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Other Resources => Component Deals & Selection => Topic started by: mrdawson on October 06, 2022, 03:06:35 PM

Title: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: mrdawson on October 06, 2022, 03:06:35 PM
 Any real reviews on these? The latest versions. Not the version reviewed by tracevelo a little while back.  Interested as possible replacements for both the gravel and road bikes.  See plenty of reviews commenting on the weight / looks, not really any on actual function.
Thanks
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: 00Garza on October 06, 2022, 03:36:17 PM
Are there any differences claimed in the latest version that would make them worthwhile?
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Pedaldancer on October 06, 2022, 03:53:24 PM
Any real reviews on these? The latest versions. Not the version reviewed by tracevelo a little while back.  Interested as possible replacements for both the gravel and road bikes.  See plenty of reviews commenting on the weight / looks, not really any on actual function.
Thanks

If you tell me how ro recognize the version.. I could check which version I have. Riding since 1400km now, shifting is very fine, everything else looks as new. But I would expect that, frankly.. 1400km is not to much.

There is just one thing I didn't think about... golden cassette means cleaning every ride  ;D
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: mrdawson on October 06, 2022, 04:05:38 PM
If you tell me how ro recognize the version.. I could check which version I have. Riding since 1400km now, shifting is very fine, everything else looks as new. But I would expect that, frankly.. 1400km is not to much.

There is just one thing I didn't think about... golden cassette means cleaning every ride  ;D

the ones that look like these, with the black metal backing plate.

also, which groupset are you using with it?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003777090540.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6ef51f66oQ37MO&algo_pvid=e543eee4-b26b-408e-b9cb-14337c4dbe49&algo_exp_id=e543eee4-b26b-408e-b9cb-14337c4dbe49-1&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000027129859683%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21CAD%21207.23%21145.06%21%21%21%21%21%402101d8b516650812291874681e9afb%2112000027129859683%21sea&curPageLogUid=GJuoGSZR6V3m
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Pedaldancer on October 06, 2022, 06:30:46 PM
the ones that look like these, with the black metal backing plate.

also, which groupset are you using with it?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003777090540.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6ef51f66oQ37MO&algo_pvid=e543eee4-b26b-408e-b9cb-14337c4dbe49&algo_exp_id=e543eee4-b26b-408e-b9cb-14337c4dbe49-1&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000027129859683%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21CAD%21207.23%21145.06%21%21%21%21%21%402101d8b516650812291874681e9afb%2112000027129859683%21sea&curPageLogUid=GJuoGSZR6V3m
I guess it's the version you are asking for.. it's black.

€ 105,07  26%OFF | SRoad SLR2 Cassette Ultralight 11 Speed 11-25/28/32/34T CNC Bike Freewheel K7 11V Sprocket For R9100 Bicycle RAINBOW Cassette
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGPODxz

I use complete mechanic Shimano Ultegra 2x11 setup with 8020 STI, front derailleur and GS rear derailleur with 11-32 cassette. Shifting is as I said very smooth and fast. It was a bit tight to mount on my novatec freehub but I already removed it once for free hub exchange (so no issue with the fitting, just my freehub died).

And also di2 Ultegra  (but this cassette only travelled 300km so far) with 11-34 cassette. Here it is quite interesting to note, that the 11-34 sroad does not use a spacer as the Shimano 11-34 does. So it will only fit to 11s road freehubs.
I have to admit I was critical about a cassette from China. But since 11-34 is not available  almost since 2 years now... I think it's a very nice alternative. Also the colors are hot.... golden and rainbow look both very nice
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: mrdawson on October 06, 2022, 09:21:38 PM
I guess it's the version you are asking for.. it's black.

€ 105,07  26%OFF | SRoad SLR2 Cassette Ultralight 11 Speed 11-25/28/32/34T CNC Bike Freewheel K7 11V Sprocket For R9100 Bicycle RAINBOW Cassette
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGPODxz

I use complete mechanic Shimano Ultegra 2x11 setup with 8020 STI, front derailleur and GS rear derailleur with 11-32 cassette. Shifting is as I said very smooth and fast. It was a bit tight to mount on my novatec freehub but I already removed it once for free hub exchange (so no issue with the fitting, just my freehub died).

And also di2 Ultegra  (but this cassette only travelled 300km so far) with 11-34 cassette. Here it is quite interesting to note, that the 11-34 sroad does not use a spacer as the Shimano 11-34 does. So it will only fit to 11s road freehubs.
I have to admit I was critical about a cassette from China. But since 11-34 is not available  almost since 2 years now... I think it's a very nice alternative. Also the colors are hot.... golden and rainbow look both very nice

Thanks for the info.  I had tried a prior version like the one tracevelo had tried.  Similar results.  It was absolute crap.
These newer ones look much better but I've only seen very few people comment on actual use.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: 00Garza on October 06, 2022, 10:26:10 PM
I guess it's the version you are asking for.. it's black.

€ 105,07  26%OFF | SRoad SLR2 Cassette Ultralight 11 Speed 11-25/28/32/34T CNC Bike Freewheel K7 11V Sprocket For R9100 Bicycle RAINBOW Cassette
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGPODxz


The teeth profile on the small sprockets does look improved on this one. Nice to know they’re willing to improve their product.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Pedaldancer on October 07, 2022, 04:10:42 AM
Thanks for the info.  I had tried a prior version like the one tracevelo had tried.  Similar results.  It was absolute crap.
These newer ones look much better but I've only seen very few people comment on actual use.

You're welcome  :)
So with the older cassette the shifting got bad very early for you?
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: mrdawson on October 07, 2022, 09:07:16 AM
yes. they were basically unusable from new.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Pedaldancer on October 07, 2022, 09:43:22 AM
yes. they were basically unusable from new.

