Shimano XT 11-46 cassette

[JXV]

Has anybody seen or ridden the new Shimano 11-46 XT 11spd cassette?

 

This finally gets the Shimano fans within a hair's breadth of the range of SRAM's 10-42 cassettes but without the need for costly XD hub drivers or cassette mods .....and the M8000 RDs were designed for this gear range.

 

Main difference is the 10t small cog but a Shimano rider with 34t chainring will have practically the same gearing as a SRAM rider with 32t so its not really an issue.

 

 

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[Odinson]

I'm also potentially considering it as an upgrade when my current PG-1130 casette gives the ghost.

 

My only niggle is that it isn't a good looking piece of kit. SRAM's cassettes just have better aesthetic value, particularly in black.

 

I see that CRC has it listed, but aren't shipping just yet.

[Titanium Rocket]

They're available from EvoBikes for R1995:

http://www.evobikes.co.za/shimano-xt-11-speed-cassette-cs-m8000-11-46t.html

[cdevil]

It appears all Shimano have done to create the 11-46T cassette is replace the 42T with a 46T on their 11-42T cassette. So the jump from the second last to last cog is 9 teeth (37-46) which IMO is (and looks) a bit stupid.

 

SunRace also make a 11-46T but with better spacing, I've ordered one so will give feedback after a few rides. See below for spacing between gears:

 

11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-37-46 (Shimano M8000)

11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-36-40-46 (SunRace CSMX8)

 

Shimano 11-46T (441g)

 

SunRace 11-46T (465g, different colour but spacing looks better)

[JXV]

Cheaper than converting an 11-40 cassette with 18t + 45t extender gear.

 

Evobikes also advertising an 11spd upgrade kit with this cassette. Tempted!

 

 

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[cdevil]

I'm also potentially considering it as an upgrade when my current PG-1130 casette gives the ghost.

 

My only niggle is that it isn't a good looking piece of kit. SRAM's cassettes just have better aesthetic value, particularly in black.

 

I see that CRC has it listed, but aren't shipping just yet.

 

A bit more aesthetic and dirt cheap: http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/sunrace-mx8-11-speed-cassette-11-46-535478

[Patchelicious]

Hmmmm that sun race might be the answer.

 

I ran XX1 34 42/11 on my Scott RC and never struggled with gearing.

 

My new bike has XTR 2 x 11, think 36/26 and 11/40

 

If I could survive on 34 front 42 back, surely 36 front and 46 back would be ok if I want to swtich to 1 x 11.

[lerouc]

Sunrace only 24grams heavier, the question is durability?

 

And Sunrace 1.8k compare to 2k at evobikes.

[Odinson]

A bit more aesthetic and dirt cheap: http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/sunrace-mx8-11-speed-cassette-11-46-535478

 

SJOE

[cdevil]

Sunrace only 24grams heavier, the question is durability?

 

And Sunrace 1.8k compare to 2k at evobikes.

 

Bought mine based on this: http://forums.mtbr.com/drivetrain-shifters-derailleurs-cranks/shimano-11-46-cassette-1016269.html#post12707835

[JXV]

Hmmmm that sun race might be the answer.

 

I ran XX1 34 42/11 on my Scott RC and never struggled with gearing.

 

My new bike has XTR 2 x 11, think 36/26 and 11/40

 

If I could survive on 34 front 42 back, surely 36 front and 46 back would be ok if I want to swtich to 1 x 11.

Yes 36/46 is a few % easier than your old XX1 34/42 when climbing.

 

You'll also get a bit more top speed before spinning out if you can run 36t chainring instead of 34t .

 

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[JXV]

It appears all Shimano have done to create the 11-46T cassette is replace the 42T with a 46T on their 11-42T cassette. So the jump from the second last to last cog is 9 teeth (37-46) which IMO is (and looks) a bit stupid.

 

f56bad3ba10674130c4b3bab97c51894.jpg

Yep....the 9t gap is big but it's a bail-out gear and you get closer ratios for the other 10 speeds that will be used 98% of the time. Maybe it works better than we think. The Sunrace is more evenly spaced but is it nicer to ride with the bigger gaps where you spend most of your time?

 

I don't think this cassette is just a kneejerk from Shimano. The M9000 and M8000 rear derailers were designed for a 46t big cog and have been out a while. See their specs on si.shimano.com. Shimano planned this years ago.

 

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[cdevil]

Slightly off topic but how awesome must this be for a 1x10 conversion: https://leonardistore.com/collections/cassettes/products/29-general-lee-10v-9-42

 

9-42T (467% range) and weighs only 258g, also massive Italian bling factor haha.

[Odinson]

Yep....the 9t gap is big but it's a bail-out gear and you get closer ratios for the other 10 speeds that will be used 98% of the time. Maybe it works better than we think. The Sunrace is more evenly spaced but is it nicer to ride with the bigger gaps where you spend most of your time?

 

I don't think this cassette is just a kneejerk from Shimano. The M9000 and M8000 rear derailers were designed for a 46t big cog and have been out a while. See their specs on si.shimano.com. Shimano planned this years ago.

 

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Shimano aren't known to half-arse something just to get a piece of the pie.

 

I very rarely use my 42t  sprocket, so it would make sense to have a more tightly spaced lower range. That being said, the Shimano cassette is still an eye sore;

[Odinson]

Slightly off topic but how awesome must this be for a 1x10 conversion: https://leonardistore.com/collections/cassettes/products/29-general-lee-10v-9-42

 

9-42T (467% range) and weighs only 258g, also massive Italian bling factor haha.

 

€155?! Ooh eh he.

[cdevil]

Yep....the 9t gap is big but it's a bail-out gear and you get closer ratios for the other 10 speeds that will be used 98% of the time. Maybe it works better than we think. The Sunrace is more evenly spaced but is it nicer to ride with the bigger gaps where you spend most of your time?

 

I don't think this cassette is just a kneejerk from Shimano. The M9000 and M8000 rear derailers were designed for a 46t big cog and have been out a while. See their specs on si.shimano.com. Shimano planned this years ago.

 

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I prefer an evenly spaced cassette, for both functional and aesthetic reasons. But I think you are correct, what may look like a quick fix (replacing the 42T with a 46T) was probably planned when developing the M8000/M9000 RDs. Shimano seem to play it safe when it comes to new products.