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Submitted by
dark rider
a Weekend Warrior
from brussels, belgium
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | secret | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Strengths: | strength, weight, shifts well in all weather conditions | | Weaknesses: | price | | Similar Products Used: | shimano deore | | Bike Setup: | Evil Bikes Imperial frame, marzochi Z1 Freeride | | Bottom Line: | still as new after heavy abuse ( lots of crashes on dirttrails, hitting rocks,...)
one of the parts that I would never change for any other brand | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Menlo Park, CA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Pretty damn light, Looks nice | | Weaknesses: | 4th cog bent out sometime during a ride (only 6mo winter use). | | Similar Products Used: | Always been an XT guy. Maybe I should try Sram? | | Bike Setup: | SC Blur (it is really nice). I bought it used and it came with mostly XTR. | | Bottom Line: | My XT cassette has been working really well with the XTR setup.
My LBS tried to send it in to Shimano, but Shimano sent it back, said " you got to easy on the shifting." What the ....? That pisses me off. Oh well, I like the new XTR cranks. The cassette is pretty much an expensive paper weight. I guess I will try to bend it back. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Fresno CA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Steven's Bikes | | Strengths: | Weight, Shimano product, | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | XT other Shimano stuff | | Bike Setup: | EPic all XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | I chose to go with this cogset due to reviews about lighting fast shifting, I was a bit concerned about other reviews I've read saying the product might not be durable, I've had no problems so far. Good product to shed some wieght, durable. I'm 190 and it withstood my first race, no problems shifting, I feel it was the icing on the cake in terms of my shifting/drive train.
PEACE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nitish Nag
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont, CA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Phat Tire | | Strengths: | awesome weight, great durability, nice looks, titanium kujos, shifts beutifully. | | Weaknesses: | None so far... | | Similar Products Used: | Deore XT, Deore LX, | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Santa Cruz Blur, 04 XTR, 5th Element Air, Easton Carbon Cockpit, Thompson Stem, Python Air Lights, Mavic 317's, Eggbeater SS, Stans NoTubes. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best cogset i have had. going against the other reviews, this cogset has great durablility. Shifting is lightning fast with the complete 04 Setup. Nice job shimano but maybe the way people ride the things makes a difference in the durability. I am 130 and I ride relatively light in terms of stlye. Or they could have consistency problems. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fritz
a Racer
from Sparks, NV
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | came on new bike | | Strengths: | Great shifting performance, light weight. | | Weaknesses: | The titanium cogs bend easily, high cost. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight, XTR/SRAM combo | | Bottom Line: | Stick with steel cogs, titanium is too soft to withstand heavy use. Having your chain skipping across gears gets annoying as h*** on a long climb. So unless you're sponsored and can get a new cassette given to you every other week the XT cassette is a much better value. It's one third the price and lasts forever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KelCov
a Cross Country Rider
from NYC
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Open Ones | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | A brooklyn shop in Pk. Slope | | Strengths: | Looks good and love the gearin' on that Beatch. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to clean with all those milk and cranys to dig into. | | Similar Products Used: | all of the Shamano cogsets | | Bike Setup: | a tough ass salad of good parts. | | Bottom Line: | I refused to buy the Ti edition because I ride pretty hard and I not much of a weight weenie'. Some parts you should try to shave off some weight, Cogs are not one of them. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Buff
a Cross Country Rider
from Elkridge, MD
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | wherever | | Strengths: | Light, Looked really cool when it came out in 1996, Aluminum lockring fits other shimano cassettes | | Weaknesses: | Titanium rings bend so you can't even hand cassette down to your beater bike | | Similar Products Used: | XT-8, XTR-8 Steel, SRAM 5.0 | | Bike Setup: | 94 S Works, 00 Z4 Air, 1996 XTR | | Bottom Line: | Rode cassette for 6 months on hardtail and bent the ti-cogs (the 4th biggest cog got on my nerves the most--nothing worse than a ghost shifting power gear). I used to bend them back after every ride by prying them over with a cone wrench (cone wrench just skinny enough to get between cogs). Replaced with XTR-8 steel and XT-8 and no bending. Tried another new one on a 4" rear travel bike thinking I wouldn't torque it so hard. I was right, I't didn't bend for a year. Now it's impossible to find any XT-8 that aren't 11-28, so if you want 11-30 or 11-32 in 8sp then jump on SRAM 5.0 if Nashbar's still got em (a bit heavier but who cares when you're a retro grouch who was only crazy enough to shell out for XTR group once in a lifetime). Seems to me Shimano could avoid the ti cog bending if the aluminum spider had 5 arms instead of 4--do the XTR-9 have 5 arm spiders? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fatman
a Cross Country Rider
from Feldafing
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Rabe Munich | | Strengths: | Lite, reliable smooth shifting, holds out | | Weaknesses: | expensive, but worth the extra money, and some of it is titanium, so the price seems justified. | | Similar Products Used: | XTR steel eight, XT eight, LX eight | | Bike Setup: | Trek 9900 Pro Issue 1998, full XTR 98 eight ... | | Bottom Line: | Very good cassette. I am 260 lbs, at times, and when I get going, there should be much strain on the drivetrain. The only thing I do for maintainance is to change the chain frequently (2 times a year), and I have used only Shimano's HG90 and the Rohloff STL 99 eight (aaahhhh!!, what a chain). I really can't imagine how you can really bend or brake this thing. But I am used to keep strict shifting discipline, i.e. I never shift under heavy torque and I don't care for oblique chain lines. I am very satified with this product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$83.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light, crisp shifting, fairly easy to clean | | Weaknesses: | Price | | Similar Products Used: | SRAM 9.0, 7.0, XT | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Jekyll, Mavic/King, Raceface ISIS Next LP, XTR, Hayes Hyd. | | Bottom Line: | Very happy with the 12-34 cassette and have had 0 problems. I ride about 1300 trail miles a year (wish it were more) so I think I put it to good use. The design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance which I performed every couple rides (less since I started using ICE Wax).
After the XTR started showing some wear, I a SRAM 9.0 cassette to save about $25. I ended up bending the 34 cog on the SRAM which is what people complain about the XTR here on the board. Well, since I don't want to stop riding I purchased another XTR cassette.
Bottom line, if you have the bucks, want crisp shifting, performe routine maintenance, and don't beat on your bike, then buy the XTR. Otherwise I would suggest going with the XT since it holds up and shifts reliably. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rafi julius
a Cross Country Rider
from JERUSALEM
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | another cyclist | | Strengths: | this review is for the xtr 8 ti 11 - 30 cassette:
amazing cassette: shifts great,very light, and after 1 year of abuse (12K ofroad) looks like new. theath selection of 11-30 is the best for a reasonblly strong xc rider. | | Weaknesses: | i bought new in the box from a cyclist that did'nt know what he was selling and got it real cheap. in shop its rather expensive. | | Similar Products Used: | xt 8, sram 5.0 | | Bike Setup: | trek stp xt\xtr 8 speed , avid sd ultimate, crossmax notubes converted, mars elite | | Bottom Line: | probablly the best 8 speed cassette (i find 12-32 cassette rather sealy gears selection) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike B.
a Weekend Warrior
from L.A. Cal.
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | LA River | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$48.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | excellent ratios; seems very strong | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano LX 8-speed | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh M50 | | Bottom Line: | This is for the 8-speed model.
As far as I know, this set is all stainless steel ( it was advertised that way ). It was on close-out at Jenson so I figured is was an older unit.
Anyway, in the brief time I've used it, it has performed flawlessly. I probably could use a 34-tooth low gear, but otherwise, the ratios are spot-on. And the shifting is superb ( unless I go through water ). The cassette feels very strong and solid, and I like the "spider" type of frame to hold the rings.
