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Submitted by
crazyhorse79
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Lauderdale
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Markahm | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$62.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond Bikes | | Strengths: | Weight, good construction. | | Weaknesses: | Cog nut seems a little weak | | Similar Products Used: | shimano HG-50, sram PG-950, Deore LX | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Epic Comp 07 | | Bottom Line: | Seems to be the best cassette I've owned so far. Makes shifting so much nicer and it doesn't skip like my old shimano. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hambone_b_fast
a Racer
from southeast
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Syllamos | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Red Spindle, Price, Quality | | Weaknesses: | might could be a tad lighter (nit picking) | | Similar Products Used: | xt/xtr | | Bike Setup: | Custom Racer X | | 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. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan0
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | sidewinder | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | color | | Weaknesses: | quality control, weak | | Similar Products Used: | xt, xtr | | Bike Setup: | Niner rip9 | | 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 | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Leesburg
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | light, it is the big s, it is durable, it looks cool, it is stiff, and it has excellent build quality | | Weaknesses: | read above | | Similar Products Used: | shimano pieces of crap | | Bike Setup: | really cool fisher | | Bottom Line: | is the awsomest cassette, and is durable and light, soooo much better than xtr
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Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Hurkey Creek Park (24hrs/Adrenalin Course) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Uber-fast shifts, Light, compliments SRAM X.7 components superbly, striking, functional design. | | Weaknesses: | None, as of yet. | | Similar Products Used: | SRAM PG-950, Shimano XT M770 cassettes. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Cannondale Furio Hardtail; Ultra Fatty DLR Headshok w/ rebound/lockout; MAVIC XM117/DT Swiss wheelset; FSA 25mm riser bar/175mm Alpha-Drive crankset; TrueVativ ISIS BB; SRAM X.7 Shifters/rear derailleur; Avid BB5 disc brakes; IRC SeracXC 2.10 tires; Thomson Elite 250mm seatpost/Fizik Nisene HP saddle; Crank Bros. Smarty clipless pedals; SRAM PG-990 11-34 cassette. | | Bottom Line: | 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!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Competitve Cyclist | | Strengths: | Price and quality. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | 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 | | Bottom Line: | I haven't had any problems with this bad boy. No quality or maintenance issues. Not much more to say | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Racer
from Cambridge, ON
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Twin Ponds | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Great value, reasonibly light, nice looks. Not the big S. | | Weaknesses: | Poor build quality, performance not on par with XTR. | | Similar Products Used: | XTR, PG-970, older PG-990 | | Bike Setup: | Trek Top Fuel 110 converted to all SRAM (except cassette now) | | 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. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | wompy state park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$78.00 | | Strengths: | construction, eye candy | | Weaknesses: | none to date | | Similar Products Used: | SRAM 950 | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6700 | | 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. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Giancarlo Pelosi
a Weekend Warrior
from Miramar, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Bell's Bikes | | Strengths: | Love it, Allows for smooth shifting and has a sharp look to it with the red center lock gear feature. | | Weaknesses: | None | | 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. | | Bottom Line: | Good bang for your buck. Get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew P
a Cross Country Rider
from Rolla, mo, USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Council Bluffs | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | carrage style cassette won't mar your hub. shifts extremely well and hasn't broken yet | | Weaknesses: | None (cost) | | Similar Products Used: | Pc 970 lower level stuff | | Bike Setup: | dos Niner w/ SC32 X-o drivetrain, 240s rear hub
SIR9 w/ pace RC29, XTR drivetrain 1x9 | | 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 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wouter
a
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$24.00 | | Strengths: | It's a very good cassette! I've bought it because of the looks, but the drivingskills are also awsome! | | Weaknesses: | Hard to keep the cassette clean and nice-looking. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT 2004 cassette | | Bike Setup: | Votec Tox | | Bottom Line: | Overall, very good for this price! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ewout
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$28.00 | | Purchased At: | second hands | | Strengths: | the look,quickness. | | Weaknesses: | Use the 34,strange feeling | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano deore'04,lx'02,xt'05,xt'01 | | Bike Setup: | Scott scale 10 | | 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 | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Hidden Valley
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | light,looks good | | Weaknesses: | durability | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth moment,SRAM XO | | Bottom Line: | I had this approx 6 month. About a month ago my rear started skipping when pedaling hard. I thought it was just my deraillor was out of alignment. Last week I was going up a technical climb and skipping bad-wouldnt shift. One of the rivets had come loose on the 3rd cog and the ring was bent outward. Apparently the arms are plastic. I bought the 2006 model to replace as this has apparently been fixed(now aluminum). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan
a
from C-Springs
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Cap'n Jacks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | CBO or Jenson | | Strengths: | Cheap. | | Similar Products Used: | XT and LX casettes | | Bike Setup: | XT cranks, derailleurs, shifters. SRAM chain (and Casette) | | Bottom Line: | Works okay. Seems about on par with my XT. I'm not a great shifter and so manage to break teeth (or whole cogs) about once or twice a year. This one hasnt' broke yet, but i'm in the 3-6 month period. We'll see. Price is right. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Biskits
a Cross Country Rider
from raleigh, nc, USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Durability, weight, price | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Ancient LX 7 speed cassette | | Bike Setup: | SRAM X.9 components | | Bottom Line: | This is a followup to a previous review I made of the PG-990 cassette. After 500 miles of riding in dry, gritty conditions as well as wet, muddy conditions, I have had absolutely no problems with the PG-990. It has worked perefectly right from the start and shows no signs of weakening. Shifting is still crisp and quick even after the chain and cassette get all gunked up with mud or grit.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
llhank
a Weekend Warrior
from Winchester, MA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Massachusetts coastline & cities | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bicycle Outfitters | | Strengths: | Easy to install. Shifts crisply right from day one to present (SRAM X.0 derailleur on 11-32 gearing) without any further adjustments. No problems or signs of wear in any part of driveline, cassette included. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Dean Torreys Ti cyclocross frame, Alpha Q CX fork, Velomax Orion II wheelset, SRAM/Avid components, FSA crank/bb. | | Bottom Line: | Why pay big $$ for Shimano on a replaceable item like a cassette? They all wear out at some point. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Biskits
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | I'll never tell... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint | | Strengths: | Weight, build quality, SRAM brand | | Weaknesses: | None that I have seen | | Similar Products Used: | Ancient LX 7 speed | | Bike Setup: | SRAM X.9 shifters and rear derailleur. PC970 chain. Avid Flak-Jacket derailleur cables. | | Bottom Line: | I upgraded a Cannondale with 10 year old LX components to the SRAM componentry mentioned above. After a few hours of easy riding using all the gears I made one tweak to the drivetrain and have had no ghost shifts or skipping chains at all. The shifting is smooth, quick and precise. The PG-990 cassette works great. Time will tell how long it lasts but so far I'm am pleased with the quality.
