SRAM's 13-speed XPLR freewheel...for gravel grinders...

[biker jk]

Extra cogs are not a moot point for gravel grinders or road bikes — the 13th can be either a mid-range cruiser or another speed-ring. They'll each and all find a use.

Gears matter. A lot.

Got to agree with that.
Been on 11s with 52/36 front and 11-32 at the back for over 10 years.
Well my legs aren't getting stronger.
Gone 12s and still 52/36 at the front but now 11-34 at the back.
The extra cog has allowed a lower gear but no big jumps in the range. Great stuff
Next change will be smaller chain rings I expect. Not going the expense of swapping groupos but will go 50/34 at the front. Could do it now tbh. I aint running out of gears on a 52/11 top gear. I'm running out of legs instead.

I was running a 11-speed 11-34 cassette on my old bike and now a 12-speed 11-34 cassette on my new bike. Didn't notice any difference. What is different is the quality of the chains, with the 12-speed Ultegra chain prone to rust (never had this occur with the 11-speed Ultegra chains).

[warthog1]

I was running a 11-speed 11-34 cassette on my old bike and now a 12-speed 11-34 cassette on my new bike. Didn't notice any difference. What is different is the quality of the chains, with the 12-speed Ultegra chain prone to rust (never had this occur with the 11-speed Ultegra chains).

11 Speed: 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-25-27-30-34T
12 Speed: 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-27-30-34T

I did have one but was not a fan of the 2 teeth jump at the bottom of the cassette.

Sunrace 11s 11-32 shifts well and has 1 tooth jumps at the bottom;

11 Speed: 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-28-32 .


I am running 3 shimano chain on the new 12s goer a 105 and 2 ultegra. No rust but I avoid rain

[brumby33]

Really starting to love this Sram Gearing, 1 x 12, really great even spread to change down quickly for steep pinch rises helping me not have to get off and push...although it's been close

30 T front & 11 to 50 is a pretty wide spread and i'm really enjoying riding the MTB.

A lot less changing compared to the 3 x 9 on the Vivente but i still very much love that too.

Today I did a solid 27kms ride on the MTB (yeah I know they're s'pose to be for the bush) but don't really have any dirt really close and where there is dirt, it's just too bloody steep for me.

I'm trying to build up some endurance and harden my backside up so I can tackle some of the Victorian rail trails this Summer. They just opened the extension to the rail trail from Wangaratta joining bright, Myrtleford, Beechworth and Yackandandah all excess able now by bicycle, not totally sure what part they opened up but i think it was the part to Yackandandah....all great townships...I expect to see a lot of bikes here this season.

brumby33

[g-boaf]

Really starting to love this Sram Gearing, 1 x 12, really great even spread to change down quickly for steep pinch rises helping me not have to get off and push...although it's been close

30 T front & 11 to 50 is a pretty wide spread and i'm really enjoying riding the MTB.

A lot less changing compared to the 3 x 9 on the Vivente but i still very much love that too.

Today I did a solid 27kms ride on the MTB (yeah I know they're s'pose to be for the bush) but don't really have any dirt really close and where there is dirt, it's just too bloody steep for me.

I'm trying to build up some endurance and harden my backside up so I can tackle some of the Victorian rail trails this Summer. They just opened the extension to the rail trail from Wangaratta joining bright, Myrtleford, Beechworth and Yackandandah all excess able now by bicycle, not totally sure what part they opened up but i think it was the part to Yackandandah....all great townships...I expect to see a lot of bikes here this season.

brumby33

SRAM 2x12 is even better - you end up with very useful spread of gears.

[brumby33]

I had considered getting the Marlin 6 which had the optional 2 x10 or 11, can't remember but there were also things I liked about the Marlin 7 which outweighed my decision.
I've got the Vivente for a huge spread of gearing so If I need it, i'll ride that especially if i ever do heavy touring.....the Marlin 7 is for local stuff and keeping me bike fit. I've only had it a Month and starting to realise the benefits already......stepping out of my decrepitness