I have had it through horrible mud, water, up and down steep hills, and nothing has tripped it up. I only hope that it is NOT titanium ( it felt pretty heavy ) because I'm pretty hard on my gear.
Five flamers so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Ong
a Cross Country Rider
from Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | jungles | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light, 9-speed | | Weaknesses: | Ti 8th and 9th cogs too delicate.... | | Similar Products Used: | 8 speed xtr from 1998 | | Bike Setup: | all-black cannondale f2000, mavic tubeless, sram x.0 RD, sram hydraulic discs | | Bottom Line: | i decided to join the 9-speed masses last year. after years of trouble free rides with my 8speed xtr cogs, the 9speed 2002 xtr's looked like a good choice. big mistake! the 8th and 9th rings bent outwards after 6 months of riding (bent while shifting, climbing out of the saddle). my LBS changed the whole set for a 2003 (XTR again) set and within 2 rides, the same thing happened!
do people actually race with this untested fragile equipment? go for xt or sram.. they're tougher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Calabasas, CA
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light Weight, Precise Shifting | | Weaknesses: | Cost, and durability | | Similar Products Used: | XT | | Bike Setup: | Titus Racer X | | Bottom Line: | My 8 (12/32) speed has performed well throught the years, but the thin titanium teeth will eventually bend. I've
replaced my recently after three years of use. Overall
a very good cogset the shifts perfectly. Just expect to replace it every couple of years of hard riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | Not very durable. | | Similar Products Used: | XT, SRAM | | Bottom Line: | I really liked this cassette at first as it shifted very smooth and was light. During a long practice ride, my bike wouldn't stay in gear no matter what. When tuning the barrel adjuster did nothing, I checked my cassette only to see that the teeth on the third largest ring were bent. Three teeth were bent inward, two teeth were bent outward. This stunk because now, I couldn't use the second or fourth rings either. Bottom line is that I went back to my XT cassette as it NEVER gave me any trouble. This is really unacceptable when you consider how much this thing costs. Do yourself a favor and use the XT or SRAM cassette. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Modesto, Ca
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mix | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | lightweight | | Weaknesses: | WEAK, especially the ti cogs! | | Similar Products Used: | SRAM 5.0, the best for the money!!! | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4500, Full XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | Despite everyones review of the ti cog breaking on the M-952, I tried it anyways. The first day I rode on it on flat terrain, I bent a ti cog, the 4th one from the granny gear. I was disappointed, but I read everyones reviews and I still bought it so it was my fault. Don't waste your money on this crappy cassette! Go with the XT if you want a light weight cassette and it's cheaper too. If you're strapped for cash, get the Sram 5.0. For the money you can't beat the 5.0s!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kel Cov
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn NY
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Open trails!! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Local shop | | Strengths: | Good gear ratio, lots of range | | Weaknesses: | Hmmmmm..... | | Similar Products Used: | sram 9.0, XT | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakota | | Bottom Line: | I'm kind of heavy so I avoided the Ti cogs like a STD. Not going to fall for all that light weight crap then complain when it wears out!! Great Product...Period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Samuel VeraSforzza
a Racer
from Seattle, Wa, USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Whistler BC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light, super fast shifts, great quality, I find it works best with full XTR group. | | Weaknesses: | Price increase in relation to the performance increase over an XT set; it's a cogset, not as important as cranks, RD, or other XTR components, this should be the last thing on your bike to upgrade into the XTR line. | | Similar Products Used: | XT | | Bike Setup: | 2000 S-Works M4 (sub 20 lbs)
2001 S-Works M4 (sub 21 lbs) | | Bottom Line: | Great cogset, the best if the price doesn't scare you, no need to upgrde unless you've got the bank, put your $$$ into a number of other things that will get more bang for the buck, these are for an XC racer with nothing left to upgrade, but great product nonetheless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip
a Racer
from LA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Its light and it lets you brag to your buddies about having TITANIUM cogs | | Weaknesses: | Weak cogs | | Similar Products Used: | XT | | Bike Setup: | S-Works | | Bottom Line: | This piece of equipment seems to prove the rumors about the XTR line of products. I switched to XTR from XT because of a great sale, and I think it was a mistake. I am a light XC rider and I managed to bend both Titanium cogs within 6 months. I didnt notice any shifting benefits over the XT model that is 1/2 the price. I would not recommend this cassette to anyone who is not sponsored by shimano and getting them for free. Yes it is light, but it seems that a ton of folks have found the titanium cogs very easy to bend. This has happened to me as well as my only friend who also owned one.
Luckily for me, Performance bike has a 100% guarentee and I am getting a new cassette for free. If that was not the case I would have definitly go back to the XT version. It lasted twice as long with no complaints. In addition, the XT has a shinier finish that looks flashier after I clean the bike. I wonder if shimano sees a trend in these reviews. If they cared, they might notice that the cassette just doesnt hold up. I guess if you are a racer with a neverending flow of parts then go for it. Lastly, I think that the XT may even be a little easier to adjust cleanly, or maybe its my memory of that old favorite. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Stockstill
a Racer
from Hohenfels , Germany
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Stadlers | | Strengths: | Light, shifts well, decent durability. | | Weaknesses: | cost a lot, xt is tougher, | | Similar Products Used: | shimano stx, lx, xt, sram 7.0 | | Bike Setup: | which one? | | Bottom Line: | these are really good cog sets, I am about 210lbs, and I beat on my trail bike pretty hard, I use it for trials,dual,down hill and urban riding in some of the worst weather you could imagine. And I have had great luck with the XTR 8 SPEED(I just purchased a new Yeti and it has 8 speed upgraded to xtr I will post review after I get a couple hundred miles on it.) I also used these on my xc race bike all season last year and I raced to 2nd place in the U.S. military open mens. overall a really good product for its intended purpose. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikko
a Weekend Warrior
from Helsinki Finland
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any xc | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | light wieght, smooth shifting | | Weaknesses: | weak, better not mis-shift. Very pricey | | Similar Products Used: | lx,xt,Ultegra | | Bottom Line: | Alot lighter than the LX I was using before but I think the shifting performance is marginally better. The biggest adavantage is the much lighter weight but expensive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | gear range, all steel cogs (8-speed), reliable shifting | | Weaknesses: | umm... durability? | | Similar Products Used: | no-name 6-speed, STX 7-speed, XT 9-speed | | Bike Setup: | Titus Racer-X, Deore thumbie rear shifter, SRAM PC-68 chain | | Bottom Line: | I would've hoped for more durability out of a product like this, dropping almost $50 a shot. It wore out almost as quickly as my STX cassette, which doesn't bode well. I change my chain whenever the stretch reaches 1/8th inch, (every 2-3 months), so I know I'm not damaging the cassette by running a worn chain.
I weigh 190+ and I've never broken a cassette cog (but I won't buy ti because it's too fragile), but I go through 2-3 cassettes a year, riding about 2500-3000 miles on a mixture of dirt and road.