Oops..
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jfcb on October 08, 2022, 02:06:34 PM
the road cassettes (i.e. up to 34t) are fine and durable. With the gravel/mtb gearing-like cassettes, the small teeth break/bend very easily.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: mrdawson on October 08, 2022, 04:39:58 PM
the road cassettes (i.e. up to 34t) are fine and durable. With the gravel/mtb gearing-like cassettes, the small teeth break/bend very easily.

pictures of this?
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: OlieSimpson on October 09, 2022, 12:10:41 PM
I've got an 11-28 SROAD SLR2 cassette in black that is used with Shimano 105 mechanical derailleur and shifters. Put around 6,000km's on it so far and it's been flawless. Shifting is fantastic and it's super light. Would highly recommend them.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on November 04, 2022, 03:01:10 AM
Can someone confirm whether or not these cassettes have a continuous/uninterrupted spline profile where they slide onto the freehub? Because that should minimize bite marks on lightweight aluminium freehubs. If yes, I'm interested.

Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on June 09, 2023, 12:31:17 AM
Quick update for everyone eyeing these cassettes:

I've been riding two of these for the last 6 months.
I ordered an 11sp 11-32 cassette with grey finish that I used on my steel roadie with Campagnolo Chorus. It has been flawless. No issues. Being a one piece unit, it transfers more noise to deep carbon wheelsets. So your drivetrain can seem noisier at times, if that concerns you.

On my VB 218 I put on another one of these, this time a 12sp 11-32 cassette. They only had it in stock in rainbow finish. I ordered it regardless. Again, it's very well finished. BUT after just two rides it developed a creaking sound. I narrowed it down to the black aluminium spider that the steel cogs are riveted to. There is some slight play in there, so you can rock it slightly back and forth on the spider. So particularly on the big cogs of the cassette under high torque (i.e. when climbing) I got a very loud creaking. It probably doesn't affect the functionality. Time will tell how durable the thing is.
I took the cassette off, cleaned it and put some Loctite on all the riveted interface areas between the spider and the cogs. I let it dry for a night and did another ride yesterday. Now it's quiet. Let's see for how long.
You could probably also just grease it every now and then. But I'm using wax on my drivetrain and didn't want to introduce oil or grease to my drivetrain.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: hwpaints on June 10, 2023, 02:15:37 PM
i use the mtb ultra light 10/50 xd cassettes for 3 years now on 2 bikes, works very good i can 8000km with 2 chains kmc hole year wet and dirt.

only the price going sky high for this cassettes now 175€ but stil half price of sram xx1
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: dsveddy on June 14, 2023, 08:10:31 AM
I've bought 3 cassettes from SROAD, all shimano-lockring style, I believe the old design, and honestly had a fine time with them.

I run an 11s/11-32 on my road bike, 11s/10-42 on my commuter bike, and 10s/11-36 on my cross bike. I've run them with mechanical SRAM road, 1x-road/gravel, and MTB derailleurs, as well as LTWOO's R9 derailleur, and a Shimano Ultegra R8000 rear derailleur. They all do fine.

They do NOT shift as nice as Shimano. They are loud, and are more prone to rough shifts. But they have been seriously ok. No breaking of teeth. The shifts happen, and they are smooth enough for me. On my road bike I've had the occasional "slippery" shift when my rear derailleur wasn't set up right, but that's the worst of it.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on July 26, 2023, 02:06:19 AM
Update on my creaking 12sp cassette - more than 1000km later, the creaking still hasn't returned since I put thread lock on the interface between the spider and the cogs. So fingers crossed that I fixed the issue. Still, it seems that this interface, where the cogs are riveted to the spider can be a weak spot.

As for shifting and wear - it's been good. Not in any way inferior to cassettes from Shimano/Sram/Campag that I've been using in the past. The rainbow finish still looks like new.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on July 27, 2023, 10:17:08 AM
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804609644012.html? (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804609644012.html?)

I remember seeing more sizes for the SRoad MTB cassettes. Now I can only find 11-42t on AliEx. I'm thinking of increasing cassette size on my 1x road bike, but I was hoping to stay 11-40t. Now I can't seem to find those other sizes. If not, I'll probably end up sticking with a Shimano XT cassette, but the weight penalty will be another 100g.

I seriously hate AliExpress' search function. It's useless!
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jcr on July 27, 2023, 10:37:56 AM
I've picked up an 11s 11-28 cassette and had issues with it. Couldn't get it to shift cleanly and it was very noisy. Also the lightweight lockring being aluminum seem to strip like cheese when I try to torque it correctly. Went back to my 105 cassette and no issues with the shifting or lockring.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on July 28, 2023, 04:31:55 AM
I've picked up an 11s 11-28 cassette and had issues with it. Couldn't get it to shift cleanly and it was very noisy. Also the lightweight lockring being aluminum seem to strip like cheese when I try to torque it correctly. Went back to my 105 cassette and no issues with the shifting or lockring.

What drivetrain did you pair it with? These cassettes are known to shift badly with Shimano's newer derailleurs bc these rely heavily on Shimano's own cassette/cog design with very specific ramps. Trace Velo did a video about it.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jcr on July 28, 2023, 08:23:14 AM
What drivetrain did you pair it with? These cassettes are known to shift badly with Shimano's newer derailleurs bc these rely heavily on Shimano's own cassette/cog design with very specific ramps. Trace Velo did a video about it.

