Shimano's $82 All-Steel Deore Cassette is BETTER than the $390 Titanium XTR Option

[@robertsmark2650]

just lost 50lbs thats a big bike worth. cost me less than any components and saved me on my grocery bill. looking to save weight on your bike? take a look at yourself

[@stefanschuchardt5734]

I'm a 180сm 60kg guy so I still have to spend lot of money to save weight :(

[@ericbeech2652]

​@@stefanschuchardt5734I suffer from the same ailment!

[@pernyberg2816]

Well..there are spots on the bike where less weight on the parts give better performance than less weight in the rider. This is not set in stone as what matters tou you depends on what kind of riding you do and what you mean is important. But to make a long story short - unsprung mass WILL give a better performing suspension system. Why? Well it takes less force to move something that is 1kg than something that is 2kg. In other words. If you have a rear wheel that is 6kg in total - it will have a higher momentum when it hits a rock and start to move out of the way. This momentum must be dealt with from the suspension - both spring and damper. It will also take more time to get of the way and also to return to the ground as it will take more force to change the direction of the wheel from up to down to the ground again. That means that the total work of the spring and damper will be greater which means that you need a stiffer setup which in terms also will inhibit the wheels from moving from the ground in the first place. You will also be able to slow down faster - or at least with lesss stress on the brakes. Momentum can be your friend though and thats, a part of why, DH rider dont really care that much about weight but more about durability. Having a heavy rotating mass will be better for maintaining speed in chunky sections of trail.

[@0neTwo3]

We have a saying here in the snow belt…. When you take weight off the bike it doesn’t come back in the winter!

[@kyleslater5245]

I’m trying to lose at least 30lbs this year maybe more. So near that.

[@jamest2660]

This series has been very helpful! Thanks for putting together! Also, very cool editing in this one with the spinning cassettes

[@MrJagbolet]

pro mech here if you do a lot of climbing (likely if you do XC) you can grind the big aluminum sprocket in ONE season. while the rest of the cassette is still ok. the price of the 3 sprocket part is almost the same as the full cassette... whyyyy shimano?!? go figure... So to me the Deore is the best option for most of my clients. great video, simple, clear and to the point.

[@jemez_mtn]

This is exactly what I was wondering about, and why I'm looking at XTR reviews. I currently have XT cassette and do lots of big long climbing, and put a 28T chainring to reduce the amount of pedaling in the aluminum cogs. I like the idea of a lighter cassette, but I would still have the problem of the aluminum low gears.

[@timewind3870]

I did exactly that. My Slx got worn out in 1 and half season

[@magnusmandel]

I'm looking to build myself a sort of "do it all bike" and this video series is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

I’m looking to do the same with a nice trail hardtail this season!

[@RichWalkNZ]

Thanks for doing these! Enjoying your way of describing and comparing the subtle differences

[@wrongusername]

I love your editing/vfx. Makes everything super clear!

[@nukeboy5115]

underrated channel! love the presentation and editing, keep it up mate

[@etischer]

Check out the Garbaruk 12-speed cassette, 333g $270. CNC machined from a solid billet of steel + 1 aluminum cog. Super light weight, no aluminum backing frame holding it together, it's a solid machined piece.

[@draftwood]

Tempting. Have you found a good shifting review quality video of the Garbaruk

[@etischer]

@@draftwoodI'm in the process of putting a review together. It shifts great, even with a KMC chain which they said is not compatible. I did have one weird issue with my Garbaruk Cassette, I have a unlisted video if you're interested in knowing about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGWkgYCZicehsMk

[@basengelblik5199]

I have the Garbaruk and love the shifting. It's not as smooth as Shimano, but it's more direct. Sometimes it has a little clunck sound when shifting under heavy load, durability is fabulous. Combine it with an XO chain and of course the Garbaruk oval aluminium chain ring.

[@darrenkrolikowski4651]

You should definitely do a SRAM version of this!