Overall, the shifting is solid and crisp until it starts to wear, and when it does there's no turning back. Either never use that cog again or switch it out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Racer
from Tallahassee
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | came on bike | | Strengths: | Light, Light, Light | | Weaknesses: | only available in 12-34, wish I had an 11-32, expensive | | Similar Products Used: | All Shimano and SRAM | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail XC, XTR R. Der & Shifters, SRAM PC-99 chain | | Bottom Line: | The think is light and that's what its about. I'm reading about people breaking theirs. I personally haven't bent or broken mine yet, but it does scare me. I'm not gonna slam Shimano for the failures, though, because when a product is this light, you can't expect it to be as strong as something weighing alot more. The gripe I do have with them is that they only offer this cassette in a 12-34. I am a racer, and live in florida, so I prefer an 11-32 spread. (sometimes even 11-27) If I happen to break this cassette, I'm not sure if I would replace it with XTR or not. Its bucks, too. Overall rating does not consider price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Co
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | not telling | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | ?? | | Strengths: | Light | | Weaknesses: | Weak. | | Similar Products Used: | all other cassettes | | Bike Setup: | XTR | | Bottom Line: | This cassette broke on me in Moab. I was riding up a hill and the 30 tooth cog snapped off the 4 arm aluminum carrier wedging itself against the second cog leaving me with only the 3-8 cogs to finish the ride. I'm getting a little annoyed because this makes almost $500 in XTR parts that have failed on me in the past 12 months. I think I will start using XT and replacing it at intervals not to exceed 2 years. If you check all the reviews, you will notice many good reviewers have only used the products for a short time, while others have actually USED the products. I weigh about 190 and am definately NOT a downhiller, all my stuff breaks going up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from louisville
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Slightly used sed on eBay | | Strengths: | Very light. Lightness excites me! | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't handle mis-shifts well. | | Similar Products Used: | XT, LX, Mavic (road), Regina (road) | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Specialized FSR XC, Crossmax wheels, Specialized StrongArm II cranks, LX front and XT rear derailleurs, Avid SD 5 brakes, Avid SD 7 levers, Easton CT2 bars, Manitou SX-R, U.S.E Alien seatpost, Mountian Speed FSR bearing and link kit, Mountain Speed FSR drop out kit, Specialized S-Works tires, SPD pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this slightly used on eBay. Meshes very well with my chain. It does not seem as smooth as XT. It feels like the titanium is harder, less forgiving on mis-shifts. If you plan ahead and get the shift right it is no problem. When you screw it up the "grinding" noise sounds terrible to me, since I'm worrying about the life of the teeth. However, I am an old road racer and love light weight things. I will continue to use this setup until it breaks on me. Then I will be pissed off. You should only buy this if you are also obsessed with light weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from Saugerties, NY USA
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | left left gully | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$95.00 | | Purchased At: | superego | | Strengths: | It shifts fine, and all that titanium! Luxurious. I never have to use my smallest chainring. | | Weaknesses: | I wonder why it only comes in one size. | | Similar Products Used: | XT 8 speed 11-28 | | Bike Setup: | Superego Access with XTR stuff and my old wheels and crankset. | | Bottom Line: | I got this thinking later I'll get the bigger chainrings that go with it. Does everybody commenting on the low gearing have it set up with the "standard" chainrings which could be as big as 26 - 36 - 48. (I think...) That would give higher gearing, and having bigger cogs and chainrings should make the whole set up wear longer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GS
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Light weight!!!! | | Weaknesses: | I haven't had any problems yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Other Shimanos | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Giant SE2, XT front derailler, Shimano M535 wheels, velociraptor tires. | | Bottom Line: | Well I haven't had a problem...was concerned when I say how many were breaking these things, but after using it for sometime now....well I haven't had that problem. Definately notice a difference in shifting from the factory cassette. I think any cassette is going to be stressed if your shifting while climbing. This cassette is very light weight, and I am pretty good about gearing correctly before a hill, which eliminates the strain a lot I think.
I don't race, but would like to see an 11-32 version come out. I am very happy with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | WH Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Worked good while taking all terrain, light titanium. | | Weaknesses: | It broke without replacement. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Jekyll 3000, XTR derailers, CODA brakes, Cannondale comp. components. | | Bottom Line: | The two top rings broke clean off while riding. Had to complete trail with bottom 7 gears. No replacement after spending $150 on a part that could have only cost me $40 for a lower grade with similar to better performance. My opinion with Shimano is to stick to XT components with the exception of you shifter pods and rear derailer (XTR). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Racer
from mtn home usa
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | light wieght, smooth shifting, | | Weaknesses: | weak, better not mis-shift. Very pricey. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing but shimano | | Bike Setup: | Trek 9.9 Pro, Trek Fuel | | Bottom Line: | Works super duper on a familiar course in which the rider knows when to shift ahead of time, very smooth and precise. It's very sensitive to misshifts. In a race that i didnt know the course i was misshifting and bent the number 8cog in a bad way. I'll stick w/ XT from here on out as they are bomb proof. Shimano might consider making the last three titanium cogs out of a stonger substance or a higher ratio of AL. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Lang
a Cross Country Rider
from Asia
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light, precise smooth shifting. | | Weaknesses: | Not as durable as XT especially for beginners and gear mashers. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to list. | | Bottom Line: | These cogs are light and beautiful. Super smooth and dependable shifting upon good adjustments of derailleurs. Complete XTR drivetrain works wonders and there is a difference between XTR mated to XT cogs and full XTR, but not as large as night and day. I use complete XTR for my hardtail and LX/XT for my downhill rig since nothing lasts long on downhill anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rei nic
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tai Hang | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle World | | Strengths: | Light, very smooth shifting | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano LX and XT cogsets | | Bike Setup: | Porsche | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the CS-M953 12-34 cassette. I fitted this to a new set of Mavic Crossride wheels and I now have silent shifting throughout the entire range of 27 gears. I did not have this when using an XT cassette on my older wheels so I'm inclined to think that a full XTR drivetrain works better than a mixture of component groups. The titanium nitride finish on all the cogs may contribute to the smoother shifting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trey Humphreys
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | womble | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | Like a feather!!!!!!!!!!! and great shifting. | | Weaknesses: | 12/34!!!!! What the hell? Who needs 34? I want 11/32!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | xt, lx | | Bike Setup: | caad4 XTR new 11/32 XT cogs... | | Bottom Line: | The bigger rings on the XTR cranks are desireable so we can go faster!!!!! I tried it for a couple of months but, when would I need a 34 in Dallas? This is a great cassette strong, light and shifts like butter! A bit expensive and the 12/34 kills it for me. If shimano ever offers XTR 11/32 I will be the first in line... For now stick with the XT cassette it is 11/32 and shifts the same... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mr_spin
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Gatos, California
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light. Titanium. | | Weaknesses: | The layout and spacing sucks | | Bottom Line: | It's hard to complain about a cassette, but when Shimano only makes one type, something needs to be said. The layout and spacing of this thing suck. It's (12-14-16-18-20-23-26-30-34). So, who needs a 34? It's effectively an 8-speed cassette because I never, ever, use the 34. I'm trying to imagine who would need the 34. Maybe if I weighed 300 lbs and was riding a 40 lb bike up a 15% slope, I might use the 34. XTR isn't marketed at children or fatties, so why the baby gears?
Here is what I want: replace the (23-26-30-34) with a more realistic (22-24-27-30), and even better, (22-24-26-28). That I would be happy with, and I suspect the world at large would be, too.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from chicago
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | lightweight, the spider in the back looks really cool, solid shifting performance. | | Weaknesses: | a little pricey...
Shimano does not make anymore 8 speed | | Similar Products Used: | generic shimano crap, LX | | Bike Setup: | GT Xizang, XT, XTR, 517, Thompson, Titec Ti, manitou mars c | | Bottom Line: | Very reliable so far probably because I clean it after those muddy, creek hopping rides. Alot lighter than the LX I was using before but I think the shifting performance is marginally better. The biggest adavantage is the much lighter weight but expensive. Shimanois pushing 9 speed so I guess I will have to start using SRAM components now that they make a rapid fire alternative. I'm not sure there is a better alternative so I give it the highest rating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from San Mateo, CA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Waterdog Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Light, strong, holds up to abuse (so far...) | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Suntour, blah. | | Bike Setup: | '00 Schwinn Homegrown, SRAM, Race Face | | Bottom Line: | This is probably the best cassette made, i have not had any problems with it at all so far, and it was used when i bought it, so i'll probably hold on to this one for years.