Using the Sensah Empire 11 speed..... thought that is supposed to be compatible but somehow I cannot get it to play nicely.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Pedaldancer on July 28, 2023, 06:52:58 PM
What drivetrain did you pair it with? These cassettes are known to shift badly with Shimano's newer derailleurs bc these rely heavily on Shimano's own cassette/cog design with very specific ramps. Trace Velo did a video about it.

Well.... i have two rear derailleurs from the 8000 Ultegra line. One mechanic, one di2. So the newest 11 speed derailleur.
My 11-34 and 11-32 Sroad cassettes are working perfectly on both of them. Since 2500 and 3000km.
I would strongly doubt that the interpretation from trace velo is correct.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on July 29, 2023, 12:59:30 AM
Well.... i have two rear derailleurs from the 8000 Ultegra line. One mechanic, one di2. So the newest 11 speed derailleur.
My 11-34 and 11-32 Sroad cassettes are working perfectly on both of them. Since 2500 and 3000km.
I would strongly doubt that the interpretation from trace velo is correct.

That’s good to know, indeed. Thx for sharing.
For what it’s worth: I’ve been using both the 11 and the 12sp version of these cassettes with three different Campagnolo drivetrains. They’ve been working flawless with each one of them.
The 12sp cassette however I did have to put a small spacer behind. My rear wheel uses j bend spokes in a Novatec hub. So these protrude a tiny bit further towards the DS from the hub shell. That was enough to make the cassette spider touch the spokes when I put it on the freehub without a spacer. I think on a hub with straight pull spokes, I’d have no such issue.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Pedaldancer on July 29, 2023, 01:08:45 PM
That’s good to know, indeed. Thx for sharing.
For what it’s worth: I’ve been using both the 11 and the 12sp version of these cassettes with three different Campagnolo drivetrains. They’ve been working flawless with each one of them.
The 12sp cassette however I did have to put a small spacer behind. My rear wheel uses j bend spokes in a Novatec hub. So these protrude a tiny bit further towards the DS from the hub shell. That was enough to make the cassette spider touch the spokes when I put it on the freehub without a spacer. I think on a hub with straight pull spokes, I’d have no such issue.

Oh well that sounds very likely to happen, good that i only ride straight pull..  ;D
But the shifting of the cassette is fine ?
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on July 30, 2023, 11:56:33 AM
Using the Sensah Empire 11 speed..... thought that is supposed to be compatible but somehow I cannot get it to play nicely.

I find chain selection can make a difference in shift performance on these aftermarket cassettes. I've also resorted to using 12 speed chains on 11 speed drivetrains. More wiggle room between cogs and depending on the chain, smoother/quieter shifting.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on July 31, 2023, 03:52:37 AM
Oh well that sounds very likely to happen, good that i only ride straight pull..  ;D
But the shifting of the cassette is fine ?

Shifting is fine, yes. No difference to any other cassette. I haven’t used other 12sp cassettes but I compared the 11sp cassette to others from Shimano, Campagnolo and Sunrace. No difference at all. Monobloc cassettes do however transfer more noise IME, like I wrote in an earlier post. The drivetrain definitely is louder with these cassettes, particularly when combined with very deep carbon wheels.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on August 07, 2023, 01:22:20 PM
Are these SRoad cassettes worth it? I've read issues with the alloy spider by the rivets being a weak point. The Lexon store on AliEx, has them on discount, but for not much more I can just pick up an Ultegra / 105 11 speed cassette with proven durability.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: bremerradkurier on August 07, 2023, 02:22:15 PM
This steel monobloc cassette in 11 speed 11-28 Shimano HG has decent reviews on Weight Weenies-more expensive, but the freehub interface looks a lot stronger than Sroad's.

https://bdopcycling.com/product/bdop-steel-cassette-shimano-sram-11spd-11-28t/ (https://bdopcycling.com/product/bdop-steel-cassette-shimano-sram-11spd-11-28t/)
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: OlieSimpson on August 07, 2023, 02:40:41 PM
Are these SRoad cassettes worth it? I've read issues with the alloy spider by the rivets being a weak point. The Lexon store on AliEx, has them on discount, but for not much more I can just pick up an Ultegra / 105 11 speed cassette with proven durability.

I've used my black SRoad 11-28 cassette for roughly 6,500km's with zero issues and have had great shifting (paired with Shimano R7000 shifters and derailleur and Ultegra CN-HG701-11 chain). I wouldn't say durability is an issue from my experience.

I'm actually going to pick a second one up (11-32) whilst they're on offer at Lexon.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on August 08, 2023, 02:15:00 AM
Are these SRoad cassettes worth it? I've read issues with the alloy spider by the rivets being a weak point. The Lexon store on AliEx, has them on discount, but for not much more I can just pick up an Ultegra / 105 11 speed cassette with proven durability.

As I wrote earlier, you might or might not get a unit with issues. I got an 11sp one that works flawlessly. And I'd certainly buy one again, especially for the discounted price. The 12sp one I got did creak where the aluminium spider meets the steel part of the cassette. After applying some adhesive it's been quiet for more than 2000km now. Shifting is no different from any other cassette. Wear is minimal for me. So the steel seems to be of decent enough quality. Based on my experience, I'd probably buy one again.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on August 18, 2023, 11:51:58 AM
I received my SROAD rainbow 11-32 cassette from the Lexon store yesterday and I installed it this morning. The one piece design was a pain to install on my freehub even with grease. I had to bust out the rubber mallet to get it into place. If I ever take it off, it's going to be a hassle. Shifting seems to be fine, not much different than the Shimano cassette I had on previously. The most noticeable part is the noise it makes. It sounds like a rickety tin can as opposed to a precision mechanical instrument. The next cassette I get will probably be Ultegra. Even if it weighs more, there aren't any weird fitment or noise issues. S**t just works!