[@YanDoroshenko]

Upgraded to an X01 shifter from full NX. Best drivetrain upgrade I can imagine. My wife's running full GX and my setup feels way better.

[@mytwocoins]

$2 for an SLX is the least expensive way to save that much weight. I didn’t see slx in 11 speed so I got a Deore for a bike recently because it saved a lot of cash and got me into lower gears. Works great. I went with a deore rear derailleur as well. Great value in the deore line.

[@IIISentorIII]

put a XT-Shifter on it and you have the best performance for the money :)

[@Frostbiker]

Being able to show off your big black cog for just a $2 penalty is a good investment.

[@tincho1979]

Muy buena comparación. En mi caso pienso que el xtr solo se justifica si eres un competidor y buscas la máxima ligereza. En otro caso el xt creo que es el mejor equilibrio entre precio/ligereza/durabilidad. 👍🏻 Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷

[@anthonylucero2124]

You are a madman! Thanks for the brakedown and the killer doc with links and price brakedowns!!!

[@audunskilbrei8279]

Just swapped a slx cassette where the aluminium cog was worn down. All the steel cogs were fine. Replaced it with a deore cassette. This video is solid advice.

[@Natan9000]

I needed to know exactly this! Makes me more happy (or less worrisome) about my mixed group set cube gravel bike with a Deore cassette!

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

I have purchased Deore genuine 5100 (11-51) 11 speed cassettes on sale at Aliexpress for $52.00 each , (Australian) two weeks ago . I bought six of them . What a bargain !!! I stocked up on shifters / derailleurs while I was at it . They were great value too , Ben . Love from my " TREK" owners riding group .

[@alex_mcclay]

This is some awesome production value. I love all the little animated cassettes and things.

[@lorenzosavino3753]

Can you do a Shimano brakes comparison? Would it be GREAT! 1)brake lever and caliper (would it be great if you consider the 4 pistons ones) they say you could buy an SLX and have the freestroke adjust by replacing a screw and basically have the XT 2)then rotors comparison 3)maybe pads comparison, material, fins exc *)extra, the hose that is different between the lineup Thank you

[@muhammadamohsin]

I recently upgraded to deore linkglide actually which actually uses a steel cassette and it’s been a dream.

[@arthurgolubev]

Love the material, really putting everything into the place! If you don’t mind, I’d say that I’d love to see you looking into the camera more so it’s not so obvious that you’re reading the text :D

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

I thought the same thing! Thank you for the feedback. My thought is to either memorized the content next time or to put my makeshift teleprompter closer to the camera so that it doesn’t look so obvious.

[@trailsrfr]

Great video series! Love the overview and calm edit.

[@TheAntoine191]

Many people struggle uphill and so quickly end up riding the biggest cog à lot of the day. So beware, if your chainring is slightly too big or you're not fit enough you could eat throught that alu cog.

[@Jacob99174]

Fortunately the larger cog has more chain wrap, which lowers the stress on the teeth

[@pernyberg2816]

@@Jacob99174 and will also generate a lot less friction = wear.

[@warrenyoung173]

There's a good chance the chain ring is Al...

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

The XTR chainring is the only with aluminum teeth. The rest use steel teeth with aluminum arms.

[@jurekgadzinowski2895]

If you are constantly in the 1st gear then there is something wrong with your setup or your riding. I climb a lot on my 26" mtb with 11-36 casette and I dont use the 1st gear more than on one third of the climbs. if you ride on the 1st or 2nd gear constantly then you should just buy a chainring with at least 4 teeth less.

[@warrenstevenson-f8t]

i like how you explained very detailed specially for as a beginner MTB mmore power

[@reneh.6551]

It is not only the weight but also the type of trails you ride. I have the SLX and I barely use the largest cog (aluminum) on the trails I ride, because I don't have hyper steep climbs. Therefore, my SLX cassette will wear out at the same speed as a Deore, but I'm saving some grams.

