EX1 swap to Shimano XT

MattRC

New Member
Jul 13, 2021
3
3
Australia
Hey all. I want to swap out my EX1 cassette to Shimano XT on my 2017 Allmtn 8.0 with DT Swiss wheels. Can't figure out what I actually need (pretty new to EMTB). From what I can see I will need a different free hub but today a shop said it wasn't needed. Any help would be awesome.

Thanks
Matt
 

salko

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Aug 29, 2019
1,275
867
SLO
You have to be more specific, there are many different 'speed' Shimano XT cassettes ...
 

steve_sordy

Wedding Crasher
Nov 5, 2018
9,014
9,443
Lincolnshire, UK
Those SRAM EX1 cassettes are 8-speed and supposed to be the perfect solution for ebikes. With a powerful motor who needs all those gears? And having only 8 gears allows them to be thicker and therefore stronger doesn't it? And that goes for the chain too? Hmmm, not convinced about that, someone on here said that the EX1 chains are the same width as 10-speed. if true, that must go for the gears as well!

After a quick Google, I see that prices for a new EX1 cassette range from £287 to £406. Ouch! I can see why maybe you want an alternative.

After trying an emtb with the 8-speed EX1 transmission, I did not care it was supposed to be "premium". I just could not find a gear I liked and was always changing gear. I suppose I could have got used to it, but why pay all that money and have to get used to something? The 11-speed transmission on my current bike is just fine thanks.

As for alternatives, unless it is another 8-speed you will have to change your shifter and mech which could be an expensive business. Not sure that Shimano even do 8-speed XT (I can't be arsed to Google to find out). Then there is the hub design to consider. I can't offer any advice there other than it is important you find out what hub you have first.

How about an 8-speed alternatives to Shimano as well as SRAM? How about Box? Do you own research, but what about this Box 4 8-speed drivetrain groupset for £155! Yes that is a cassette, mech, shifter and chain for £155. But will it fit your hub? (or do you have to buy another freehub as well).

 

salko

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Aug 29, 2019
1,275
867
SLO
Yep sorry as I said pretty new to this. Looking at 11 speed. If that helps.
You will need new cassette, new chain, derailleur, shifter, possible also new chainring if current is not compatible with 11sp. You already have compatible Shimano HG freehub body on rear wheel ...
 

Sander23

Active member
Aug 28, 2020
740
457
Belgium
No need to fit a new freehub, everyting will fit fine as I switched my xt 11 sp for ex1.

You will need a new cassette, shifter and a derailleur.
 

High Rock Ruti

Active member
May 13, 2019
423
331
Massachusetts
Those SRAM EX1 cassettes are 8-speed and supposed to be the perfect solution for ebikes. With a powerful motor who needs all those gears? And having only 8 gears allows them to be thicker and therefore stronger doesn't it? And that goes for the chain too? Hmmm, not convinced about that, someone on here said that the EX1 chains are the same width as 10-speed. if true, that must go for the gears as well!

After a quick Google, I see that prices for a new EX1 cassette range from £287 to £406. Ouch! I can see why maybe you want an alternative.

After trying an emtb with the 8-speed EX1 transmission, I did not care it was supposed to be "premium". I just could not find a gear I liked and was always changing gear. I suppose I could have got used to it, but why pay all that money and have to get used to something? The 11-speed transmission on my current bike is just fine thanks.

As for alternatives, unless it is another 8-speed you will have to change your shifter and mech which could be an expensive business. Not sure that Shimano even do 8-speed XT (I can't be arsed to Google to find out). Then there is the hub design to consider. I can't offer any advice there other than it is important you find out what hub you have first.

How about an 8-speed alternatives to Shimano as well as SRAM? How about Box? Do you own research, but what about this Box 4 8-speed drivetrain groupset for £155! Yes that is a cassette, mech, shifter and chain for £155. But will it fit your hub? (or do you have to buy another freehub as well).


High Rock Ruti

EX1 on 2016 turbo levo

Really strong cassette and chain......broke 7 derailleur's (seven) the jump between 3 and 4 is huge, EX1 is an utter POS oh sorry let me translate Piece of Shit. You notice that new bikes we're coming with EX1 for one maybe two season's, from some daft MF'ers (Sorry no translation) oh MF could stand for "manufacturers" NOT! I'm going to try these new high strength cassettes from Shimano to see if that helps. I always buy down from XT to GX they last exactly as long 750 to 950 miles even the customer service guy I spoke with at Shimano does the same with especially derailleur's. Just sayin

Warm Regards Ruti
 

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