If you intend to get one, make sure you aren't planning on upgrading to more gears in the near future, because i got an 8-speed, and now i'm switching to 9. (boo hoo.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
argnot
a Racer
from Boston
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | 11-30 Gear Ratio (8-spd)
Light, Does its job | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | 12-34 XTR (on my 9-spd) | | Bike Setup: | 99' Klein Mantra Pro XTR 8-spd | | Bottom Line: | I've used this cassette for over 6months. It's works great.
I've not had a single problem with it.
God I hope they drop 9-spd. What's with the 12-34?!!!
Shimano...The "R" in "XTR" stands for "RACING" not "RECREATION"
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Peters
a Racer
from Sacramento, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | offroad | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | weight, shifting, coolness | | Weaknesses: | the damn ratio | | Similar Products Used: | xt, lx | | Bike Setup: | 99 zaskar le team, 00 sid sl, 46-32-22 next lp's, crossmax's, ct2 bars n post, mg 60, king headset, flite ti, and some punk rock ti bb | | Bottom Line: | i hate this damn 12-34 crap.
i thought id be slick and throw on an 11 tooth xt cog.
this is fine if im not in a hurry to get into 9th.
and as for the 34 tooth ring, i suppose itll come in handy if i ever have to ride up the side of my house.
i want an xtr 11-32 for christmas.
is that too much to ask? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ape Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Gearing
Weight
Shifting | | Weaknesses: | None yet, but price is high if you buy retail. Thank you, Supergo! | | Similar Products Used: | XT | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar
All the cool stuff (call me compulsive) | | Bottom Line: | I like the 12-32 gear ratio. I cannot sit here and tell you this cassette shifts better than XT (or even LX). However, it is light and never misses a shift. I wish someone would rise up and give Shimano a run on their drivetrain components, but like Microsoft, Shimano rules the roast (does Microsoft rule anymore?). Shimano is the best. I chose XTR because it has the gear ratio I wanted.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Kunz
a Cross Country Rider
from Monrovia, MD
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sugarloaf | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Mt Airy Bicycles | | Strengths: | 4 biggest gears are Titanium -- *should* last much longer. | | Weaknesses: | Difficult to set up.
Expensive. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F1000sl, upgraded to Shimano XTR (as things wore out). | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up. I originally had major problems tuning the shifting and had to do the following:
- Straightened deraileur mounting tang so deraileur is parallel to wheel and cassette.
- Replaced deraileur guide cogs.
- Replaced shifting cable and sleeve and removed all grease from the new cable and sleeve with LPS lube.
- Lots of tuning, including the B-tension.
- Replaced the chain (what started all of this :))
At that point, I still had problems with tuning. If I changed the cable tension by a 1/4 turn tighter, 7 won't down-shift; a 1/4 turn looser and 8 won't upshift. As a compromise, I needed to slightly overshift when shifting to a bigger cog.
Well, I discovered that Shimano recommends a teflon coated shifting cable -- about $9.00. I put that in and haven't had a bad shift in the last 1500 miles -- wet, dry, muddy or snowy.
I haven't had any problems with bent cogs. I'm usually a clean shifter, but when I'm climbing those hills, I do what I need to do to to get to the right gear :).
Considering the price, I'll still probably go back to XT unless these last better than 2x as long. But, at least I have them ridable and am happy with them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Nieman
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Weight, span of gears | | Weaknesses: | Will not tolerate being run dirty. Pricy. (like all XTR) | | Similar Products Used: | XT cogsets | | Bike Setup: | Macalu Ti with Zoke Superfly, Crosslinks, and full XTR. | | Bottom Line: | I was actually doing some research on a cogset for the wife when I came upon this category. Since there are so many poor review, I thought I would comment. I have 2000 XTR with ultra 9 gears. For those who complain that they are breaking cogs, I suspect that they are using their cassettes as a garbage disposal. Despite the teeth, these things are not meant to grind up sticks. I think folks forget that these are PRECISION INSTRUMENTS. Like a fine watch, if you keep it clean and take care of it, it will last.
XTR will not tolerate to be run dirty. If you clean and lube your bike EVERY RIDE it will run 5/5 and you will never miss a shift. If you beat it like a step child, don't be surprised if it leaves you walking. That goes pretty much for every component subject to wear.
One last comment for Shimano; how come you make a 12/30 max in XT but a 12/32 in XTR? Wouldn't it seem that the lower line gears are meant for more recreational riders (i.e. not as strong physically)? I'm going to have to go to XTR gears for my wife so that I can get her 2 extra teeth. (either that or change out the middle ring, which can lead to inconsistent shifting). Just a thought, guys. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PT
a Cross Country Rider
from WYO
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on... | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | 8spd comments: plenty of gears, wears well, light, strong | | Weaknesses: | none (8 spd) | | Similar Products Used: | Various freewheels | | Bike Setup: | Frame, seat, pedals, wheels, handlebar, etc... | | Bottom Line: | The 8 spd cassette works great -- virtually no wear after 3 years (I just bought a new 8 spd cassette, so I can compare). Like Bob says below, the 8 spd works and I'll be riding it long after the 9 spd stuff has been replaced by more 9 spd stuff or whatever new bandwagon gets jumped on.
I now run it in combination with a compact chainring set (42/32/22) and love the gear selection -- the top end is high enough for me (but then I know how to spin), and the low end allows me to climb anything I have the wind for... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Hells Valley, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light, shifts & holds up excellently as long as you were smart enough to get 8-speed equipment | | Bottom Line: | My rating is 5 chilis only for the 8-speed version. I've always had excellent performance from 8-speed XTR cogsets. The Ti version wears a little faster than the all-steel one, but that's in the nature of the material. Hammerheads and those who don't keep their chain clean & lubed with enough links in it should stick with all-steel cogs.
Shimano had to make the cogs even thinner for 9-speed stuff. In case you hadn't heard, the thinner cogs don't hold up very well - duh. Those people who were wise enough to stock up on 8-speed components are ahead of the game; those who loudly proclaimed 9-speed as a great new invention sowed the wind - now they are reaping the whirlwind. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Svip
a Cross Country Rider
from Copenhagen N, Denmark
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Coasttrail, Bornholm Island in the Baltic Sea | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Strengths: | Weight | | Weaknesses: | Ti cogs bends | | Similar Products Used: | XT works!! | | Bike Setup: | OBED, full XTR, SID, CT2, Flite etc. | | Bottom Line: | DON'T Buy. Just climbing little hill, and the two biggest cogwheels bends. In a rage, destroyed my Bontrager PG bar also, when I threw the bike downhill. What a waste ! Bought a XT cassette, works just as fine adds a little weigth, but nothing that matters. Shimano doesn't normally make such bad products though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Vollmer
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jo
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | my backyard | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | light, smooth well is works | | Weaknesses: | bends, bends weak | | Similar Products Used: | XT | | Bike Setup: | voodoo | | Bottom Line: | I'm 150 pounds and I babied this XTR Ti 9 speed cassette and I still bent 3 rings. Of course Shimano told me to change my riding style. This was not a everyday bike. I didn't try to down shift under stress. Very disaapointed. I should have bought a Raceface product. Especially with Shimano telling to ride different. I guess they want us to push our bikes up hill and only ride on sunny days.
I will think twice about shimano products, cause I hate walking | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ra
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Frankford Bicycle Inc. | | Strengths: | Asthetics. Material. | | Weaknesses: | All of the points I'm refering it is for a
Shimano XTR 12-28t
8-speed gear cluster.