[@MrSEANDEERE]

I ran a Deore 12 speed for an entire season. And let me tell you it took more then a licking a kept on ticking. Now this season I am lucky enough to have friends who exchange bike parts for my mechanical services so I have ended up with a brand new SLX cassette, An XT derailleur that saw a season of use (and is in near mint condition after a good cleaning a minor service) and brand XT shifter. So I'll give that combo a try. But the deore All steel cassette is actually very good and resilient and mine will remain in my parts bin and if the SLX doesn't give me the performance and longevity I want.....I will go back to Deore. I do heavy Enduro and DH with a 2022 Slayer So I want and need the toughest simplest and long lasting out there.

[@jokermtb]

Been using SunRace MX9X Cassettes w my shimano slx derailleur and shifter. I’m actually running two, one on my winter wheelset. The performance and weight are on point, and the performance is great. Try one, you’ll be surprised. Been using these cassettes for a few years now and see no reason to stop

[@flyingby3703]

One thing that seems to get overlooked here and is significant: Unsprung weight. The casette is unsprung weight (as well as rotating mass) and therefore negatively influences both your suspension performance as well as your wheel accelleratiom and decelleration. Now the aceleration and deceleration penalty is negligible but unsprung weight is significant. So I'd say for hardtails, go deore all day. If you ride a fully, the weight benefit could really help your suspension performance.

[@Turbodudedk]

Just bought the XT and changed everything else for XT too. Done 3 rides and on the last the chain jumped while climbing and bend + snapped one cog on the cassette 😫 The alloy is just super soft, will install the Deore again

[@gzblack2750]

Snap a tooth off my xt as well, there was actually a piece of the cog completely missing. The mechanic at the shop didn’t say it was common, but certainly not unheard of. If not for shimano replacing under warranty I would’ve went all steel deore.

[@lynndevos2278]

Buddy of mine is missing 3 teeth off the Al cog. He blames hard shifting. Al cogs and hardened steel chains not a good mix.

[@ashokhargovan9603]

I ordered an XT groupset recently and am expecting delivery anytime soon. Not what I want to read. Lol

[@17thstreetsurfer]

These videos are awesome and are helping me so much! Just subbed :)

[@Erafune]

Outer cog also distribute the pull from the chain over many more teeth than the inner cogs, which weighs up the softer material.

[@choloepus]

Showing off his good looking big black cog at 6:40

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

😂

[@stefanschuchardt5734]

I like big black cogs

[@jurekgadzinowski2895]

@@stefanschuchardt5734 I love them, they look pretty, save a nice amount of weight and they make me feel nice🤭

[@RowansAdventures]

You have great editing and I like how you put the graphics on the wall. Great job!

[@Picplosions]

I do enjoy how to the point your videos are, nice!

[@Htns275]

I have used an 11s deore m5100 , great durability , but after 1000 km , the 1-2-3 cogs develop a big play , wich couse ratle noise. I wonder if the 12s deore is having the same issue.

[@jexner]

Agreed, also using 11spd Deore on my bikes. I had some that went wobbly all over, one of which was replaced under warranty.

[@flyingnorseman]

I live in very hilly area and I never use the 3 biggest cogs on my cassette. Steel last longer so to me SLX would be obvious choice. I would go XT on shifters, crank and derailure.

[@boogiedownbronx73]

Thank you for these videos for your time

[@saintsyndicate]

been using shimano for a decade and im interested to try sram, will wait for comparisons 😊

[@kalousr96]

If you want to regret, go all in. I have been using Shimano all the time, got Sram GX on the last bike and god it's piece of crap. The only good thing is the XD freehub which doesn't get destroyed by the single cogs.

[@jurekgadzinowski2895]

@@kalousr96 Freehub and casettes are better, but everything else - yeah, he will regret it. Brakes are way worse, shifters are worse (excluding the electronic ones). Not worth buying anything from Sram unless you buy brake discs or casettes.

