Weaknesses: might could be a tad lighter (nit picking)
Bottom Line:
Not sure what other folks are running into with this cassette but I'm on my second in the past 3 years and this cassette is bullet proof. If you know how to shift and when this cassette (and your chain) will last all race season and training.
Submitted by
dan0
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Strengths: color
Weaknesses: quality control, weak
Bottom Line:
POS
I should have returned it when the small cog wouldnt install without filing off a bit, but I had new wheels and wanted to ride
after approx. 50 miles of admittedly knarly singletrack, bike started making noises and I had to constantly tweak the cable adjuster , chain broke twice so I bought new chain and when I went to switch I was examining the gears and the 3 largest cogs were bent, no crashes,no sticks nothing just pedaling up and over rocks. the only other cassette I ever had do this was anxtr 12/32 with a 4 arm spider, junk pure and simple
After the OEM SRAM PG-950 cassette was upgraded to a much lighter Shimano XT-M770 cassette- I noticed that shifts were not quite as crisp, as the original cogset. Although the Shimano cassette worked with the SRAM components just fine- there was something still amiss.
I was first leery about spending another $100 on a top-of-the-line cassette.....but the PG-990 cassette works in total harmony, with all the SRAM componentry. Compared to the old PG-950 cassette- the weight savings is justified(1/2lb shaved-off). Compared to the Shimano XT-M770(which is slightly lighter).....the SRAM PG-990 with the anodized aluminum spider- is exactly what the drivetrain was missing.....ie; it is the TICKET. Shifts were not only instant(shifts even BEFORE my thumb leaves the lever!).....but every selected gear change is securely and precisely dialed-in, each time, every time.
The SRAM X.Series 1 to 1 actuation ratio is the fairest trade, of all. No more.....no less. By fully acquiring German precision drivetrain manufacturer SACHS- SRAM has produced another WINNER!!
Bike Setup: Epiphany, Deus XC LR, X9 Trigger Shifters and rear derailleur, Juicy 7's (185 up front & 160 in the back), 07 Talas RLC, Thomson stem and seatpost, WTB Rocket V Team saddle, Stylo 3.3 crankset, Crank Brother Candy's, Crossmax ST's, Intense System 4 2.25 up front and Panaracer Fire XC 2.1 in the back
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Racer
from Cambridge, ON
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2007
Strengths: Great value, reasonibly light, nice looks. Not the big S.
Weaknesses: Poor build quality, performance not on par with XTR.
Bottom Line:
Seems there are a number of 2006 cassettes with build quality issues in the rivetted aluminum spider. After picking up the cassette on a whim (and on sale), I was warned by a local builder that the 28T and 24T rings like to bent over due to poor rivetting. Sure enough after about 3 or 4 spirited rides I had lost the use of both gears (28T folded out blocking the chain path of the 24T and dropping off itself). I must admit, SRAM has been good about warrantying it, but it will remain a training bike cogset only. Can't afford to lose two climbing gears in a critical situation. 5 for value (can't beat the price), 3 overall for quality control.
Bike Setup: Trek Top Fuel 110 converted to all SRAM (except cassette now)
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2006
Strengths: construction, eye candy
Weaknesses: none to date
Bottom Line:
Wow - what more can i say? i am very impressed on how this has improved shifting. I recently upgraded my drive train from shimano LX. And boy what a difference! I will never go back to Shimano. SRAM rocks! I have to admit the first thing that drew me to this cassette was its flashy color and construction. The spider is made with a solid piece of aluminuim. The only draw back is that the main sprockets are riveted to the spider so if you damage a sprocket you will have to buy a new cassette. Overall, i have been very happy.
Similar Products Used: SRAM 970, XT and XTR rear cassette.
Bike Setup: 06 Giant Trance 1, XTR rear der, XT Front der, XT chain, disc rotors, and shifters. Race Face Dues XC bars, stem, seatpost and crankset (X-type BB). Chris King headset, Mavic Crossmax SL disc, WTB Rocket V Stealth saddle, Kenda Nevagal UST and SRAM 990 cassette.
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Submitted by
Andrew P
a Cross Country Rider
from Rolla, mo, USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2006
Strengths: carrage style cassette won't mar your hub. shifts extremely well and hasn't broken yet
Weaknesses: None (cost)
Bottom Line:
I can't see making a better practicle one. I mean I guess it could be lighter but it is already light and very durrable. The construction is top notch. I can't see any reason you would be unhappy with this bad boy. 4 chillis becuase it is a little price 5 chillies because I think it's the best you can get
Submitted by
ewout
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2006
Strengths: the look,quickness.
Weaknesses: Use the 34,strange feeling
Bottom Line:
I.m honnest,i bought it cause the look,with that red alu spider was it direct love.Then the riding,crappy....! After 19 years mountainbiking this was never happend that a component was that bad. A one night stand. Really,buy a Shimano deore or XT