I recently replaced my Shimano XTR 12-32t (it was worn down and it needs replacing) with a lower Simano XTR 12-28t. I expected that the performance would be equivalent to the 12-32t but that was not the case. First there seems to be an incompatibility with the chain because there was a grinding noice coming from the cassette. I switched my chain from a narrow HG to the 1999-hype IG chain. But that didn't seem to be the problem. The problem was still there. Second I excessively lube the chain to see if that would dampen the noise. It didn't. I switched my LX rear derailleur with an XT. That didn't solve the problem either. After a week of riding and $50 worth of remedial solution, the problem still exist. I was left no choice but buy the 12-32t gear cluster. When I install the 12-32t version, the noise simply disappeared. Must be some kind of a design flaw. If you have the same symptoms with your 12-28t and WAS experiencing this problem, email me. I hate to let that 12-28t cogset collect dust.
Ironically, I ran my 12-28t -XT- (1996 and HG compatible) and it ran smoothly. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT, with the same gear differential | | Bike Setup: | Metal - Plastic - Composite - Rubber. 2 tires, 2 wheels. WHAT A VAGUE question! | | Bottom Line: | if you're upgrading your cogset, stick with the 12-32t version. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Kunz
a Cross Country Rider
from Monrovia, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | blue in Cotoctain Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Mt Airy Bicycles | | Strengths: | 4 biggest gears are Titanium -- should last much longer. | | Weaknesses: | Not as reliable shifting as the XT cassette.
Much more sensitive to setup than XT. | | Similar Products Used: | XT | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F1000/SL upgraded to mostly XTR components. | | Bottom Line: | I bought these because they were supposed to be Shimano's best and the 4 titanium gears looked really good -- they're the ones that I just wore out on the XT cassette that this replaced.
At first they wouldn't shift at all. It was pure misery to ride the bike.
What I had to do:
- Straightened deraileur mounting tang so derauleur is parallel to wheel and cassette.
- Replaced deraileur guide cogs.
- Replaced shifting cable and sleeve and removed all grease from the new cable and sleeve with LPS lube.
- Lots of tuning, including the B-tension. Right now, 1/4 turn tighter on the cable and 7 won't down-shift, 1/4 turn looser and 8 won't upshift.
Remember, the XT cassette that it replaced was shifting fine -- it was just really worn. I'll probably go back to XT when this wears out -- unless the shifting improves with use...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zeke The Coolest
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Co. | | Strengths: | fast shifting, light. shifts well in mud and other bad conditions. | | Weaknesses: | None so far... | | Similar Products Used: | LX, XT | | Bike Setup: | KHS Alite 4000, mostly SRAM drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | This is the most accurate shifting that I have had yet on any bike I've ridden so far. I beat my bike around on a daily basis, jumps, stairs, chutes, trails. This is the perfect all-around cross-country and light freeride cassette. It is good to go on a long ride and not experience a single misshift. It is working very well even with a Sachs/SRAM chain. The price is high, but I believe that it's worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Twain Wayne
a
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Traders Gulch,Wi | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Deal on new parts | | Strengths: | Light! very cool looking, werks very well, never a minute of down time. | | Weaknesses: | NONE! | | Similar Products Used: | A sulth of xt stuff Eagle if any one can remeber back that far | | Bike Setup: | A nice bike to have fun on, lots of fun!!;) | | Bottom Line: | Hey um the rumor is that parts break in this sport happens alot. Cars tend to break down aswell.
Gas is way to exspensive and I don't care. I think that the reason why some people here having problems with thier XTr casset is that they don't have a clue of how to shift right. I have had this XTR casset for thousands of miles and failed me once it has NOT!! I once cared whena part blew out. However, I don't buy my stuff to retain its value
and think that it will hang togethter for a infinant amount of time.
What Im saying is you could put this casset on your mack truck. Go the long haul and you won't every be sorry you did.
I will buy it again and again until they make some thing else thats better,
Wish I had the Eleven Tooth,
Twain Wayne
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Light / Strong | | Weaknesses: | $price | | Similar Products Used: | LX /XT cassettes | | Bike Setup: | Azonic DS1 /single speed/ Pro-C fork modified/Marin 6061 Forged cranks/Azonic 1.5" riser/Avid2.5 brakes/Asym Richey rear wheel/platform pedals/Oury grips! | | Bottom Line: | I'm a very powerful type rider & havn't even come close to damaging the Ti cassette.12-32..Used very little though.--Shift right & it should last a long time.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville,TN,USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lock4 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light. Shifts very fast. Light. Trick design.3 year warranty, and umm...very very light. | | Weaknesses: | Weak, a broken cassette won't shift. weak. Must really cash in on that 3 year warranty, and ummmm...very very weak | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT | | Bike Setup: | 99 Jamis Dragon | | Bottom Line: | XTR is meant to be pro race quality, and that doesn't always mean durable. I rode this cassette moderately for about 2 months before I striped out the 11t cog. Got a new one under wrranty. Have bent teeth of the Titanium cogs, again, warrantied by shimano.
I can't flame this because it shifts very very very well and it is made for a specific purpose, wich it does well. In an everyday application, I cannot reccomend this cassette as it simply will not hold up to abuse.
For people who are very light with a smooth spin, buy this immediately. Also, people who have a set of "raceday" wheels, buy this. Clydesdales, or budget minded buyers, defenitely look elsewhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Hurley
a Weekend Warrior
from Farmington, CT
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | West Hartford Reservoir | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Biker's Edge in Bristol, CT | | Strengths: | This product works great when it's brand new. | | Weaknesses: | The 9 speed metal is very weak and wears out too quickly. | | Similar Products Used: | XTR 8 speed, XT 9 speed | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale CAAD5 | | Bottom Line: | For the amount of money that you pay for this product, you would think that it would last awhile.
I've had the bike for about four months and replaced the cassette twice. A two inch chunk of the second gear broke off my first cassette. Fortunately, the bike store replaced it for free. The second cassette's gears kept bending which causes the chain to skip. I end up stopping durring the rides to bend them back and you can only bend them back so many times before the metal weakens. I'm very dissatisfied.
I switched to an XT 9 speed cassette which is half the cost of XTR. I haven't used the XT cassette enough yet to rate it . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John-Bob Dalton
a Cross Country Rider
from Berlin
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | French Buchholz, Malchow | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | shifts very exactly with a wide range, looks nice | | Weaknesses: | wears out very quickly, heavy, expensive | | Similar Products Used: | XT 11-28 | | Bike Setup: | Simplon Evolution, Rock Shox Judy SL, XTR ´96, Syncros Parts | | Bottom Line: | Better buy XT´s!!! 256g instead of 316g, same quality, better price and the magic 11-ring for topspeed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timur Maltaric
a Racer
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light weight
shifts well | | Weaknesses: | weak,
funny sounds under heavy load | | Similar Products Used: | XT, SunRace | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn HGrown Factory Team | | Bottom Line: | I've been very good to my bike 'cause I can't afford to break and replace any of the XTR stuff. Last year I took it on races only and trained on another bike. I've replaced my chain every month etc. Well, the second biggest set of cogs snapped away from its carrier. It broke away on a climb from all 5 of its rivets. I know I'm strong as a bull and fast as lightning but so is every other pro rider on this planet. At least it didn't happen in a race, eh. If the warranty is 1 year I'm out of luck. I was hoping mine was a freak-case but looking at other reviews makes me wonder...
Happy riding to y'all.