Honestly I'm starting to lean towards just using Shimano/SRAM groupsets, Chinese carbon frames/wheels/components and swapping out to shiny titanium screws for that extra bit of weight cutting. I'm thinking that's where the best bang-for-buck performance is when it comes to building your own bikes.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: coffeebreak on August 18, 2023, 12:32:32 PM
I had to bust out the rubber mallet to get it into place. If I ever take it off, it's going to be a hassle.

Dude why?! It IS going to be a hassle. Hope you don't love that wheelset much lol.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on August 18, 2023, 01:06:43 PM
Dude why?! It IS going to be a hassle. Hope you don't love that wheelset much lol.

I wasn't pounding it, more like gentle taps! Once on the free hub I was able to slide it up and down, it's just really snug. I'm going to test it out in a bit and see how it rides.

Update: I took SRoad cassette for a 25 mile break-in ride. On the road, noise wasn't as noticeable and shifting was the about the same as my Shimano cassettes. Honestly I don't know if the reduced weight makes a big difference, but pedaling seemed responsive.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Pedaldancer on August 20, 2023, 04:29:22 AM
I received my SROAD rainbow 11-32 cassette from the Lexon store yesterday and I installed it this morning. The one piece design was a pain to install on my freehub even with grease. I had to bust out the rubber mallet to get it into place. If I ever take it off, it's going to be a hassle. Shifting seems to be fine, not much different than the Shimano cassette I had on previously. The most noticeable part is the noise it makes. It sounds like a rickety tin can as opposed to a precision mechanical instrument. The next cassette I get will probably be Ultegra. Even if it weighs more, there aren't any weird fitment or noise issues. S**t just works!

Honestly I'm starting to lean towards just using Shimano/SRAM groupsets, Chinese carbon frames/wheels/components and swapping out to shiny titanium screws for that extra bit of weight cutting. I'm thinking that's where the best bang-for-buck performance is when it comes to building your own bikes.

What kind of noise do you mean?
I heard that the lock ring can be the reason for squealing. That's why I just took my ultegra lock ring without even trying with the sroad lockring. And i had indeed noises after 100km, i disassembled the cassette then, put a lot more grease on the free hub body and since then it's absolute silent.

I have 2 sroad cassettes now, both silent with the described mounting. Maybe it can help you.

By the way.. the sroad cassettes changed their name to spedao.
Everything else looks the same. Did someone notice that? I wonder if it's really the same and only name has changed. I could need a new cassette for my daily bike and i am a bit uncertain now. Because also the price has dropped.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on August 20, 2023, 11:05:44 AM
What kind of noise do you mean?
I heard that the lock ring can be the reason for squealing. That's why I just took my ultegra lock ring without even trying with the sroad lockring. And i had indeed noises after 100km, i disassembled the cassette then, put a lot more grease on the free hub body and since then it's absolute silent.

I have 2 sroad cassettes now, both silent with the described mounting. Maybe it can help you.

By the way.. the sroad cassettes changed their name to spedao.
Everything else looks the same. Did someone notice that? I wonder if it's really the same and only name has changed. I could need a new cassette for my daily bike and i am a bit uncertain now. Because also the price has dropped.

After riding it, the sound isn't as noticeable. I'll probably go back and add a lot more grease to the freehub. I guess it is called Spedao now. Oh well, SRoad sounds better! I'll probably order another one, once the "Back to School" sale starts in the next few hours.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on August 20, 2023, 02:57:42 PM
I wasn't pounding it, more like gentle taps! Once on the free hub I was able to slide it up and down, it's just really snug. I'm going to test it out in a bit and see how it rides.

Update: I took SRoad cassette for a 25 mile break-in ride. On the road, noise wasn't as noticeable and shifting was the about the same as my Shimano cassettes. Honestly I don't know if the reduced weight makes a big difference, but pedaling seemed responsive.

The snug fit is part of why I like this cassette better than cassettes made of single cogs. The whole cassette creates one interface area with the freehub rather than each cog on its own, therefore completely eliminating cassette bite. That being said, I can take it off my freehub by hand - no problem. No need to hit it with a hammer. My lightweight Novatec alloy freehub still looks like new while a Shimano cassette would already have created bite marks no matter how hard I tighten it down.

I'm using the original lockring. No issues. It just works.
As for noise. I don't get any unusual shifting noise. The clunk when the chain jumps onto the next cog is definitely louder because the cassette - being one piece of steel - inevitably acts as a resonance body much more than individual cogs. Particularly when paired with deep section wheels. So yes, it does create more noise. But I don't mind. As long as it's not some kind of rattling or bad indexing noise.

I do now have 3000k on my 12sp cassette with minimal wear marks. I like it a lot, so far. If only they had an 11-34 for 12sp. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: coffeebreak on August 24, 2023, 11:28:39 AM
Is Sroad = Spedao (stupid name)? Was looking at ultralight road cassettes and seems like Zrace, ZTTO, Wuzei, Sunshine, Litepro, Goldix all have same cassettes with their lock rings except Spedao which is double the cost and is also lighter than the rest by 25-30 grams. They also seem like the only ones with different colors for road cassettes, others have colors but only in MTB cassettes.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on August 24, 2023, 11:40:57 AM
Is Sroad = Spedao (stupid name)? Was looking at ultralight road cassettes and seems like Zrace, ZTTO, Wuzei, Sunshine, Litepro, Goldix all have same cassettes with their lock rings except Spedao which is double the cost and is also lighter than the rest by 25-30 grams. They also seem like the only ones with different colors for road cassettes, others have colors but only in MTB cassettes.