[@Pesmog]

I have found that XTR cassette can vary in weight by a few grams. I just took a 10-51 XTR out of the box and it came in at 363g and a new XT was exactly the same 470g as shown in the video. XT's are pretty much always 470g, but new XTR's in my experience can be up to 10g either side of the published weight.

[@IIISentorIII]

Probably the reasons I got 2nd place last season in Switzerland's XC.

[@fra93ilgrande]

@@IIISentorIIILOL

[@snokefilmmedia]

I ride a lot of trail, so I tend to wear our the 50T faster than the 10T. So, a cassette with steel 50T would be preferable. And of course, I don't use the 42-36-32 nearly as much, so they can easily be aluminium. The best solution would be an option to mix/match the cog materials to my wear pattern to maximize wear life, as well as availability of individually replaceable cogs (especially the largest and smallest cogs). My ideal cassette would be probably be something like this: hardened steel (50T) -> aluminium (42-36-32) -> titanium (28-24-21-18) -> hardened steel (16-14-12-10)

[@jemez_mtn]

Totally. Back in the 90s Shimano cassettes were held together by three long screws and you could buy individual cogs, and I was able to customize my highest three gears. Would love to still be able to do that.

[@timewind3870]

It's not in the best interest of any company nowadays,for their products to last very long

[@johndef5075]

I have an hg hub compatible Sunshine branded 12 speed cassette that shifts well with my Deore shifter and rear derailleur.

[@Bikedude1200]

What about durability? My experience with the various drivetrains is that XTR components not only work as well or better but last longer than the lower level components.

[@kyleslater5245]

I’m honestly very interested in linkglide and cues more than the high end stuff. My m6100 stuff works pretty good.

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

I don’t know much about LinkGlide or CUES, but I’ll take a look into and see if I can cover it on a future video.

[@greengonzonz]

My 2022 Trek XCaliber came set up exactly like you've suggested. Combination of deore and XT 😅 in NZ

[@Whyusadd]

I run a mixture of deore cassette or slx, I have 2 wheel sets xt shifter and derailer and slx cranks - the shifter is the king here

[@christeschke9844]

I have a XT cassette on my MTB and i'm wishing it was SLX or Deore. Had chain slip off 2nd lowest cog the other day, now i have less teeth on the aluminum cog for better weight savings :)

[@Doc_Raphy]

The best bang for the buck setup for shimano 12 speed mtb groupsets would be the SLX but with XT shifter and deore cassette. XT chain could last longer but it's hard to keep it from rusting based on my experience

[@JMJM75257]

I don't really ever look beyond deore for my bikes. I'm not fussed with the minimal weight disadvantage. I won't feel it on bike and it's more money saved for more bike projects!

[@Doc_Raphy]

@@JMJM75257 I mostly ride XC so a little bit of weight savings is beneficial for me, especially while I can still rock a 38t chainring. But when the time comes that I'll build an enduro bike, I'll definitely go full Deore with the exception of an XT shifter for faster gear shifts plus SLX brakes since their brake pads are easier to find here

[@barneyklingenberg4078]

The XT shifter is not used for weight saving. It’s used for being able to shift more gears faster and with better feel. Honestly Deore 11 speed or the new 11 speed cues is probably best from a cost quality pov.

[@Doc_Raphy]

@@barneyklingenberg4078 that's exactly what I said a while ago. But yeah, I'd rock the 11s Cues if we're talking about enduro. I just wish DT Swiss 350 HG freehub bodies had a steel spline that prevents cog bites.

[@froggy0162]

I built up an Orange Five Evo with full Deore all the way through except for an XT shifter. In hindsight I should have gone with SLX brake levers for the tool free reach adjust. And where I live it’s super steep so it spends a lot of time in that steel 51 tooth cog!!

[@xaviermann9963]

Great video, but O don’t want to spend the money for a 12 speed microspline. Do your findings apply to the 11 speed components?