Timur | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
He Who Rides
a Cross Country Rider
from Gainesville, FL
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | light | | Weaknesses: | weak | | Similar Products Used: | LX (11-32), XT (11-34) | | Bike Setup: | Kona, XT, SID, Crosslink | | Bottom Line: | I had an 952 XTR Ti Cassette (12-34) on my bike for about 3 monthes. Climbing a steep pitch I heard a `bad noise' from my rear wheel when I dropped into the lowest gear. Apon inspection the biggest cog of the cassette had snapped (the ring had snapped and one of the holders had bent totally out of shape). I have now replaced the cassette with an XT cassette which is working fine. Shimano replaced the cassette under warranty with a 953 XTR (solid spider like the XT) - so now I have an extra XTR cassette. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Stewart
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sunset | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Previously very reliable | | Weaknesses: | Currently not very reliable. | | Similar Products Used: | 15 years worth of various shimano cassests from Deore to LX to XTR | | Bike Setup: | Moot YBB - XTR and Race Face | | Bottom Line: | The big S seems to be getting a little complacent in the quality department. I recently replaced my orginal XTR 8 speed ti casset (three years of good hard use is not bad) with a new XTR ti 8 speed casset. The new casset bent and can not be repaired. I kind of expect a part that costs around $100 to last more than one month. Yeah you heard right - one month before this baby bent under load. I ride 3 times a week and wiegh 150lbs. I am really disapointed at this lapse in quality from Shimano. It seems like even the high end products are starting to suffer QC problems. It's a real shame... Thought you all should know. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Cordery
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hellensburg | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | When it works, its great | | Weaknesses: | The new XTR cassette is weak. I have been riding and the third and fourth rings snapped off the spider - this has happened to me twice and it is pathetic for such an expensive part. Shimano replaced it both times under warranty but now the warranty is finished next time it snaps I will have to pay. And I won't be buying another crappy XTR one which will last less than 6 months. | | Similar Products Used: | stx | | Bottom Line: | It's crap, it snaps, XTR should last a long time for its cost. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Krpan
a Cross Country Rider
from South Pasadena, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | San Gabriels | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light Weight | | Weaknesses: | I think the Ti cogs bend and cause the chain to skip. | | Similar Products Used: | XT 9 Speed Cassette | | Bike Setup: | Grip Shift ESP 9 speed shifters and dedicated rear der.
XTR front der., XTR hubs, Shimano 9 speed chain | | Bottom Line: | I have the 11-34 XTR titanium 9 speed cassette.
I think the ti cogs bend and cause the chain to skip.
I changed to the XT 12-32 steel 9 speed cassette and have experienced no further problems with chain skip.
In addition the drivetrain feels smoother and much more efficient.
I guess the titanium might work for lighter riders but it doesn't work for me.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jethro
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary AB
Date Reviewed: December 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Kelowna BC to Commando Bay | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Bomb proof, Fast shifts, Light (all steel) | | Weaknesses: |
bit pricy | | Similar Products Used: |
LX (8spd) , stx (7spd), xt (8spd) | | Bike Setup: |
Rocky Mountain Element Race '98 20.5 , LX hubs. and Pulstar Hubs, Mavic rims. xt r dlr. hg 90 chain, black spire (110mm) chin rings | | Bottom Line: | This cog stack is great. It is a bit pricier but it is holding up great. ITs stiff, never skips. and shifts smooth as still water. For some reason this is the easiest cog stack to find in the 12-32 spacing. (hey I'm a big guy that 32 is a life saver). For the extra large gear dfiinitely worth it. I have yet to try the 9sp and I'm worried about it. I know guys smaller than I, who ride less that have had problems breakin the cogs. Is this a fluke or should I follow my plan of buying Supergo out of their supply of this cogset? Shimano loses the star for d/c ing production of the 8 spd, and not offering the 12-32 in the xt cogs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from singapore
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
- | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
it's material......Ti | | Weaknesses: |
it's hard to configure it ....especially at low gears.... | | Similar Products Used: |
nah.... | | Bike Setup: |
Klein attitude......with full shimano xtr equipped.... | | Bottom Line: | woth the value
worth the money
lasts longer then you'll ever live
and go get 'em NOW!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Dean
a Racer
from Austin TX
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Flat creek | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Strong light doesn't miss a shift | | Weaknesses: |
a bunch of crack heads giving this thing a bad review. | | Similar Products Used: |
XT | | Bike Setup: |
'98M2 | | Bottom Line: | Put 1700 mile on so far. Second chain, 5 races(Sport) 2 trips to the mountains. '98XTR 12-32 rocks. With compact drive you won't even need a granny(in Texas). Viva la 16 speed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean
a Weekend Warrior
from mass
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light | | Weaknesses: |
its the second one i broke, wont stay on second biggest cog | | Similar Products Used: |
second xtr i broke | | Bike Setup: |
merlin,z2,maggies,raceface | | Bottom Line: | poor design,probably okay for light weights and smooth spinners, not for powerful guys .
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, CA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Briones Canyon, Martinez, CA | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Weight, looks, strength | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
LX/STX/XT | | Bike Setup: |
Dean Oscar Custom, XT/XTR mix, SDG Seat, Race Face cranks, Answer Hyperlite/Hyperends, Ame grips, Time ATAC Carbon pedals, Dean Stem/post, Mavic 217/GT CNC wheels, Bontrager Revolt SS tire pair, Sachs PC-51 chain | | Bottom Line: | I have the 8 speed TI version and it's awesome. Goes great with the 98 XTR Rapid Rise. Lightweight is the primary reason I bought it, but it is very strong. Awesome product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ns
a Cross-Country Rider
from tempe
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
SunTop | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
light | | Weaknesses: |
loosing | | Similar Products Used: |
xt,lx | | Bike Setup: |
Titus Quasi Moto | | Bottom Line: | I'm experiencing cassette loosing after 50-70miles of riding. I can't say who to blame, the hub or the cassette? I love shimano's stuff, but maybe this one dosen't quite cut for me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rudy
a Cross-Country Rider
from albuquerque
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
light
shift well | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
many | | Bike Setup: |
moots | | Bottom Line: | 98 versions have been reliable, light, and with impeccable shifting performance when used with all shimano drivetrain | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fat Boy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Highland Lakes
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Quick Shifts | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Similar Products Used: |
LX
XT | | Bike Setup: |
CAAD3 w/SX TI & XTR | | Bottom Line: | Previous bike had LX rear der. and cassette, now I have XTR RR and rear cassette and the shifts are much faster and precise. I couldn't tell you if it is the der. or cass. but either way it works great. Works through snow ice and mud no missed shifts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rochester, NY
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Jim Thorpe, PA area | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light | | Weaknesses: |
weak | | Similar Products Used: |
xt casette | | Bike Setup: |
mtn cycle moho, noleen fork, all xtr w/raceface cranks, crosslink wheels | | Bottom Line: | After less than 3 months, one of the big cogs is starting to separate from the spider it is mounted to. So I got an XT to replace it for half the price. If Shimano warrantees it I think I will ask them for 2 XT casettes instead of a new XTR. The tiny bit of weight it saves isn't worth it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Camp Nelson | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, 34 tooth gear | | Weaknesses: |
Ahh, I folded the 34/30 spider arm...that's pretty weak! | | Similar Products Used: |
98 XTR | | Bottom Line: | Beware of early 99 XTR 12-34 cassettes - the first spider (the 30-34) arm bent in one of the three lightening holes. Completely taco-ed the cassette. Shimano has since revised the desing with only 2 much smaller lightening holes closer to the freehub. They've promised to warrant it but of course they're not recalling all the s---ty ones still on the market!1 flaming terd because some weight wheenies went agro with the lightening holes and because no recall. 5 stars for performance otherwise. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Bolton, Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Similar Products Used: |
8-speed XTR & XT cassettes for years, have broke some spindles in the past. | | Bottom Line: | On the 3rd ride, a race, the 5th gear (19T) sheared off. This is uncalled for unless it can be attributed to a defect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin is Phat
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fort Nobelson, MN
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Lightweight and great shifting. Trick looking ti finish. | | Weaknesses: |
VERY $$$$$
Wears out to quickly. had to change it in six months. | | Similar Products Used: |
lx a
xt cassets | | Bike Setup: |
xxxxxxxxx- rated | | Bottom Line: | great for the weight freaks, if you have the $$$ and are willing to change the casset chian every 6 months you should get the XTR.