Take the time to properly set up your drive train and you will have no problems with this cassette. Make sure your rear derailleur is set up according to spec, your deraileur hanger is properly aligned, and you have a new 9 speed chain for your new PG-990 cassette. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Osan AFB Korea
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Bobs Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$33.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Cheap. You get what you pay for. | | Weaknesses: | Wears out entirely too quick. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano 8 and 9 speed Deore, LX, AND, XT | | Bike Setup: | S/C Heckler | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review.
Like the reviwer below I wanted to give the SRAM a test.
I initally was pleased but it wore out really quick. I have used shimano cassettes for a long time and they wear much better.I replace my chain frequently and I also check it for stretch with a chain check tool.
The SRAM casstte does not even compare to the 9 speed deore I had on another bike. Durability is very poor. I have put 4000 hard miles on a 9 speed xt cassette and it still shifted nice. I only replaced it because it started to wobble a bit on the free hub body.
I purchased SRAM X7 shifters and a X9 derailer to give them a try also. I will keep them for sure. The SRAM thumb shifters rock. I am disappointed with the SRAM cassette.
Shimano makes a beeter cassette. I agree with the reviwer below the test failed. I will give the new LX a go.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Howery
a Cross Country Rider
from Prescott, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Private Reserve | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | some mailorder shop | | Strengths: | Cheap. | | Weaknesses: | Weak. | | Similar Products Used: | various XT and LX cassettes. | | Bike Setup: | Foes FXR, XT components throughout. | | Bottom Line: | "Get the same reliable, lightweight performance BlackBox racers enjoy. This top of the line Sram PowerGlide 2 cassette features an ultra lightweight composite spider. The rings are then coated with a satin chrome finish for durability. 290g"
Err, no. If this is the reliable performance that racers enjoy, then I'll just skip this from now on.
Speaking of skipping; I bought this in spring of this year. I have changed my chain at least twice during this period, if not 3x. I looked at my chain a week ago to check the "stretch" and it had the correct distance from link to link. I put a new chain on it this weekend (because there are too many power-links in my sram chain and I am worried about it's integrity) and it skips all over the place. It skips because the cassette has worn down, so despite changing my chain (this would be the 3rd or 4th time, I'm pretty good about changing them) this thing has worn out. Drivetrain components wear out, but I get significantly more life out of shimano products.
This product generally reflects most SRAM products I see as a bike mechanic; just not as durable and reliable as the big S.
Back to XT, experiment failed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Osan AFB Korea
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bobs Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$33.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Not expensive.For the price the weight is really good. | | Weaknesses: | Not as durable as a Shimano XT. | | Similar Products Used: | 9 SPEED. Simano XT & Deore. Sram 7.0 & 990 | | Bike Setup: | S/C Heckler, LX cranks w/ Race face bash ring, LX F/Derailer , Sram X7 shifters, X9 R/derailer, Avid discs , 519 rims w/Xt hubs and Marzocchi MX PRO | | Bottom Line: | For the money it works well. It did not work so well with the old LX shifters. They were fairly old and got swapped over when I bought my new frame. I needed to upgrade my aging drivetrain so I wanted to give Sram a go ahead. I put the cassete on the bike with a new Sram chain and rest of the drivetrain was shimano. The shifting was never really that great but I was going to upgrade the rest really soon. With the X7 shifters, X9 derailer and PC99 Chain it works really well.
It works well with all Sram. I have the 11-34 and I have never owned the 34 tooth for my low gear. I like the 34 tooth alot. I have owned too Shimano 9 speed XT cassetes. One I retired after 4000 plus trail & road miles. The second I bent some teeth on it and Shimano warrantied it and that one is still okay. The XT is a little better quality casste. The 990 works well. I also like the 28 to 34 alot.
The 34 tooth gear has helped me shell another freehub. Cheap fix.
Sram has got a really good new line of well priced componets. I like the X7 shifter , X9 med Cage derailer, Sram PC 99 and 990 casste combo alot .
I ride hard and alot and I will slowly go all Sram. I am 190 LBS and I break parts and so far no problems. Shimano has gotten ridiculous with there cost and constant change over a very short time. I am sold SRAM. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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