SRAM EX1 8-speed as replacement on 2018 Levo

[GuyP]

My LBS tells me that my cassette, chain and chain ring are shot and I need to replace. I know that many are moving to 1x12 (as I have done on my non-ebikes) but he says that the "old" EX1 8-speed was a great choice if I can find one.

I would like a much larger chainring but I hit the bottom bracket (and motor) quite often as I can't lift my back wheel up, and the 36t and larger chainrings protrude below the motor. Dangerous for me I think.

I have fitted a 29er to the front and so far it feels great. I haven't ridden a trail with it yet so don't know whether the extra clearance will help me clear the logs on our trails.

Wondering what others have done and whether anyone has fitted an EX1. Of course a 9 or 10 would be a lot nicer than the 11.

 

[TheBikePilot]

If your struggling with lifting the bike have you tried riding clipped in? If not, I'd advocate learning how to bunny hop as it's super useful to have in your locker

If you're grinding through cassettes you can fit a steel one (I put a Shimano one on mine with an adapter). The first fitting was expensive but each subsequent cassette will be much cheaper. You don't need to be a weight weenie with an eMTB and there isn't really an eBike specific drivetrain made yet. If the goal is to minimise time between cassette changes then a steel one might be the way forward.

Guys I've ridden with who have 8 speed cassettes, which are essentially downhill focussed, have complained there simply isn't enough range in the gearing. This was on the Mondraker Level RR.

10 is seemingly the sweet spot.

 

[escrs]

EX1 never really seemed to take off

Are many e-mtb manufactures fitting it to bikes these days?

Think the price of the cassette puts most people off (£299)

I know someone who took it off their bike due to finding that the jumps between the different cog sizes was too much for them and they preferred the even spread of a 11 speed cassette

 

[z1ppy]

he says that the "old" EX1 8-speed was a great choice if I can find one.

I find that hard to agree with, ex1-8 cassettes prices are ridiculous. You don’t mention what your currently running, but I’m sure you’ll find you can buy several if not more chains & cassette of your current setup for the same price as one ex1-8 cassette. I tried it on a demo bike (trek power fly), & found the gear changes clunky as hell & awkward to locate a gear you felt comfortable in, at times. The only guy who I know that bought a bike with it, replaced the whole drivetrain, when it wore out.
I personally have no issues with 11 speed, but agree 10 is probably the sweet spot for a more robust setup.

 

[Rusty]

Go 10speed.
Even half way decent 8sp is becoming hard to find and is mostly soft metal anyways. Will also require a new freehub. Pretty sure you should be able to use the existing freehub for a 10sp setup and there are many good replacement clusters out there. A bonus is buying one that you can also acquire the smaller rings individually.

 

[GuyP]

Thanks for the replies. I'm giving up on the 8-speed, I think it likely important I buy what is readily available in South Africa.

 

[SquireRides]

Personally, I'd look at good old reliable 10 speed Deore, or Box One Prime Nine.