But I had to down grade to XT because of cost, Xt is great, no problems and 30g lighter at half the cost of XTR.
The XTr, for the money should be more durable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Norton
a Racer
from St. Catharines
Date Reviewed: April 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
32 gear | | Weaknesses: |
The rivets on the 28 tooth has come loose. The sprocket is soon to leave. | | Similar Products Used: |
XT - no problems | | Bottom Line: | Should be more durable | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross-Country Rider
from State College PA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
tussey mt. | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
wide range
light and strong
inexpensive | | Weaknesses: |
could be lighter
11 tooth cog would be great | | Similar Products Used: |
11-28 XT | | Bike Setup: |
cr-mo hardtail, SX-R fork | | Bottom Line: | This is a good, light cassette, with no Ti cogs to break. I wish it came in an 11-32 size, or an 11-30, but it's really not too big a deal. It's still going strong after 2 years and 3 chains. The lightening holes could be a little bigger, which might evacuate more mud and gunk, as well as lose a few more grams. All in all, though, a great buy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Ries
a cross-country rider
from Novato, CA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the 12-32 steel XTR. I've been riding it for several months now and
love it. Shifts like it should and the 32 tooth gear is great. What I really
like about it is I can now use my middle chainring more on the uphills. this
will balance out the wear on the small chainring that seems to get all the use
cause around here niney percent of the ride is uphill (time wise) and the
downhills are so fast you hardly pedal.So I give it five flames. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Shook
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just thought I'd post this for anyone considering ordering an
XTR Ti 8speed cassette: They have them at excelsports.com for 49.95.
I'm replacing an XT cassette, and hopefully the XTR will be totally
compatible with the rest of my drivetrain (XT). I'll review this
cassette when I get back from climbing the slick rock in Mohab in
a couple of months....but 5 chilis for weight! (Just hope it's
a little more durable then some of the other reviews have said..) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i got a 12/34 9 speed.
it worked for about 1 month, i ripped one of the aluminum spiders apart.
its being warrantied, it shifted great until then though.,,,,,,,,,,, jjjjj gggggg tttttt dddddddd fffffffff fffffff ssss s s s s s s s s s s s s s s d d d d d d d d d | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bzzzt
a racer
from Texas
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Have had this cassette for 1 1/2 weeks now, and have put in about 100 miles on it (mostly road). All 3 ti cogs in good shape. The other five are another story, bent teeth everywhere, pathetic, pathetic. This is with a new chain, disapointed
No stars for the crumpling cassette :( | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck-O
a racer
from Cleveland, Ohio
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a 170 pound Expert class xc racer that basically destroys every part I can get my hands on. I initially got the XTR ti cassette as kind of an expensive experiment to see how long it would take me to break it in half: no such luck here. I've had ti on my bike for about 9 months, and it's been my experiance that replacing the chain every month or so will make this baby last a long, long time. I haven't encountered so much as a mis-shift or a skipped chain as long as I've had. I never expected titanium to withstand abuse the way it has. On the other hand, it is XTR, right? Good stuff!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Some idiot
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hmmmm...let's see...titanium, while light and nifty, has a nasty habit of galling, which means that it sticks to other metal parts if it rubs back and forth a lot against them. Hmmm...what part of your bicycle is most subjected to having metal bits rubbed across it? I don't know, your cassette, mabye? If there's one place Ti shouldn't be used, it's your bloody cassette. You'd better be a racer with a trust fund to play with this stuff. Stick with XT, and spend your Ti money on something useful and non-moving like a frame, seatpost, etc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rogue MBer
a racer
from Texas
Date Reviewed: December 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had trouble with the 12-32 Titanium set.The second biggest cog always fought me even after adjusting and trying it on two different bike.I looked and it seemed to be warped a bit.Maybe I just got a bad cog | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had both the 11-30 (used with both '97 standard XTR and '98 XTR Rapid-Rise) and just replaced it with a 12-32.I was very happy with the 11-30! Hell, what do you SAY about XTR anything? XTR just WORKS! And works RIGHT! Fast, smooth & nearly silent!After a year riding the 11-30, the internal aluminum frame thing mysteriously bent. Well, NOT so mysteriously, as I'd had a bunch of crashes and probably bashed the rear cassette a few times. I needed a new rear cassette FAST and my dealer gave me a DEAL on an XTR 12-32.Well, I like the 12-32, too. It's alot better off-road. But I DO miss the 11-30 for street riding. (Ideally, I'd get 2 wheelsets: 11-30 and SpeedMax tires and a 12-32 set with knobbies.) 11-30 or 12-32? Either way, an excellent choice. 5 Steamers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greenos
a
from Ames, IA 50012
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It's XTR. It has Ti in it. It shifts like it should. It's light. What more do you want. This thing works, don't get anything else. Don't ever go REAL, those things suck more than...um...more than anything in the whole known universe. Shimano knows what it's doing, so you can't go wrong here. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DANIEL WENTZ
a racer
from CALIFORNIA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased my xtr ti cogset with some Real chainrings. I think this this RULES. But whats up with all the holes in it. I noticed that the xt cogset had those too. Since I purchased my cogset, I noticed shifting improved and my rear wheel is a lot lighter. Now I can climb steeper hill because I now have a 12-32 gear ratio rather then the 11-30 gear ratio that my Stumpjumper came with. Who would have thought that 2 teeth could make that much of a diference. However I like my brothers 10-34 ratio you have down hill gears and more climbing gears on it. In One word this thing is the BOMB. BOOM | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny
a cross-country rider
from London, On., Ca.
Date Reviewed: June 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Man, am I in love!! I just got my new XTR 12-32 tooth (non-ti) cassette. Sweet merciful crap, I can climb just about anything now!! The XTR's spyder loves to amplify chain noise, so a good lube is in order. I would whole heartedly suggest Cracked Wax because it won't drip through the cassette and onto your pristine braking surfaces, it's a parafin wax with Teflon . Also because it's not a wet lube, it won't attract a lot of grit on your smarvy XTR cassette and theoretically will extend it's life. I haven't had any compatability problems running the XTR with my ESP 9.0 rear derailleur, it has been a match made in heaven. OH! Here's something cool, while riding behind my brother one day, I noticed that I was being lulled into a trance-like state by his cassette. Check it out for yourself!! Tell your friends too!! XTR kicks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cartman (Beefcake!)
a weekend warrior
from South Park, Twin peaks
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the Ti version of this wonderful little gadget. I use it with the 97 XTR rear deraileur on a Spinergy X-tra lite wheel. Both cassette and wheel make their own cool little sounds. I have more fun shifting and riding, riding and shifting, just to hear the noise. Oh it works pretty well in the dirt too. Wow, I can really feel the weight difference too! Especially with that feather weight spinergy on the back! Is it $70 better than an XT cassette? Would you really use it with a Spinergy? Maybe not. Great product for Racers and weight weenies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wipp
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 12-32 ti version and was impressed with the weight etc., but, I am getting strange clunking noises and I can feel the 32 tooth cog flex on my really steep climbs. Almost everyone I have spoken to says ya, it just kinda of does that... ( here are three or so more words ) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ITS GREAT REALLY makes you feel good if you rub it against your groin area and even o n your anal parts I love the way it made me climax in seconds it is brilliant makes yahh feel real good about bike parts so I conclude by saying need something to get you hot well just buy this thing | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from MI
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Shimano's XTR cogset is designed to belong to that new class of equiptment: that of the upper level racer. Like the SID and semi-slick tires, products like this are quite often overly hyped in terms of their usefullness to the average rider. The problem is that these products are designed to work in a narrow set of parameters.
