC-Kettenrad für SHIMANO SRAM
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EvkWmew

[alfiomotrambo]

You also have ZTTO https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005011749983121.html

[jonathanf2]

I'm using an XD ZTTO 9-46/50t cassette, but they also come in HG compatible 11-46/50t. These are my go-to 1x cassettes. At least with the XD version, I found using an Eagle 12 speed chain to have the best shifting. It might be different on the HG version.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809574237924.html

[Rideordie]

I want a cheap cassette to go on my gravel wheels. This is an interesting thread. I think tracevelo had a video showing, I think, a ZTTO cassette that the outer few rings had a real potential to break off.

Does anyone have a hierarchy of the various Chinese cassettes? I need XDR 12 speed, but it would be great to understand reliable cassettes across the spectrum.

Sorry, I wasn't clear, I'm running SRAM. Goldix is recommended?

[alfiomotrambo]

I'll forward you the answer I gave on another forum for road boxes but the discussion is similar to the ones you're looking for.

There are various options, each with its own pros and cons:

1. Stick with official Shimano products
I would exclude the 105 cassettes from the options unless you're considering using them on a home trainer. At 361g, they're certainly not lightweight, but they're reliable and durable.
If you want to upgrade by spending a little more, you could opt for the 291g Ultegra version for around €70, otherwise, as a final upgrade, we have the 253g Dura Ace for around €220.
For me, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. I don't think it makes sense to opt for the more expensive version unless you're looking for a significant competitive advantage or if you're a pro

2. Options from Asia
In recent years, the number of Shimano-compatible products has increased significantly, resulting in many terrible products, but also some "pearls." I'd start with these latest products:

- Neutron: A very reliable brand with "very expensive" products that cost about €100 more than a Dura-Ace at a modest 180g. With the option of bolder colors, I'd definitely put it on the podium.
- Goldix: A cheaper alternative to the one presented above, in my opinion the best compromise between weight and quality/price, it's usually found for €60-80 on AliExpress (depending on the season) https://it.aliexpress.com/item/4000223517412.html

Terrible Products

Among the terrible products, I don't recommend the ZTTO cassette https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005008156880717.html. From what I've gathered from reading a few forums, this product, despite its popularity, is more of a lottery win, in the sense that many complain about noise and problems with gear shifting. In particular, one English YouTuber reported the breaking of the larger gears, which literally detached from the cassette body. It could be a defective product, but I don't want to risk it.

Final opinion: I think that if you are not looking for lightness Ultegra is fine and does its job more than decently, if you are more daring Goldix is ​​an excellent product

[Ludo]

I want a cheap cassette to go on my gravel wheels. This is an interesting thread. I think tracevelo had a video showing, I think, a ZTTO cassette that the outer few rings had a real potential to break off.

Does anyone have a hierarchy of the various Chinese cassettes? I need XDR 12 speed, but it would be great to understand reliable cassettes across the spectrum.

Spedao and the high end goldix

[Rufusz]

Anyone has long term experience with chinese 9-51t cassettes?
Looking to build an ultra wide range gravel drivetrain soon but have doubts about these cassettes. My other option would be an SLX 10-51t

[jonathanf2]

Anyone has long term experience with chinese 9-51t cassettes?
Looking to build an ultra wide range gravel drivetrain soon but have doubts about these cassettes. My other option would be an SLX 10-51t

I’ve had the ZTTO 9-46/50t for over a year with no issues. I love these cassettes! As I mentioned, they work best with SRAM Eagle chains. I’m using the non-flat top chain, not sure about the flat top chains. I reserve the 9t cog for downhill acceleration or for a quick speed boost on the flats. My chain line is a bit more straight since it brings my cruising cogs more center. I can also run a slightly smaller chainring for better low gear climbing. Though I highly recommend using an electronic groupset and an immersive waxed chain for optimal performance.

[Rufusz]

Thanks! Will consider using Sram chain but electronic groupset is out of my price range as it will be a budget build.

[jonathanf2]

Thanks! Will consider using Sram chain but electronic groupset is out of my price range as it will be a budget build.

One of my bikes has a mechanical GRX RD, ZTTO cassette, and SRAM chain with no issues. Plus it's easy to switch to different XD cassettes later on if you want to try something different.

[Rideordie]

I want a cheap cassette to go on my gravel wheels. This is an interesting thread. I think tracevelo had a video showing, I think, a ZTTO cassette that the outer few rings had a real potential to break off.

Does anyone have a hierarchy of the various Chinese cassettes? I need XDR 12 speed, but it would be great to understand reliable cassettes across the spectrum.

Sorry, I wasn't clear, I'm running SRAM. Goldix is recommended?

[Ulkem]

I run the EGR groupset from L-twoo. With casette from ZTTO 10-45 and 40 in front. And an Sram eagle chain.
So far i have no problems at all. (+/- 500km ofroad)

[qwertyas]

for an all-road bike, 12 speed 105 mechanical shifters, 1x configuration. I use an 11-39, 12 speed cassette from Goldix. Not very light (cca 400 grams), but very reliable. A workhorse.
The 105 cage with GRX pulleys, clears the biggest cog very fine.
Running an oval 38T in the front ... and on that bike I'm not rushing anywhere.