The SRoad/Spedao cogs are all-steel cassettes. The other lightweight cassettes uses steel small cogs and alloy big cogs, but they wear fast. I'd only get one of those if I lived in a primarily flat area or I was crit racing with minimal climbing.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: zxcvbnmjm on August 28, 2023, 05:19:15 AM
Has anyone seen any reviews on incolor zoney cassettes?

Im wandering how they perform compared to SROAD

Theyre available on pandapodium but not aliexpress i think?
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on August 28, 2023, 09:02:19 AM
Yesterday when I was riding, I noticed the 2nd small cog skipping on the chain. I inspected the cog and couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. I tried the cassette on another bike and same issue. I tried a Shimano cassette and there wasn't any skipping on either bike. I'm wondering if there might be some spacing issues between the 11t and 12t cog causing the chain skip? All the cogs work fine and I even checked my derailleur alignment with the alignment tool to make sure it wasn't bent. Maybe I should try a different 11t cog and see if that fixes the problem?

Thankfully I can still return the cassette under Free Returns through AliEx if I can't solve the problem.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jcr on August 28, 2023, 09:06:38 AM
Yesterday when I was riding, I noticed the 2nd small cog skipping on the chain. I inspected the cog and couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. I tried the cassette on another bike and same issue. I tried a Shimano cassette and there wasn't any skipping on either bike. I'm wondering if there might be some spacing issues between the 11t and 12t cog causing the chain skip? Maybe I should try a different 11t cog and see if that fixes the problem?

Thankfully I can still return the cassette under Free Returns through AliEx if I can't solve the problem.

I think I had similar issue hence I am running my Shimano cassette right now.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: TidyDinosaur on August 28, 2023, 09:16:40 AM
Yesterday when I was riding, I noticed the 2nd small cog skipping on the chain. I inspected the cog and couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. I tried the cassette on another bike and same issue. I tried a Shimano cassette and there wasn't any skipping on either bike. I'm wondering if there might be some spacing issues between the 11t and 12t cog causing the chain skip? All the cogs work fine and I even checked my derailleur alignment with the alignment tool to make sure it wasn't bent. Maybe I should try a different 11t cog and see if that fixes the problem?

Thankfully I can still return the cassette under Free Returns through AliEx if I can't solve the problem.

Is this a riveted cassette by any chance? I had this happen on one of my cheap XD cassettes. One of the rivets had come loose and stuck out between 2 sprockets. The chains skipped on the rivet.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on August 28, 2023, 09:35:29 AM
Is this a riveted cassette by any chance? I had this happen on one of my cheap XD cassettes. One of the rivets had come loose and stuck out between 2 sprockets. The chains skipped on the rivet.

It's riveted in the rear, but chain skipping is only happening between the 1st and 2nd cog. I'm going to try another 11t cog on the cassette before writing it off as a dud. I'm inspecting the SRoad 11t cog and a regular 11t and I notice there might be a small enough difference in size that might be causing chain rub.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on August 28, 2023, 06:09:32 PM
I tried a different 11t small cog and it's definitely the 12t cog causing the problem. It's too much hassle to try another chain especially when it works just fine on my Shimano cassettes. I ended returning it for a refund.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on August 31, 2023, 12:59:29 PM
So I received a 2nd Spedao/SRoad cassette from the Lexon store which I purchased during the last sale, this cassette doesn't appear to be skipping. I'm wondering if the 1st cassette (which I returned) had a bad 12t cog causing it to skip? Anyways, just to verify, does everyone else's cassette make more noise in the 1st-2nd small cogs compared to a standard cassette?
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Michi on April 26, 2024, 02:43:28 PM
Update on my creaking 12sp cassette - more than 1000km later, the creaking still hasn't returned since I put thread lock on the interface between the spider and the cogs. So fingers crossed that I fixed the issue. Still, it seems that this interface, where the cogs are riveted to the spider can be a weak spot.

As for shifting and wear - it's been good. Not in any way inferior to cassettes from Shimano/Sram/Campag that I've been using in the past. The rainbow finish still looks like new.
I suppose I ran into the same problem: have a 12speed 11-50 cassette. Been running it for aprx. 1500km when a creaking started and quickly became quite loud. Dis- and reassembly (with mounting paste) stopped the noise for 100...150km. It is a once-per-rearwheel-revolution creak. Where did you apply the locktite exactly? I see the steel cogs somehow mounted to the aluminium part... but no gap where I could apply any the Loctite. Also which loctite did you use? Some gap-filler? Thanks a lot for any hint!
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: hsaus on April 27, 2024, 01:40:30 PM
So I received a 2nd Spedao/SRoad cassette from the Lexon store which I purchased during the last sale, this cassette doesn't appear to be skipping. I'm wondering if the 1st cassette (which I returned) had a bad 12t cog causing it to skip? Anyways, just to verify, does everyone else's cassette make more noise in the 1st-2nd small cogs compared to a standard cassette?