The XTR cogset is no exception, it's weight and performance are second to none.
This season I used it with an ESP 9.0 der. and an XTR chain. The first problem that arrose is the incompatibility of the derailuer with a 12-32 cassette (a problem that has been corected but shoud not have been in the first place) this problem would cause the chain quite literally to become stuck on the 32 tooth cog. Quite noticeable is the way the chain and cogs perfectly match gently pulling each other up and down the cogs, even under massive amounts of tourqe while climbing the chain quietly shifted to the next lower gear. This near perfect match between chain and cog causes a problem when using a non shimano derailuer (big suprise) or more particularly one without a floating to pulley.
If the derailuer is slightly off adjusment the chain will automatically hop on the up ramp and then immediately on to the down ramp quite rapidly. While this is a testement to the quality of the cogset it is really quite annoying, but a few turns of the barrel adjuster normally will take care of it.
That brings me to the main issue about this cogset, it is a member of the new high maintence equiptment family. If you own one you MUST keep the system clean, lubed, and adjusted religously also it is a necessity to replace your chain at least once a year. If you don't you quicklly see those top three ti cogs evaporate. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Scheffer
a cross-country rider
from Brussels
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
11/30 3 Ti Cogs
Great Shifting and that's all that realy matters.
Not the lightest cassette,but shifts better than the lighter ones that i tried.
Most lighter ones don't have a spider,and can cause problems with the softer Aluminium Body's. (i use an XTR TI body on a very light hub)
Plasma D.I.R.T Derailleur,Sachs PC 91 Chain,White Lightning | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eduardo Castro
a racer
from Brazil
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It only last 250 miles. This is Really bad.If you are a racer like me , you should use the XT steel cogset. The only god point is that the cogset is ligther than any one you have ever used. It is a 12-32 cogset( 11-32 should be better )
I really don't like it . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RacerX
a cross-country rider
from Stillwater, Ok
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I upgraded to 8 speed with a steel xtr cogset (also added xt shifters) dont know which made the reel difference but my shifting is MUCH improved. Haven't had any problems at all. It has a high pitched, cool sound and for the weight weenies you save like 3 grams or something so its got to be good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pk
a cross-country rider
from norway
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have never had a problem with it and it is light.GOOD combination. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a
from N.C.
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought a ti-cassette for my Cannondale. It only lasted about 300 miles before it started skipping. Put the old xt back on. Stick with the steel xt or xtr | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brett morrow
a cross-country rider
from unionville,VA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm riding my second TI XTR cassette.While shifting down on a short ride I felt a wierd crunch as the crank turned over and the chain overshifted. The next day I found that one of the TI teeth had broken off and one of the cogs was bent. I went to my beloved shop and I recieved a new 11-30 in about a week. Since recieving the new cassette I have had no problems and I am happy with the cassette's light weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M.R.
a cross-country rider
from Portland, Oregon USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I Use An 97' XTR 12-32t Titanium Cassette Mated To My 97' XTR 24-34-46t
Crankset.....The Shifting Is The Absolute Best It Could Be. (And I Couldnt Imagine
Any Better) I've Had No Overshifts\Skipped Cogs. To Say It Plainly, It Just Kicks
Ass!.....5 Stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bram Dally
a cross-country rider
from Washington state
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a fairly good cog set except that Shimano needs to wake up and realize that some of us actually ride in the mountains and need a 11/32 cogset. I do not appreciate having to buy the small three cogs separately and throw out over 1/3 of each new cogset. Shimano has the same problem with their chainrings. They simply do not offer a large enough span to allow for both steep single track climbing and fast fireroad decents. They also have not known customer input address which explains why they seem to ignore what seems so obvious to those who ride in the real world. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Knoly
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The 97 XTR 12-32 cassette is awsome. Having that extra 32 tooth gear is great for super steep climbing. Matched with my ESP 9.0 rear derailer, my Heckler shifts like goo! This is THE cassette to own. Too bad is costs about $200 bucks in Canada. Oh, the smallest two cogs started to dig into the spines of my Chris King hub, but that's stopped now (Chris Kings problem anyway :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff, the rebel without a clue
a racer
from Milwaukee, WI
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I upgraded everything on my bike to XTR and the performance more than justified the cost! I see people here complaining about the cost of the Titanium cassette. Well, just look around for the steel one! For 1997 Shimano has made 2 XTR cassettes.
1) M900, which is all steel
2) M950, which has 3 titanium cogs
I got my M900 for 47 bucks from supergo, it is identical to the titanium one in all respects except for the materials on the 3 biggest cogs. so save yourself a bunch of money, and get a cassette that will last longer also! No probelem! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S. Woodhead
a cross-country rider
from Twin Falls, Idaho
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Shifting is smooth as hell, the weight is practically nonexistant and it looks cool. What more can you ask for? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jerry
a cross-country rider
from Corvaliis, Or
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm 47 and 180 lbs and riding in Western Oregon Coastal mountains is very much fun, however, its either very steep up or down. I paired a 95 XTR 12-32 cassette with a compact drive Race Face crankset with Real front rings. Shifting is almost always smooth and accurate (as long as I keep the setup lubed). Best part is the ultra-low gearing, its great for long days with lots of steep single track...Unfortunately, it looks like the older steel cog version is now unavailable so its $100 for the new version (gee, but its part titanium, I guess its now eXTRa expensive...) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a weekend warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Here's the deal: If you don't upgrade to ALL XTR, don't upgrade to any XTR. I upgraded my crankset, front and rear derailleur WITHOUT upgrading the rear cassette and improvement was noticeable but marginal. Shifting was especially clunky.I subsequently upgraded the rear cassette (11-30 titanium/steel) as well as the hubs, and the difference is unbelievable. Shifting is as smooth as butter. I'm sure this doesn't have as much to do with the hubs as it does the rear cassette ! Here's the bottom line: Just as Microsoft DOMINATES high end computer software industry, Shimano dominates the high end bike components industry. Not going with their program is doable, but fool hardy. In the long run, they WILL get you. Unless you are so obstinate that you absolutely refuse to purchase their products agianst your own better judgement in which case you are only penalizing yourself. Sure they are expensive, but don't you want the best for your baby ? I do, and I'm not even a professional. It's just better equipment, period. Higest rating.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a cross-country rider
from MS
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
With my old 11-28 LX cogset coupled to a 22/32/42 ring set, I frequently found myself wishing for one shift lower, but never really using the 11-tooth cog. I sort of wanted a 12-32 cogset, but it was only available with the megabucks XTR label. I wasn't about to spend that kind of money on something I'm going to grind up in the local sand. Ta-Da! Mail order to the rescue! 12-32 '95 steel XTR cogsets at half the price of the new titanium ones! So... Hit: Reasonable gearing for all-day XC use. Light. Sale price. Cool factor.
Miss: Next time I need one they won't be on sale.As for shifting, with a Sachs M55 chain and LX derailleur, it works extremely well. It's not significantly faster than with the old LX cogset, but downshifts under >pressure< are smoother and more reliable.This is good stuff. It may even be worth full list price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a racer
from Hammond Louisiana
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Best Cogset Period. Super smooth dead on shifting every time. Mountain Biking Nirvana. Never mind the titainium, these cogs just perform well. Very expensive but worth every penny. | | Overall Rating: |
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