[@drcobayo1]

Promise me you will do the same videos but with sram components and you have my subscribe. Great vids btw

[@drcobayo1]

I realize that I’m already subscribed… damn… maybe can negotiate the notification bell

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

That’s my plan! Hang in there, I gotta get through all of the Shimano parts first.

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

Only good way to know if I do a SRAM video is to turn that notification bell on… 🤷‍♂️

[@martinshortt7750]

10 Zee is the best drivetrain - cheap, robust and not overly heavy. Plus you get a nice short mech. Shimano 10 speed 4100 11-42 (all steel 502g), Zee mech, XT shifer, XT chain. You may need a steel freehub as well as the steel cassettes eat freehubs.

[@jurekgadzinowski2895]

I have zee for like 3 years now, it is insanely great, just the clutch needs to be serviced a lot if you ride much. But you can just decide not to use it, then it becomes nearly maintainance free. Have you heard about zee working with 11-46 casettes? I have seen people write about it but never dared to try as I dont need as much range, but I would like to know.

[@KaizersPOV]

On my HT, I got the XT RD chain and shifter, then paired them with Deore cranks and a cassette. If it were a full suspension (bike), I would have upgraded my cassette to XT because of unsprung weight, but since it's a hardtail, it doesn't matter that much.

[@NonLegitNation2]

rocking a 11-speed Deore $47 cassette, XT shifter and SLX derailleur, with a SRAM GX crankset.

[@mumpf7594]

many hills and a lot of mud in this area. So the 2 big cogs of my xt cassette don't last long. You can replace the small cogs, but they looked almost new when I replaced the cassette. The small cogs should be alu.

[@jemez_mtn]

I totally agree. This would be perfect for me.

[@pcbootleger]

Were you a weatherman in the past? Your ability to point to invisible things is impressive

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

😂 matched only by my ability to confidently say something that will likely be incorrect!

[@enigma1000]

Do you compare road groupset components? That would be interesting.

[@nyreppin1]

I've got a deore drivetrain with XT/XTR jockey wheels, XTR chain and I plan on installing the clutch service door to my derailer and that's most likely where I'll stop. The derailer will eventually catch a branch and I don't want to spend oodles of money on a shifter that won't make me any faster.

[@LaserLuther]

Xt shifter will give you double down shifts and instant release.

[@nyreppin1]

@@LaserLuther it's funny you responded on this today because I have to eat my words now... I went to my LBS, rode one of their xt equipped bikes and bought a shifter from them lmao. It was hard to believe it could be that much better but I see now what everyone is talking about

[@LaserLuther]

@@nyreppin1 That's awesome!

[@glen3509]

Does anyone know why Shimano stopped using 6/4 Titanium for the XTR chainring? For what it costs to purchase, it should be Titanium over 7075 aluminum

[@tobythum6065]

do you pedal that polygon up hills all day long? I hardly think you will wear down the largest cog made from Alu

[@helidude3502]

So……… Using the same frame What would be variation in weight with all the heaviest vs lightest matched components and what would be the cost difference 🤔

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

At the end of these comparisons I’m going to do a full recap and consider that!

[@Bikeologist_mtb]

I agree, I’ll choose the Deore cassette over any of the higher models. Have this cassette on all of my bikes. Steel is stronger, lasts longer, and will still look good after a few hundred miles vs the chewed up look of the black cogs on the more expensive models.

[@tomekborucki1120]

I use slx cassette with same spare 10-19t cogs. 14-19t ones cost 5$ per piece, 10-12 are sold together and cost about 20$ per kit. But still - cheaper than a new cassette.

[@barneyklingenberg4078]

With the Deore 11 spd the small ones are like 3 euro’s each. Up to the 18t they are loose. Honestly shame it’s discontinued.

[@philadams9254]

Depends a bit on how much you use those bottom gears. If you're constantly in them, go for steel.

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

The bottom gears are steel on all 4 cassettes. You’re more likely to be in those gears when pedaling high rpm and since they’re so small you’ll be putting more rotations on them than the larger gears too.