I have an 11 speed 11-32T Spedao/Sroad cassette. No skipping or unusual noise on any cogs.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Fish #6 on April 27, 2024, 05:10:22 PM
I have an 11-speed 11-32 SROAD cassette. It's been on my main bike for two years, it's just coming up on 16,000 km and I've had no issues whatsoever. It's used with 4 waxed chains in rotation and pretty well looked after.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: ausmtb8989 on April 28, 2024, 06:15:04 AM
I have a SROAD 11-42 MTB cassette and no issues so far after 3 months of riding
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: zerstorer on April 28, 2024, 06:42:55 AM
A Sroad cassette is definitely noisier than a normal steel cassette because it's hollowed out inside. Have been using one for about 5000km and it's still in good condition.
For those who was, if you experience skipping on some cogs, sometimes it can be due to wax buildup on the cassette. Just scraping it clean will solve the skipping.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Serge_K on April 28, 2024, 06:46:56 AM
I had noise on the second to last cog of a 11-32 i installed after using an 11-34 because i had to put the 11-34 on another bike for a bit. I didn't adjust the RD cage nor did i resize the chain. I suspect the reason is that: i didn't adjust the RD cage, and maybe to a lesser extent because the chain is too long. I'll update this if i can't get rid of the noise. I think that more often than not, people with noisy drive trains are due to user error rather than equipment.
I've been using those chinese alu & steel extra light cassettes.
Also, in one instance, 1 of the tiny torx screw at the back of one of them was getting loose. I think going fwd i'll loctite these before installing the cassette for peace of mind.
There are a lot of bolts on a bike that i find benefit from getting loctite.
And indeed, you have to monitor wax buildup, it happened to me once and it can build up quite fast.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Michi on April 28, 2024, 08:46:52 AM
Thanks for picking up the topic again! To be more precise regarding the type of cassette: it is this one https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005001874227807.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.89.201b5c5fm3ZIaJ&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu (hope the link works... how can I create those short links?) It is a one-piece cog design machined from steel, installed on a aluminium carrier. Just the smallest cog is a separate one. From the message I commented ybove I read that there was a similar design referred to, and the fix was to apply Loctite.
Now I put some Loctite 641 to the area where the steel and the aluminium part are in contact. Not sure whether it has a chance to intrude and cure...
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Lovewookie on June 21, 2024, 06:16:05 AM
I have the SPEDAO version of this cassette, 11-42 11 speed MTB and have just opened up a refund request.
it's nice, well made and light. shifts great, but after only about 200 miles it's started to click, which developed into a creak. Further inspection one of the point where the sprockets are attached to the carrier has some movement. it's not loose, but there is definite movement under load.
they're only attached using small brass rivets vs large steel rivets holding sprockets on to say, shimano alu carriers.

may be bad batch, but it's a risk certainly.
replacing with a XT shimano one instead
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Serge_K on June 21, 2024, 07:19:44 AM
at the back of the cassette, there are 3 small screws (i have the half alu, half steel ones). i had one instance where one screw was getting loose. i loctite-d everything and it's been fine since.
i hope you're not asking a refund because a screw you can tighten & lock is getting loose?
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Fish #6 on June 28, 2024, 08:57:57 AM
I have an 11-speed 11-32 SROAD cassette. It's been on my main bike for two years, it's just coming up on 16,000 km and I've had no issues whatsoever. It's used with 4 waxed chains in rotation and pretty well looked after.

Died after 16,600 km. Developed the familar click/creak, which serves me right for my praise back in April. Nonetheless, pretty good service.
Inspection showed that the spider/carrier had cracked alongside several of the rivet holes. The material here is very thin, so in hindsight an obvious weak point.

I've installed the identical SROAD (now sold as SPEDAO) replacement I bought nearly two years ago, but in future would look for a cassette with a more robust interface between aluminium spider and steel monobloc.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on June 28, 2024, 12:00:54 PM
The only appeal of the Spedao cassettes is that they offer bigger range HG/XD cassettes. At this point for road cassettes, I would go with the Goldix/ZTTO lightweight steel cassettes with the beefier torx screw cog spider.

(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Sae82d975fbd04a87a4e15ec836d1e70cS.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&hash=2000)

Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Lovewookie on July 04, 2024, 07:53:58 AM
Quote
at the back of the cassette, there are 3 small screws (i have the half alu, half steel ones). i had one instance where one screw was getting loose. i loctite-d everything and it's been fine since.
i hope you're not asking a refund because a screw you can tighten & lock is getting loose?

No, mine was like the one above that cracked, it's just small brass rivets. I really wished they had done the same as the road ones and used small torx bolts as that may have been a much better solution, maybe...I still have the fear from when old M900 cassettes were assembled using miniature chainring bolts, that just wouldn't stay tight.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: amphibulus on July 08, 2024, 01:08:28 AM
The only appeal of the Spedao cassettes is that they offer bigger range HG/XD cassettes. At this point for road cassettes, I would go with the Goldix/ZTTO lightweight steel cassettes with the beefier torx screw cog spider.

(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Sae82d975fbd04a87a4e15ec836d1e70cS.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&hash=2000)

I just tried the Goldix 12 speeds 11-34T on a Shimano 105 Di2. First it shift poorly, it makes your Shimano shift like a SRAM. Second it's impossible to index properly. If I was micro adjusting to have it quiet in the top range, it was shifting poorly in the low range or simply not shifting. I did check my hanger with the DAG-2.2 and everything is straight. I'm back on my heavy 105 cassette for now, but it shift smooth.

When you compare the tooth profile of the Goldix vs Shimano it's very different. The design Shimano use is much more complex.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on July 08, 2024, 01:29:56 AM
I'm using the SROAD cassette with the weak riveted connection for about 7000k now on my VB-R218. It shifts great. It did creak but I put in a hell of a lot of Loctite which quietened it down. No troubles ever since.

