Replace SRAM XRD Cassette: Rival vs. Force 12-sp
10-18-22, 04:47 PM
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Replace SRAM Cassette: Rival vs. Force 12-sp
I have a Cervelo Caledonia-5 with Rival eTap groupset. With over 6,000 miles on it, I replaced the chain due to a split in one of the links. The chain was within tolerance (less than 0.5% wear) using a Park Tool chain wear gauge, but the new Force chain skips on the rear cassette indicating worn cogs.
My question: is upgrading from a Rival cassette ($132) to a Force cassette ($195) a good value? My main goal is to increase durability and reduce replacement cycles. According to SRAM, Force cassettes use a mini cluster design where the four small cogs are machined out of a single block of steel. The eight larger cogs are pinned together. The Rival cassette uses 12 individual cogs with a fully pinned design. The Force cassette weighs 20 grams less (not really a factor for me).
Any input is appreciated.
My question: is upgrading from a Rival cassette ($132) to a Force cassette ($195) a good value? My main goal is to increase durability and reduce replacement cycles. According to SRAM, Force cassettes use a mini cluster design where the four small cogs are machined out of a single block of steel. The eight larger cogs are pinned together. The Rival cassette uses 12 individual cogs with a fully pinned design. The Force cassette weighs 20 grams less (not really a factor for me).
Any input is appreciated.
Last edited by Bici Veloce; 10-18-22 at 05:45 PM.
10-18-22, 06:17 PM
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You'll not likely notice any difference in wear.
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10-19-22, 12:19 AM
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The specs provided are meaningless to predict wear life. What would help is knowing the material, hardness, and "case depth".
These, of course, are NEVER provided.
FWIW - from manufacturing standpoint, it's generally easier to use higher alloys in stamped vs. machined parts. Of course proper heat treatment would be needed to realize the benefit of those better alloys.
My instinct is that even if the extra dough actually went into alloy choice and heat treatment, I doubt the improvement would be enough to recoup the difference.
These, of course, are NEVER provided.
FWIW - from manufacturing standpoint, it's generally easier to use higher alloys in stamped vs. machined parts. Of course proper heat treatment would be needed to realize the benefit of those better alloys.
My instinct is that even if the extra dough actually went into alloy choice and heat treatment, I doubt the improvement would be enough to recoup the difference.
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10-19-22, 07:53 AM
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Thank you for the responses. My instinct was telling me the same thing. I'll go with the Rival cassette.
10-19-22, 09:38 AM
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I have a Cervelo Caledonia-5 with Rival eTap groupset. With over 6,000 miles on it, I replaced the chain due to a split in one of the links. The chain was within tolerance (less than 0.5% wear) using a Park Tool chain wear gauge, but the new Force chain skips on the rear cassette indicating worn cogs.
My question: is upgrading from a Rival cassette ($132) to a Force cassette ($195) a good value? My main goal is to increase durability and reduce replacement cycles. According to SRAM, Force cassettes use a mini cluster design where the four small cogs are machined out of a single block of steel. The eight larger cogs are pinned together. The Rival cassette uses 12 individual cogs with a fully pinned design. The Force cassette weighs 20 grams less (not really a factor for me).
Any input is appreciated.
My question: is upgrading from a Rival cassette ($132) to a Force cassette ($195) a good value? My main goal is to increase durability and reduce replacement cycles. According to SRAM, Force cassettes use a mini cluster design where the four small cogs are machined out of a single block of steel. The eight larger cogs are pinned together. The Rival cassette uses 12 individual cogs with a fully pinned design. The Force cassette weighs 20 grams less (not really a factor for me).
Any input is appreciated.
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10-19-22, 01:19 PM
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As a general rule, the reason to go with higher end cassettes is to save weight. Whether the weight savings are meaningful is a whole other question. Often the higher end cassettes wear faster due to the use of Ti (or even aluminum) for the larger cogs. So they cost you more twice: once on purchase and again because they wear out faster.
