Mattyb13

SRAM XG-1180 11 Speed Cassette on my 2016 Stumpjumper FSR Elite 650b. 2 full years in CO on the bike, and now a full season down here in FL on it. Just took the cassette off for a really good cleaning and it is 'looking' worn. What i don't know is how worn is "too" worn? How do i know when it is time to look at replacing the cassette? Also, do I just replace with the same exact item or is there value in uprading? What would be an upgrade, and why? Really mysterious part of my mountain bike. Excited to learn more. Thank you.

mpls85

Unless your shifting performance is suffering, I'd keep riding your current cassette. Is there any skipping, slow shifting, etc.? Another thing to consider is that replacing your chain can present issues between a new chain and an old cassette.

The XG-1180 (i.e. X1) is a pretty nice lightweight cassette- weight savings moving to X01 or XX1 would only save 40-50 grams at a pretty significant cost...just depends on your tolerance for spending $$ to save weight!

Shimagnolo

I've worn out plenty of cassettes.
I've never been able to detect wear visually.
I've never had any difference in shifting performance on a worn cassette.
When you install a new chain on a cassette, and it starts jumping under load on certain gears, then you know it is worn out.

Leebo

Try this. Get a 3 new chains and a cassette, when needed. Rotate the chain through when they are stretched a little. Lots of life there.