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Anybody running a 46t cassette with a mid cage GX mech? I want to swap out my 10-42 for a 11-46 shimano cassette. Ive got the shimano free hub to swap out. I know the max recommendation is only 42t, but?
Why would you swap it out? XT is much heavier for the same range (actually, slightly less range), as well as stressing your mech with an outsize cassette.
If you want a lower gear, change the front ring. Cheaper and easier.
Sram cassettes are ££££, and I can ditch my 28t for a 32t if I go 46t on the back. Chain, chainring and cassette pretty much the same as a sram cassette.
SRAM cassettes are worth the extra. They're lighter, last longer and have better range.
Not that much more money, either.
https://www.bike-components.de/en/SRAM/XG-1150-11-speed-Cassette-p43639/
https://www.bike-components.de/en/SRAM/GX-11-speed-XG-1150-Cassette-PC-1130-Chain-Set-p50103/
You won't really gain much gearing wise at either end, anything you gain by going 32t is lost by losing the 10t cog. You're basically just adding weight and a less durable cassette, and probably stressing your mech.
HG makes a fair point. Whilst shimano cassettes are cheaper they don’t last as well and fwiw they are heavier. It’s worth paying a bit more for the sram gx cassette as it lasts so well.
Also, I don’t know what crank you are using but if sram the direct mount steel chainrings also last well (far better than an aluminium ring) and cost under £20.
Plus as above, you are stressing the mech more (if it will even reach a 46t ok) and slightly losing some range.
sram V shimano only about 50g. Not fussed about that, has anybody ran a mid cage GX mech on a 46t cassette.
Like everyone else so far I haven't.
But I have ran an XX1 11 speed mech (I think only one cage length) with a Hope 10-48 cassette and it was fine.
I recently managed to get a Sunrace 46t cassette to work with a mid cage Apex 1 derailleur by way of a derailleur hanger extender (and longer chain obviously). Can't tell the difference between the previous and current set up. Shifts perfectly.