Nevertheless, I too bought the Goldix 12sp cassette pictured above because of the better designed spider/cassette interface. And while it's kind of alright, I'm having a hard time too to get it to shift absolutely smooth. There's always one or two rough gears when shifting towards the smaller cogs. It shifts but the chain sometimes sort of "jumps" onto the next smaller cog rather roughly. Inconsistency is the best way to put it. You shift into the same gear ten times and it works like 9 times out of ten - but that one time you get a crunchy kind of "KLONK". I did blame it on my LTWOO er9 so far but it might just be the cassette. The Ltwoo is heavily customizable for each individual gear but despite that it's hard to get it to shift this cassette as smoothly as I would like it to. Shifting towards the bigger cogs is no issue at all because the RD slightly overshifts and then aligns itself with the cog.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Serge_K on July 09, 2024, 10:58:00 AM
Got that in the mail this AM, to replace a steel & alu cassette. It died after 5000-8000km (2/3 flat, so probably 2/3 on the steel cogs), waxed chain. The smaller alu cogs started skipping a few rides ago. I think i used that cassette on my gravel bike last year (hence the 5000-8000km delta). I think i paid 45 eur for the steel & alu k7, and 70 eur for the new all steel one, so let's see if it lasts that much longer.
Weights are very similar.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: SillyMochi on July 09, 2024, 11:01:37 AM
That is one dirty scale :D

Let me know how your shifting is. Have the same cassette and one gear just doesn't want to play nice ...
Which derailleur are you using this one on? The Ltwoo?
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Serge_K on July 09, 2024, 11:15:44 AM
You have a point! in real life, it's really not that bad :) The jar in the corner isn't piss either, for the record, but kombucha...
using ltwoo er9 RD. i've been very happy with shifting performance / noise with the previous cassette, and i've setup 5 such groups so i'm confident if it can work well, i'll get it to work well.
I'll revert after a few rides.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on July 09, 2024, 02:06:36 PM
Very interested to hear your opinion on this combo, @Serge.
Given all the experience you got with these groupsets.

Like I said, I’m using the same combo. And while it works, I’m not impressed. If your experience is the same then maybe indeed the cassette is to blame. But my bike also doesn’t really shift better with one of those cheap Sunshine cassettes on the turbo. But I’m curious to try the LTWOO group with a Shimano cassette and see what happens.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: SillyMochi on July 09, 2024, 02:19:58 PM
I might throw a spare Ultegra CS-R8100 on my bike to see if that makes a difference or if my general setup is to blame.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: amphibulus on July 09, 2024, 11:37:56 PM
Maybe they are better on 11 speeds. On my 105 di2 (12speeds) it was not shifting right. I was able to return the cassette for a refund. I have done a couple of ride on the original 105 cassette and everything is back to normal (after few adjustment).

It seems like Goldix is not the one, at least with di2. I don't know if it's the spacing between the cog that is off or if it's the tooth profile. It indeed look very different from the Shimano. Now thinking of getting the dura ace to save some weight.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Serge_K on July 10, 2024, 04:38:58 PM
for reference, my dead cassette looks like that. on 2-3 cogs, i feel like i m seeing the "shark tooth" shape that indicates a dead cassette. shark teeth or not, it skips, which is both very frustrating and super dangerous.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: bichler.bua on July 16, 2024, 08:41:10 AM
Got that in the mail this AM, to replace a steel & alu cassette. It died after 5000-8000km (2/3 flat, so probably 2/3 on the steel cogs), waxed chain. The smaller alu cogs started skipping a few rides ago. I think i used that cassette on my gravel bike last year (hence the 5000-8000km delta). I think i paid 45 eur for the steel & alu k7, and 70 eur for the new all steel one, so let's see if it lasts that much longer.
Weights are very similar.
@Serge_K
Is this the one sold under ZTTO or Goldix or ... on AliExpress?
Very interested to see how these hold up
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Serge_K on July 16, 2024, 09:15:34 AM
got the new one on goldix store on aliexpress. i've now done a handful of rides on the new one. i had to re-calibrate quite a few gears (which seems fair, different cassette, slightly different spacing), but it's already pretty much flawless, especially the easier cogs when shifting under load (doing vo2max efforts uphill).
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Takiyaki on September 20, 2024, 10:52:57 AM
Any more experience with the new Goldix cassettes? Just ordered an 11-34 11 speed to use with an Ultegra mechanical RD + 1x.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on September 20, 2024, 10:58:47 AM
Any more experience with the new Goldix cassettes? Just ordered an 11-34 11 speed to use with an Ultegra mechanical RD + 1x.

Still using mine and no complaints. Best all-steel road cassettes on AliExpress. It doesn't shift as well as Shimano, but it still shifts very well. I'm using mine with the ER9, so performance might vary with mechanical shifters.

I wish they'd do more variations of the design though. An 11-36t and some 10t XD variations would also be nice.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: SillyMochi on November 05, 2024, 04:07:12 PM
I switched to my winter wheels on the weekend. Had two rides with it so far. Funny thing: my shifting got even better. It is basically flawless now. Had to re-index my gears, quite a bit actually (from -11 to -3 in the DI2 app) and slight adjustment on the FD as well. Shifts perfectly and instantly throughout the whole cassette now - up and down.

On my race wheelset I always had the second smallest cog shift a bit slow; that dreaded "ticking" for like 0.5-1 second. Nothing super bad but just not perfect. I never suspected the wheels to be the issue. Always suspected the cassette/cog had a flaw there.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Serge_K on November 06, 2024, 04:27:29 AM
got the new one on goldix store on aliexpress. i've now done a handful of rides on the new one. i had to re-calibrate quite a few gears (which seems fair, different cassette, slightly different spacing), but it's already pretty much flawless, especially the easier cogs when shifting under load (doing vo2max efforts uphill).

I reply to my own posts because I'm sassy like that. I'm thousands of km into this cassette. A friend of mine also bought one and he's a bit of a power monster and very rough on his gear.
We're both very happy with these cassettes. I'm on er9 11s, he's on di2 11s.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Rmgvtec on November 06, 2024, 04:40:19 AM
I reply to my own posts because I'm sassy like that. I'm thousands of km into this cassette. A friend of mine also bought one and he's a bit of a power monster and very rough on his gear.
We're both very happy with these cassettes. I'm on er9 11s, he's on di2 11s.