[@philadams9254]

@@Bikes-with-Ben Sorry, I meant the larger sprockets when I said 'bottom gears'

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

@@philadams9254 I mess that up all the time and I think saying it either way can make sense in context. But yes, you’re right!

[@BrianRPaterson]

I currently have the 11-speed Deore cassette and derailleur on two bikes. The shifting is great, especially under load. And the componentry is dirt cheap compared to the rest of the Shimano line up. I cheated a little and added an XT shifter. The few extra bucks make a difference. BtW: The Deore 4-pot brakes are exceptionally good. I can't tell any real difference between it and the XT equivalent. And I don't miss the extra gear you get with the 12 speed version. Chains are cheaper. Cheers

[@hece35]

I've had bad luck with the 11 speed M5100 deore cassette. The interface to HG freehub has been too loose and the pins connecting the steel cogs to aluminium carrier have become loose. Not good.

[@BrianRPaterson]

​@@hece35 Ah. I'm sorry to hear that. My freehub has been fine ... but, one of my cassettes did suffer a pin problem. Happily, I got it replaced on warranty. If that's a common problem, I might pick the SLX cassette next time. It's still a bargain compared to the 12-speed gear. And I don't miss the extra sprocket. Cheers

[@john_john_john]

I wish I could have my 10-52 SRAM GX cassette in all steel and a bit cheaper. I've been a SRAM customer for a long time but I think I'll give Shimano a try when something goes wrong with my setup.

[@glen3509]

I'd go with XT🤘🤘 "YEAH❗️"

[@nomad-pq4yw8iy7v]

For me it's XT cassette rhythm . So all the cassettes now have the same ramping up and down?

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

So all 10-51T (standard) cassettes have the same spacing and all 10-45T (rhythm step) have the same too. Standard: 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51T Rhythm Step: 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-40-45T

[@nomad-pq4yw8iy7v]

I was talk about up and down ramping on the cogs not the spacing originally that tech wasn't on the lower line. I look and see that it look as thou the tech has trickled down and been there for a few years on the low line@@Bikes-with-Ben

[@FrankAllen-fx2hw]

ooo Ben, look at that small/small chainring/cog combo , chain barely has tension.. is that 2X11? 😁

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

😂 1x12 but the chains off the front chainring so it’s just flopping in the breeze.

[@kurttug]

SLX all day! Big black cogs for the win!

[@IIISentorIII]

Yea you can impress a-lot of people with a big black cog as a white male.

[@anthonycordero5050]

Yes same cassette I bought for my giant full sus I upgraded to slx brakes and so on but I used to have a cassette like the expensive one but it was a pig I hated it garbage but when I changed the cassette to the cheaper one it was snappier more gear range without shifting gears all the time faster too I luv it...

[@virginiascurti5036]

I don't know if it's better it's certainly cheaper and lighter so if your not looking for hyperglide. I'm coming to appreciate 11 sp Deore and as you point out you can upgrade to XT for the derailluer. This setup certianly blows away SRAM SX. I'm curious because there are not that many bikes specced with it yet, how CUES 6000 or 8000 hold sup to Deore 6100?

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

You’re not the first person to posit that. And to be honest I’m not sure, but I’d like to look into it. I haven’t ridden any modern Shimano cassettes that didn’t have HyperGlide+ so I’ve just assumed that was the tech that was making my shifting feel great. I’d like to try something lower end to see if it is a noticeable difference.

[@helterskelter416]

couldn't they just use plastics or composite materials for the body of the rings, and steel for all the contact surfaces of the cogs to make it way lighter, but still really durable?

[@ToastyTaste532]

I just replaced my 6yo XT 11S cassette because of the 3 highest gears, while the lower gears work perfectly (and they are the most used). The stress on the the teeth of the small sprockets are so high that unless you are not using them at all - they will be the reason for your cassette replacement.

