[Locoman]

Stupid question

About 3 years ago I bought a bunch of XT cassettes. Bent the last one last week and went to my LBS for a new one...

I noticed that they have a different finish to them. The old ones had this polished smooth look, and the new ones have that micro shot-peened look to them.

Is there a quality difference? I'm trying to justify why they cost over 2X what they did 3-4 years ago. (and don't say inflation)

 

[Jawz]

i believe a reason for the jump in price is due to rings being made diferently...heres what it says from their site:

HG Design: 9-speed specific HG sprockets for fast and positive shifting response.
Light Alloy Sprocket Carrier: Five largest sprockets are supported by a light alloy carrier that reduces weight and increases stiffness.

and well it may not be inflation but every year... i wouldnt be surprised it spare parts slowly increase it price naturally.

 

[Homebrew]

A couple things have contributed to the rising cost of Shimano parts. First, Shimano started reinforcing it's price policies and pretty much shut down the grey market OEM sales to the online liquidators. The second would be the falling US dollar against foreign currencies like the Yen. I doubt the finish has much to do with the increased cost.

 

[fiveohhh]

I'm waiting on JensonUSA to get the sram 990 cassettes back in stock. $33 vs $70.

 

[JmZ]

At least with 8 speed...

Stupid question

About 3 years ago I bought a bunch of XT cassettes. Bent the last one last week and went to my LBS for a new one...

I noticed that they have a different finish to them. The old ones had this polished smooth look, and the new ones have that micro shot-peened look to them.

Is there a quality difference? I'm trying to justify why they cost over 2X what they did 3-4 years ago. (and don't say inflation)

If you hunt you can still find bargains. It just takes more work now.

Nashbar had $29 XT cassettes a few weeks ago. $32 on sale and then 10% coupon. If I wasn't going to get one for under the $30 mark though, I would have quickly, and happily, jumped ship over to the SRAM stuff. The one on my wife's bike has not given her any problems.

JmZ