Cassette range defines what terrain you can tackle without grinding to a halt or spinning out. The GX XG-1150 from SRAM delivers a 10-42T spread across 11 speeds, giving you a bailout gear for steep climbs without sacrificing top-end for descents and flats. That 420% gear range means you're covered whether you're grinding up loose switchbacks or hammering fire roads back to the trailhead.

SRAM builds the XG-1150 using their X-Glide 2 shift ramp and pin geometry, which sequences shifts to reduce hesitation when moving between gears under load. The cassette uses a steel construction throughout, prioritizing durability over weight savings. For riders who rack up trail miles and don't want to baby their drivetrain, steel cogs handle the abuse that aluminum alternatives can't sustain season after season.

The XD driver body mount is worth understanding if you're upgrading from an older setup. Traditional Shimano-style freehubs bottom out at an 11-tooth small cog because the spline diameter physically prevents anything smaller. SRAM's XD driver uses a different interface that allows a 10-tooth cog, which is how they achieve this range without resorting to a 46 or 50-tooth dinner plate. You'll need an XD-compatible freehub body on your rear wheel—most mid-range and higher SRAM-equipped bikes from the last several years have this, but it's worth checking before ordering.... Read More