[@oliverhargreaves1443]

I bought the deore cassette for my touring/commuter bike I built, and I've been very disappointed with the durability. I changed the chain before it reached .75 stretch at about 1500km but the cassette is already worn and I will have to replace it. I have a sram cassette on my mtb and I replaced it after over 4 years of hard riding and probably 3000+km. Thoughts?

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

That sucks! What chain were you running with the Deore cassette?

[@oliverhargreaves1443]

@Bikes-with-Ben can't recall exactly, but a shimano 12s

[@NaZ-rs1dd]

Thanks mate just subscribed

[@felixmartel2197]

Why does it say the xt cassettes only weight 16.5 oz?

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

Because that’s what an XT cassette weighs. 470g or 16.58oz.

[@crankshoptv]

Was actually quite disappointed with the 10-45 XTR cassette, had to warranty my first one because it started creaking when using the top 3 alloy sprockets. While I was waiting I switched back to an SLX. There is no difference other than price to the average user. If you're on an ebike always get the Deore (or better still upgrade to LinkGlide)

[@vijayanchomatil8413]

I would say if you are one of those that hardly use the largest cog then go with slx. I seldom use it except for technical climbs.

[@mauritiuswierer960]

Well made video 👍

[@LORENZindustries]

There is a very noticeable difference in shifting crispness between the XT and others “below” it. Have not ridden the XTR to be able to place it in the functionality range. By far the XT 12 speed cassette, no matter the derailer, is the best shifting cassette I’ve ridden in 35 years of biking and dozens of bikes and wheel sets.

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

All of the derailleurs have the exact same tooth profile and shifting guides on the cogs. An XT will shift the exact same as the Deore with the potential exception of the largest two cogs if you can tell a difference between steel and aluminum when shifting, but I doubt it. The biggest factor is the actual shifter and the XT shifter provides a much cleaner shift than the ones below it.

[@BowzKnows]

I use the deore steel cassette in my ebike. 1000km and it's still like new.

[@markkus1134]

Just like the Deore rear derailleur if you install the XTR. Pulleys you basically have a XTR derailleur

[@黄辰旭]

Subbed your channel bcs of money saving. It's 2024, not very many secrets about bike components.

[@joehoeper3941]

Good info - subscribed

[@kaloyansl]

Thank you Sir !

[@bradsanders6954]

The 51 t is aluminum yeah, but beings its so big it has a lot of chain wrap around it which decreases wear. The less teeth the quicker a cog wears.

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

Yeah the 51T on the SLX/XT is aluminum and like you said, it will see less revolutions being so big. But, if you spend a significant amount of time climbing in that gear it has the potential to see more revolutions of use than some of the middle gears that don’t get used as much.

[@basengelblik5199]

Garbaruk people ... fabulous stuff

[@4ngry_4pe]

My experience is, that the three or four largest gears which are out of steel wear out faster than the way larger aluminium ones 🙂, so I'd go for slx

[@Exgrmbl]

Yeah, that is a function of the number of teeth. Basically, the more teeth are involved, the less forces are wearing on each individual tooth (it's also the reason why they are steel in the first place)

[@barneyklingenberg4078]

SLX has only a small premium so sure. But I’d rather stay at 11spd

[@Juramentu]

So far linking all the choices.

[@IIISentorIII]

You Cog say that, yes.

[@That_Stealth_Guy]

I've never been able to justify the increased price of XTR parts since their release in 1992, let alone today's outrageous pricing. I have one bike with Shimano 12 speed and I use the Deore cassette with a XT shifter and derailleur which I got on sale right around SLX prices. SO WIN WIN.

[@derribert]

XTR is for racing. Another World. Companies throw their stuff at the best riders, so they can print their names on their Jerseys and get exposure. The riders just get the stuff for free and take what fits their needs. Since they don't have to pay for it, durability and price are not of interest in this setting.

[@johndef5075]

I just rode a 12 speed xtr group for the first time recently. Felt precision like a fine Swiss watch. Even my xt feels a little plasticy compared to it.

