New wheelset time - XD, MS or HG?

[Wilbur]

I feel like we are being forced away from HG purely for the 10T cog, which seems like a bad move for ebikes with less chain wrap but more power and weight, worse chainlines, and much higher wear rates. Can still get SunRace 12sp HG cassettes for a reasonable price.

MicroSpline seems fragile and I've read reports of splines shearing off where they engage the smaller cogs.

XD seems better than MS in terms of deterioration from cassette engagement, but the cost of SRAM cassettes is prohibitive and there are very few 3rd party manufacturers doing XD.

 

[Stihldog]

I understand that starting off in 12th gear can produce extreme forces on any drive train. Sometimes a motor can make that a little easier but I personally don’t do it. If I recall, soon after I purchased my bike I switched the default hub to micro spline (ms). I’ve never had an issue with the ms. I currently use the Shimano XT cassette with the HG chain and an AXS GX derailer. I also service a few other ebikes that use ms and I don’t notice any deterioration when I remove the cassette. Btw, I’ve upgraded to a Project 321 hub. I’m no expert on ms fyi, but I haven’t noticed any issues. Not sure if this helps?

 

[Wilbur]

Good to hear your MS experience thanks. Yes, starting off in 12th is a recipe for damaging things. I've avoided 12sp until now because of the tiny 10T, and also because my thumb doesn't need the workout.

 

[Stihldog]

…because my thumb doesn't need the workout.

Ahhhhhh! You need AXS derailer then! My thumb problems have vanished since the AXS paddle, (Jk never had thumb issues)

 

[KnollyBro]

Good to hear your MS experience thanks. Yes, starting off in 12th is a recipe for damaging things. I've avoided 12sp until now because of the tiny 10T, and also because my thumb doesn't need the workout.

If you dont need a 12 speed drive train, why change to one? I would be fine with a 10speed as long as it had a range from 50-10 as it would be way less expensive and I dont use half the gears on my 12sp.

 

[Wilbur]

If you dont need a 12 speed drive train, why change to one? I would be fine with a 10speed as long as it had a range from 50-10 as it would be way less expensive and I dont use half the gears on my 12sp.

You're right, 12sp isn't really needed. Arguably even the 50T is excessive. 11-48 would be better in my book. My current 51/34 low ratio is too slow to be useful.

 

[maynard]

Xd hurts ur pocket . I do like axs though .

 

[irie]

If you dont need a 12 speed drive train, why change to one? I would be fine with a 10speed as long as it had a range from 50-10 as it would be way less expensive and I dont use half the gears on my 12sp.

I use all the gears on my 12 speed 10-51 but would be perfectly happy with 10 speed 10-50 ...

 

[mtbbiker]

I have two bikes: Levo and a Kenevo.
Both running AXS shifting, Levo has MS with XT and the other XD with X01. Both shift great and no issues with MS or XD. MS with XT is way cheaper than X01.

 

[KnollyBro]

I have two bikes: Levo and a Kenevo.
Both running AXS shifting, Levo has MS with XT and the other XD with X01. Both shift great and no issues with MS or XD. MS with XT is way cheaper than X01.

I have found that the biggest issue is the HG as the engagement can be a tad sloppy resulting in a number of bite marks hacked into the HG driver. I have switched to XD. So far so good.

 

[rzr]

Why not 11s ? I've just upgraded my Levo from crappy SRAM Eagle to venerable Shimano 11s (Sunrace 11-46 below)

I did the same (eagle ->XG-1175+shimano XT rear mech) on my analog bike.

Lighter, cheaper and i can use the same components (chains and some other components - cassettes, shifters, mechs) on 4 my bikes now ... (ebike, enduro, dh, road)


ah... and also M8000 is pertruding about 2cm less outside the frame !!
With SRAM mech, I was hitting with it some rocks or stumps on every ride !

 

[Wilbur]

Good move. Likely will do the same when my MS cassette is done. Handily my new Horizon V2 hub takes an HG free-hub.

 

[Spin]

Im running an HG steel freehub with 10 speed Sunrace 11 - 42 with 29" wheels. That gives enough range for the places I ride and durability has been excellent. I like that the Sunrace cassettes have an aluminium carrier for all but the smallest 4 sprockets.