Noeticnormy, I've been contemplating the same question (32 vs. 34) and came across this thread. There's some great information but it still didn't sway me one way or the other.

I also found this link. Based on the information there, I put together this spreadsheet and conducted a few "distance traveled" tests - the formulas from that site seems fairly accurate. I still haven't decided, but based on this crazy chart, I'm leaning toward 32. I Hope this helps your decision.

 

I have an 11-34 XT cassette on my bike and my girlfriend's bike. I don't need an 11-34, but I bought that just in case I hit a really steep trail, but in Ohio that doesn't really happen because I ride a lot, and my legs are pretty strong. My girlfriend needs it because she isn't as strong of a rider as me.

It comes down to personal preference. If you ride a lot of hills I'd say get the 11-34. The XT cassette is slightly lighter than the SRAM 990 (claimed weight of 305g 11-34). Both of my XT cassettes weighed in at 295g.

Shimano XT 11-34



My girlfriends bike came with a SRAM PG 950 11-34, and it's heavy compared to the XT. Shifting was much smoother/quicker/precise when I put the XT on her bike. I never really cared for how the SRAM cassette felt while shifting, but maybe it was just me. And who really cares if you can get a colored spider on your cassette? After a couple of rides it's gonna be covered in dirt.

SRAM PG 950 11-34:

 

the202: That's some really good info that you have compiled! Very impressive and clearly shows that you get a further roll from a 32t cassette. My only issue is I'm not a seasoned rider I'm vacillating as far as which one would be better for me. Of course I would rather go further from each pedal stroke but I'd also like to eventually get more masterful at climbing hills predominately from my seat. I don't know. I'm leaning towards the 34t because I have a 32t in good condition, I can always try out the 34 and if I don't like it put the 34 cassette on the back up wheelset, then revert back to the 32t.

sixate: Thank you for your post as well. You basically reaffirmed many things I have read in regards to sram products. I think I would have had buyers remorse if I went with looks over the quality product. Seeing pictures of a 150 gram difference in the cassettes on the scale was helpful as well.

Tentatively I think I'm going to go with the shimano cs m770 and try out the 34t ring.

If anyone has another type of cassette that you think I should consider around this price range that would be better than the shimano, I'd love to hear your input as well.

 

Noeticnormy,

I decided to go with the 34 (XT M770). Although I was initially leaning towards the 32, I brought my bike to work today (which has a 11-34) and went to a nearby parking garage during lunch. It's an odd garage and there are several sections that are incredibly steep. After hoofing up and down several times (and practically wearing myself out), I realized the benefit of not having to shift from my 32 to 22 ring unless it was absolutely necessary. So for me, having a slightly lower gear available to my 22 ring (versus the 11-32) was much better for my momentum.

 

I concur with the choice of XT.

I had an XT last year and it was the nicest shifting cassette I had used and looked very nice and well constructed (not that that part matters as much as performance and durability, lol). I sold it after a few months of riding (to fund my SS frame) and it had almost zero detectable wear on it at that point. It definitely looked like it would hold up well in the long haul.

I used an SRAM PG-980 this spring for a while and it never did shift quite as well

 

2nd! You really can't beat the Shimano XT cassette for price & performance. Unless you're a real spinner...or running a 2x9 go for the 11-32.

 

I have ridden xt 34 for a long time. I just got a new bike and decided to ride the 32 that comes on it. I'm now looking to replace with xt 34. They go on sale a lot, so I'm waiting it out. Come-on 50 bucks.

 

I'm looking for a cassette to replace my Sram PG 950.

The cassette is going to go on a set of BWW 719 disc rims. I'm looking for a cassette that is light and reliable. Durable would be nice as well but I generally don't beat up the cassette and I really don't want to spend over $100. So as long as it is a well built cassette I don't feel the need to go all out for the titanium Shimano xtr cassette.

So far I have narrowed it down, with help from fellow members to:

1. Sram PG 990
2. Shimano Deore XT M770

The Sram PG 990 looks cool, shifts fast and comes in a variety of colors but I've heard that they don't last very long and they are built poorly. I've also read that the Shimano XT M770 is good but I was wondering if there was another cassette out there worth considering. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks.

