Component maker e*thirteen rolled out the wide range TRS+ cassette last year. As gears continue to grow, e*thirteen is keeping pace with the TRS Race cassette. This new 11-speed cassette boasts an impressive range that makes it a contender with SRAM’s 12-speed Eagle drivetrains, but at a more reasonable price-point.
Rather than simply swapping the 44t for a 46t cog on the existing TRS+ cassette, e*thirteen adjusted the gearing to keep the steps as consistent as possible across the entire range. The tooth count for the TRS Race cassette is 9-10-12-14-17-20-24-28-33-39-46t.
e*thirteen versus the competition
Here’s how the TRS Race cassette stacks up against the competition in terms of overall range:
- e*thirteen TRS Race cassette: 511%
- SRAM 1x12 Eagle: 500%
- OneUp Shark 10-50 11-speed cassette upgrade: 500%
- Wolf Tooth 49t GC cog for SRAM and Shimano 11-speed cassettes: 445%
- SRAM 1x11 drivetrains: 420%
- Shimano 11-46t XT cassette: 418%
Design details
Like the TRS Plus cassette, the Race version consists of a two-piece cogset and lock ring. The three largest cogs are machined from aluminum, while the eight remaining cogs are steel.
e*thirteen’s cassettes are only compatible with SRAM’s XD driver body standard, though they are compatible with SRAM and Shimano 11-speed chains and derailleurs.
Installation and removal is more involved than with SRAM or Shimano cassettes. To install the TRS Race cassette, the three largest cogs are placed on the driver body and the lock ring is then threaded onto the freehub to hold it in place. Then, with the help of a chain whip, the eight-cog cluster locks onto the larger cogs with a series of locking slots.
Cassette removal requires two chain whips when done off the bike, or one chain whip and tension on the bike’s chain to loosen the cassette on the bike.
(Detailed installation and removal instructions can be found on e*thirteen’s website.)
Price, weight and availability
Pricing is set at $349 / £299. (Australian prices are yet to be announced.)
The claimed weight for the TRS Race cassette is 289g. We measured the weight for the two halves of the cassette and lock ring at 300g. This is still quite respectable. For reference, Shimano’s new 11-46t XT cassette weighs 439g and SRAM’s XO1 Eagle tips the scales at 360g.
e*thirteen plans to begin shipping the TRS Race cassette in mid-December.
More to come
The TRS Race cassette looks like a worthy option for riders who want more range from their 1x drivetrain, but aren’t ready to stomach the steep cost of SRAM’s 12-speed drivetrains.
Stay tuned for the review.