Can you share a link to the one you're referencing please?
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on November 06, 2024, 11:37:56 PM
Can you share a link to the one you're referencing please?

It’s this one, I think:  Ich habe das hier gerade auf AliExpress gefunden: 156,39€ | GOLDIX SL CNC Rennrad 12/11S Ultraleicht Freilauf 11/12-28/30/32/34T Fahrrad Kassette Schwungrad 12 Geschwindigkeit K7 Kies 11V Kettenrad
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EJefWxb (http://Ich habe das hier gerade auf AliExpress gefunden: 156,39€ | GOLDIX SL CNC Rennrad 12/11S Ultraleicht Freilauf 11/12-28/30/32/34T Fahrrad Kassette Schwungrad 12 Geschwindigkeit K7 Kies 11V Kettenrad
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EJefWxb)

I can wholeheartedly recommend it. I’ve been using it for around 6.000km now and it’s been holding up just fine. I’m also using the SROAD version in 11-32 12sp for almost 10k km. No problems. The rainbow finish hasn’t even worn off. I’m waxing my chain and stay on top of chain wear. I’m very pleasantly surprised.

The cheap steel/hybrid cassette though is really not worth it. I gave mine another chance after it skipped on one cog on my LTWOO er9 bike. I put it on my rim brake bike with Campy 12sp to see whether the different RD makes a difference as it has significantly more chain wrap. But no. The chain skips all the same. The cassette is done after maybe something like 2k km. Waste of money really.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: eeney on November 28, 2024, 01:04:41 PM
Does anyone know, or have a comment on which brands of chains work best with Spedao cassettes?  especially the wider gearing cassettes, eg. 11-50
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: jonathanf2 on November 28, 2024, 01:32:53 PM
I'm currently using Spedao and ZTTO 11 speed XD cassettes and I found SRAM PC11xx series chains work very well. These chains don't rub between cogs on aftermarket cassettes.

For 12 speed, I'm testing out KMC X12 chains on my Goldix/ZTTO lightweight all-steel cassette. So far it seems to shift well, but I don't have any large ratio cassettes in 12 speed to test it on.

BTW - I enjoy your YT channel! Hits a nice balance of just being on the bike, reasonably priced gear and everyday life.  ;)
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: fhill on December 02, 2024, 01:43:08 PM
It’s this one, I think:  Ich habe das hier gerade auf AliExpress gefunden: 156,39€ | GOLDIX SL CNC Rennrad 12/11S Ultraleicht Freilauf 11/12-28/30/32/34T Fahrrad Kassette Schwungrad 12 Geschwindigkeit K7 Kies 11V Kettenrad
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EJefWxb (http://Ich habe das hier gerade auf AliExpress gefunden: 156,39€ | GOLDIX SL CNC Rennrad 12/11S Ultraleicht Freilauf 11/12-28/30/32/34T Fahrrad Kassette Schwungrad 12 Geschwindigkeit K7 Kies 11V Kettenrad
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EJefWxb)

I can wholeheartedly recommend it. I’ve been using it for around 6.000km now and it’s been holding up just fine. I’m also using the SROAD version in 11-32 12sp for almost 10k km. No problems. The rainbow finish hasn’t even worn off. I’m waxing my chain and stay on top of chain wear. I’m very pleasantly surprised.

The cheap steel/hybrid cassette though is really not worth it. I gave mine another chance after it skipped on one cog on my LTWOO er9 bike. I put it on my rim brake bike with Campy 12sp to see whether the different RD makes a difference as it has significantly more chain wrap. But no. The chain skips all the same. The cassette is done after maybe something like 2k km. Waste of money really.

Do you refer to one of these ultralight sub 200g Casettes or which do you refer to? ZTTO has one quite expensive (80€) alloy-steel casette and I'm quite intrigued to try it but I'm unsure wheter it's worth it
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: TidyDinosaur on December 02, 2024, 01:55:09 PM
Do you refer to one of these ultralight sub 200g Casettes or which do you refer to? ZTTO has one quite expensive (80€) alloy-steel casette and I'm quite intrigued to try it but I'm unsure wheter it's worth it

I have ordered the expensive one in 11S for 62USD after coupons in the past days.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: Sebastian on December 02, 2024, 03:01:48 PM
Do you refer to one of these ultralight sub 200g Casettes or which do you refer to? ZTTO has one quite expensive (80€) alloy-steel casette and I'm quite intrigued to try it but I'm unsure wheter it's worth it

No. I’m referring to the cheap hybrid cassettes from goldix or wuzei for instance. I think they’re literally all the same but with different brand names. I’d stay away from those.
The more expensive ones have only been available since recently. Haven’t tried those but I’ve decided that the all steel ones are light enough for me. There’s some areas where crazy weight savings are just not worth it IMO. Cassettes and chains are one of those. Brakes are another.
Title: Re: SROAD lightweight cassettes
Post by: fhill on December 02, 2024, 03:48:54 PM
No. I’m referring to the cheap hybrid cassettes from goldix or wuzei for instance. I think they’re literally all the same but with different brand names. I’d stay away from those.
The more expensive ones have only been available since recently. Haven’t tried those but I’ve decided that the all steel ones are light enough for me. There’s some areas where crazy weight savings are just not worth it IMO. Cassettes and chains are one of those. Brakes are another.

Got it, I'm in fact using the hybrid version from ztto for 50 bucks, works pretty well for me till now. weight is around 240g for 11-34 haven't seen an all steel from ztto, only from goldix but that's around 80 bucks