SRAM XG-899 E-Block 8 Speed Cassette! (eBike specific)

[GrandPaBrogan]

Now THIS makes perfect sense to me. I've got a 10 speed 11-36T and I still think it's too much. I always find myself shifting twice to be on the right gear. I seldom use the biggest cog but concede that I do need it on the odd occasion - but I don't want to carry all the extra weight of superfluous cogs in a 12 speed cassette (the only ones with last cogs larger than 42T).

The Sram XG-899 E-Block 11-48T EIGHT SPEED would be perfect for the kind of riding I do (I think). I can't see any practical application for a last cog being any bigger than a 48T on my Trance e+ (the Yamaha SyncDrive Pro motor being so torquey at low to mid cadence)... but I'd like one larger than a my current 36T. Upgrading to a 42T might not be enough and I was thinking 44T but 48T might very well be the perfect size.

An 8-speed all-steel cassette with a 48T will still be light, it will be hardwearing, quick shifting - AND I guess I can use an inexpensive 8-speed chain that will last much much longer. FINALLY!

I guess this would need to go together with a 8 speed shifter and derailleur with matched indexing.

Anyone tried it yet?

 

[outerlimits]

Just stick a 11-42 on your current 10speed set up. It will give you plenty or range ?‍

 

[JimBo]

I've got a couple years experience with $RAM's EX1 8-speed setup, which includes the XG899 cassette. It actually uses a 10-speed width chain, but the EX1 chain designed for it is a lot cheaper than most and lasts as long as any I've ever used. For my riding, it's a fine spread of gearing

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

Just stick a 11-42 on your current 10speed set up. It will give you plenty or range ?‍

I guess that would be the cheapest and simplest way to get a larger cog using what's already on my bike.

However, that's not my only consideration... I'm beginning to think that I really don't need all of that range.

Since I've started thinking about this 8-speed cassette, I've become really mindful of how much I shift in a ride. First time I really paid attention to the number of times I do shift... this morning's ride for instance. On very mild slope changes 2 shifts either way in one go. On fast transition switch-backs or steep ascends from flats, 4 clicks in one go, soon followed by another 2 or 3 clicks in one go. Then at the crest beginning to descend, 5 clicks in one go, soon followed by 3 clicks in one go... then 1 click.

The XG-899 is pricey tho, specially if matching mech is required... so it's risky if it's not what I think it would be like.

I'm very tempted (as an experiment) to get an old Shimano 8 speed cassette, matching trigger and chain... they're dirt cheap. I won't worry about a big cog just yet. Maybe an 8-speed derailleur as well (my 10-speed SLX derailleur might have different indexing)... fully aware that this whole 8-speed thing might not be what I expect. I could also try this Sunrace 11-40T as part of my experiment...

 

[outerlimits]

How does shifting the eMtb compare to shifting an non powered bike. I think it would be minimal difference in comparison. I suppose with a eMtb you’d shift more cogs as you accelerated quickly, where a non powered bike would have you shift more cogs when you suddenly had to climb. So either or, much the same
The eMtb however would suit a certain cadence to get the most out of it, so the right gear is helpful. More gears equals more chance of getting the right one.
Remember too, that you have to run a clutched rear mech for a 1x set up. 10 speed stuff is cheap and plentiful, and still does a mighty job.

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

Yeah, the clutch mech is an issue if I don’t go with the whole e-Block specific SRAM group set...

and yeah, fair point on being on the right gear ratio.

 

[SquireRides]

Have you seen the Box Prime 9 groupsets? 9 speed, 11-50t.

I was looking at upgrading my next eMTB from 12 speed NX to something decent like 10 speed Deore, but I'm worried about that cassette range too.

Box Prime 9 have some good price components, good cassette range, clutch on the mech, all steel cog etc etc

 

[Ducatijones]

Now THIS makes perfect sense to me. I've got a 10 speed 11-36T and I still think it's too much. I always find myself shifting twice to be on the right gear. I seldom use the biggest cog but concede that I do need it on the odd occasion - but I don't want to carry all the extra weight of superfluous cogs in a 12 speed cassette (the only ones with last cogs larger than 42T).

The Sram XG-899 E-Block 11-48T EIGHT SPEED would be perfect for the kind of riding I do (I think). I can't see any practical application for a last cog being any bigger than a 48T on my Trance e+ (the Yamaha SyncDrive Pro motor being so torquey at low to mid cadence)... but I'd like one larger than a my current 36T. Upgrading to a 42T might not be enough and I was thinking 44T but 48T might very well be the perfect size.

An 8-speed all-steel cassette with a 48T will still be light, it will be hardwearing, quick shifting - AND I guess I can use an inexpensive 8-speed chain that will last much much longer. FINALLY!

I guess this would need to go together with a 8 speed shifter and derailleur with matched indexing.

Anyone tried it yet?

View attachment 20541

Yes I use this set up as it was on the bike from new. I have no issues with the 11-48 ratios

 

[Eckythump]

The big downside to the EX1 groupset was its stunning cost. I haven't looked recently but the cassette was originally about £400.
@SquireRides suggestion of looking at Box Components is a good idea. You will definately want more range than the old 8spd offerings.

 

[Ducatijones]

The big downside to the EX1 groupset was its stunning cost. I haven't looked recently but the cassette was originally about £400.
@SquireRides suggestion of looking at Box Components is a good idea. You will definately want more range than the old 8spd offerings.

The big downside to the EX1 groupset was its stunning cost. I haven't looked recently but the cassette was originally about £400.
@SquireRides suggestion of looking at Box Components is a good idea. You will definately want more range than the old 8spd offerings.

How much ??
When the cassette has worn, I will be looking for a cheaper alternative ££

 

[Eckythump]

Yeah it was more than XX1. Like I say I haven’t looked in a long while, they probably have come down as they didn’t really take off. I think the gear spread is a bit much for E8000 probably more suited to the torquier Brose.