NOTE: Additionally, if anyone wants to get into the 32t versus 34t debate, feel free to chime in! Keep in mind that I ride lots of trails with steep hills and climbs, so I'm leaning towards the 34t cassette. While at the same time I know that the 34t can cause you to spin out if not in the proper position and I am a bit of a noob when it comes to technique. As such I am learning to attack a climb by pedaling faster but, admittedly, I still have a tendency to try to stomp my way up the hill. With more practice, maybe a clinic and seat time, this too shall pass. I just want to know what cassette you guys ride, what's the tooth count and any feedback...

Having run 32t and 34t cogs, I just as well assume get the the 34 for the slight extra rage (about 1/2 or a gears worth). For me, I see no advantage in the 11-32. The spacing on an 11-34 9 sp is already tighter than what I want.

That said, if a bike came with an xt 11-32, I'd just keep it, not that big of a difference to me.

 

Okay, now what about the chain? I should be able to run the same 9 speed chain with no problems correct?

 

Okay, now what about the chain? I should be able to run the same 9 speed chain with no problems correct?

I would replace the chain.

 

I went from a Shimano Deore 11-32 to a Shimano XT 11-34, specifically because I switched to a 24/36/bash front chainring set and wanted to keep similar characteristics on the 36 ring as on my old 32 ring. In theory, an 11-34 cassette being driven by a 36T chainring has almost exactly the same ratios as an 11-32 cassette being driven by a 32T chainring.

One thing that bugs me on the XT 11-34 is the big gap between the 8th and 9th speeds. It jumps from 13 cogs to 11 cogs, which is a pretty steep change compared to the 11-32 (which goes from 12 cogs to 11). This would be true with any front chainring. I'm not sure if SRAM and Shimano use the same number of cogs on each gear... they don't on some other cassettes.

Also, I find myself never using the 1st gear (34) at all. It's just too slow to get anything done, even on the roughest terrain. In retrospect, I never used the 32 cog speed on my old cassette either.

So I probably should've stayed with an 11-32, which would've given me a smoother range in the high gears, and might've made the low gear more useful.

As for the chain, I would always replace the chain when changing the cassette. Chains are cheap.

 

I would go with the sram 980. It's much cheaper than the 990 and weight is only a few grams heavier than the 990. I got this cassette for my liquid a couple months back and have not had any shifting problems with it. In fact, if you keep your bike tuned every couple of rides or even every ride, you should have no problems. I haven't noticed any more wear than my old 950 and I ride intermediate trails 3-4 times a week. Also, buying a new chain at the time of getting a new cassette wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

Any chain recommendations or is one chain just as good as another?

 

In fact, if you keep your bike tuned every couple of rides or even every ride, you should have no problems. .

If by "tuned" you mean anything more than cleaning, then every few rides is a LOT more than you should need to be doing it. Probably not a cassette issue, though.

 

I love my SRAM PC-991 Cross Step. The pins are driven in more solidly than most other chains, so less fear of it snapping at an awkward moment. But the PC-971 is cheaper by a fair bit, and has also served me well in the past.

 

I've been looking at chains and I would love to have a gold chain that I has a power link or quick release feature. If anyone knows a decent chain that fits my needs I'd appreciate the recommendation.

 

I've been looking at chains and I would love to have a gold chain that I has a power link or quick release feature. If anyone knows a decent chain that fits my needs I'd appreciate the recommendation.

I think KMC makes one

 

Thanks, is the KMC pretty good or about the same as every other chain?

 

Thanks, is the KMC pretty good or about the same as every other chain?

the only KMC chain I have used so far was their cheapest 9spd chain and it shifted great and held up fine for lots of miles. I have generally heard good things about their chains

 

I use 11-34 on a heavy bike with 24-36 front, and 12-27 on a light bike with 23-32-44 front. Feels about the same in the lowest gear. I use wider cassette with a 2x9 setup so I can stay in the large ring longer. I swapped granny to 24 on it as it was too low with 22.

My wife uses 11-34 cassette, and often rides in 22-34 on the same climbs where I stay in middle ring. So it is obviously an individual choice.

As far as what cassette to get the definitive answer is XT.
(or Ultegra 9sp for 12-27, or SLX for 11-28 if you want narrow cassette).