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

I’d like to do a blind ride test where we cover up all of the components and see if people can guess what they’re riding. I wonder how much of the feel is in your head vs actually different.

[@That_Stealth_Guy]

@@Bikes-with-Ben That would be very interesting to do.

[@glen3509]

I'm still using an XTR 970 9spd. cassette I bought back in 2011. It better have the 4 L cogs made from 6/4 Titanium; I paid 💰250.00🍁

[@glen3509]

Shimano should drop the Deore from XT and also drop the Deore groupset. They should bring back STX and STX-RC🤘🤘

[@glen3509]

7075 aluminum 👍👍 and 6/4 Titanium 🤘🤘

[@marktechsci]

Those aluminum chainrings don’t last long. I went Deore for a while on my bikes. Just moved one back since the XT can be found for 99. If you have a trainer the Deore for sure.

[@bradsanders6954]

Dont tell anyone, but I bought this all steel cassette for 39.99 on ebay. Yes its a real Shimano cassette. They come stock on EMTB's.

[@alextorresphoto]

Video is so real but I called 5 shops and they said oh no we carry XT and it's better. I asked why is it better. They said well it's lighter. I said I think I want the steel one it's more durable. One shop insisted the XT was worth it. Sell the more expensive one, because it will wear faster so you have to buy one again faster.

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

The XT is definitely a good cassette and will save you a bit of weight, but for the price it’s just not worth it for me. I can see why the bike shops have them in stock, but to be fair to the bike shops I’ve never had any issue with having a bike shop order a specific part for me. They may not stock the Deore, but I’m sure they’d order me one if I asked.

[@streetstangcobra]

Shinamo cassettes look exactly the same and function the same, the smallest 5 sprockets come separate, if you have xtr cassette and damamged one or more sprocket of the 5 smallest ones you can buy a deore cassettes and replace them, identical.

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

Check out the exploded Shimano drawings and you will find out that you are very wrong. I have an XTR and SLX cassette and the drawings are correct lol.

[@TeamCykelhold]

considering how you can just change the smallest cogs (that wear out the fastest) on any of the shimano cassette, it's easy to recommend spending the extra money on xt or xtr. Over the lifetime of a cassette like that, the extra cost isn't a whole lot. I'm on 7k km on my XT cassette, and have swapped the smallest cogs 4 times. I'd say get the xtr chains too. They don't wear the cassette down as fast, since they last a bit longer. Not as long as sram top end, but the price is much better too. I'd rather save on the derailleur and trigger instead.

[@barneyklingenberg4078]

You can change them on an M6100 and M5100 cassette as well. I wouldn’t advise getting the 10 speed as then only the smallest 2 are replaceable instead of 4-5 on the 11 and 12 speed

[@TeamCykelhold]

@@barneyklingenberg4078Yep I know. The point is that the cost over the lifetime of a much lighter cassette isn't that much if weight is a consideration.

[@jemez_mtn]

Oh man, I could probably go a lifetime on my small cogs. I do a lot of steep climbing, and wearing out the big cogs is my problem.

[@kinza999]

Take a link or two out of your chain so it's the correct length and you'd also save a few grams

[@IIISentorIII]

🤣🤣🤣

[@u.e.u.e.]

That's why I prefer 105 over the 2 more expensive ones. 😉

[@sebastian-FX357Z1]

Shimano 105 is for the road bike the one mention here is for the mountain bike.

[@u.e.u.e.]

@@sebastian-FX357Z1 Yes. And? 🤷‍♂️ Ultegra and Duraace use less durable but more lightweight materials. So I consider my comparison as correct

[@larkinkelly3754]

Shifter has more impact than deraileur on shift performance

[@travischapman6763]

Man, even cheap seam cassettes cost more than most Shimano. I wish Shimano would figure out how to gain market share.

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

SRAMs Eagle cassettes I believe are all one machined piece so they’re expensive just because of the manufacturing process needed. I’d be curious what the Shimano to SRAM market share is on MTB specific parts.