I've got a Whyte s150s, it's got an NX cassette on it, which I believe uses a Shimano type freehub. I'm after getting a new set of wheels, maybe some hunts or DT Swiss. If I buy wheels with a Shimano freehub, I can never upgrade to a GX cassette when this one runs out, without a new free hub. Can I use a 12 speed Shimano cassette with a sram group? Am I stuck with an NX cassette for ever?
So your cassette is most likely an 11- something. You are constrained by the 11 figure. You can buy Sunrace 11-something cassettes. Or SRAM currently have NX only.
If you want GX (10-something)- you need an XD freehub. DT are pretty good at selling aftermarket hubs.
If you want shimano 12 speed (10-something) you need a compatible hub. Again DT may sell you one.
Or for either case: Sunrace (11-something) will work on your existing hub (for most folk - that works just fine. Others say its not 100% as perfect along with SRAM / Shimano derailleurs).
The cassette is an NX Eagle. 12 speed.
I've read that, constrained by the design of the standard Shimano hub, the smallest gear is 11 tooth, whereas the GX and up use the XD drive, which can go down to 10 tooth. The shimano 12 speed I think use the microspline freehub to allow the to fit the 12 cogs on, but I don't know what's on the market that uses a standard Shimano style hub, but is 12 speed
You are constrained by the 11 figure. You can buy Sunrace 11-something cassettes. Or SRAM currently have NX only.
Sorry if that wasnt clear.
10-50 SRAM 12 speed uses an XD freehub.
10-51 Shimano 12 speed uses a microspline freehub.
On your current freehub (and same if you buy a wheel with the same standard freehub) you can use the following cassettes:
Shimano 11 speed 11-42 or 11-46
Sram 11 speed 11-42
Sram 12 speed 11-50 (ie NX eagle)
Sunrace 11 speed 11-42, 11-46 or 11-50
Sunrace 12 speed 11-50.
Basically the lack of XD or Shimano micro spline driver means you can’t get a 10 tooth smallest cog. Only 11.
And you can mix and match cassettes to different make derailleurs as long as they are the same speed (and obviously the right fitment type for the freehub that you have).
Also check you derailleur can take 50t first if that’s what you were to go for.
Hope that long winded reply makes sense!
Thanks gents. As a recent purchaser of a Whyte with 12 speed SX I've been wondering the same. Hopefully it'll be a long time until I need to buy a new cassette, but I'm now armed with all the info I need. 👍
When you change the wheels that's when it's worth putting a lot of thought into what standard/ manufacturer you want to go with.
SRAM cassettes are pretty well regarded and last well and many run them with shim shifters too good effect.
I'm an sram man so I went with XD when I needed new wheels. Mind you.... as that time microspline want even around so was an easy decision for me.Lol
Hunts or DT Swiss you can change freehub on very easily. Or just upgrade the cassette at the same time as the wheels.
Or if you're sticking with the original wheels and wish to switch to a GX cassette (which is lighter) you could contact Whyte and see if it's possible and what you need to make the switch.
Thats what I'm intending to do when I need to replace the NX cassette on my G170S.
Most wheels come with freehubs that can be swapped anyway.
Very good point. the reviews of this bike all mention the heavy wheels. Not sure how much of that will be solved with the lighter cassette. I love the bike, but I would like to lose a little bit of weight off it if possible
