TESTED: E13 TRS+ cassette

In the world of single chain ring drivetrains, range is king. Since SRAM first announced XX1 with a 10-42 cassette, Shimano have followed suit with XTR, XT and now SLX drivetrains that can be setup in a 1x fashion. And while Shimano started with an XTR 11-40 cassette, XT brought 11-42 with it, and now an 11-46t cassette is on the way too.

SRAM have let their 1x options trickle down to lower price points, but they have also launched the 1×12 Eagle group set with a huge 10-50 cassette and a 500% gear range.

Shimano have offered the benefit of not need to upgrade your wheels if you don't have an XD driver which the SRAM 1×11 and 1×12 group sets require for their cassettes. But if you're on a SRAM group set and keen on more range, but just can't stand shelling out for a new shifter, cassette, chain ring, chain and rear derailleur – E13 might have a solution.

The E13 TRS+ cassette is an 11-speed cassette that runs from 9-44. That gives you a 489% range, so about half a gear less than Eagle. Unlike SRAM Eagle, E13 mostly adds range at the high end of the cassette. I run Shimano 11-speed but fitted a new freehub to a DT 240 hub to be able to run the TRS+ cassette. I didn't need to change anything else, although I did check my chain would take the 44t sprocket, even under full compression.

Fitting the TRS+ Cassette

The cassette comes in two pieces, with a lock ring and tool. The lowest three sprockets sit on the short splines of the XD driver, and get locked in place with the provided lock ring and tool. The other 8 are in two parts, but fit as one onto the larger sprockets, locking into place with a chain whip. Of note, a newer 11sp chain whip is preferable, as an older chain whip with a wider chain fitted may well slip off and take some skin with it.

You lock the first part onto the driver.

 

The smaller cogs lock onto the larger ones with a chain whip. You'll need two chain whips for removal.

In the workstand it shifted really well. E13 state it works for SRAM or Shimano drivetrains, and having used a GX 10-42 cassette with Shimano XTR 11-speed before I had few qualms about shift accuracy. Of note, I was using a Shimano XTR chain and Shimano XTR chain ring when testing the cassette. It didn't shift as smoothly, quickly and quietly as on an XTR cassette. Nothing shifts like an XTR chain on an XTR cassette. That may sound elitist but it's true.

Out of the stand and on the driveway, the shifting was as expected. Really good, but just with that tiny lag compared to a closer ratio cassette. It's minimal but if you've tweaked some barrel adjusters in your time, you'll pick it up. Under power, the cassette was creak free, a big thumbs up to E13 for their new take on cassette attachment.

On the trail

Coming off an 11-42, the extra range was intermediately noticeable. As it stands, I choose chain rings depending on where I'm going. I typically run a 34t, but could consider a 32t for greater ground clearance as I’ll maintain the top end range.

Got range?

There were a few things I noticed on the cassette. The smaller sprockets, the 9, 10 and 12, did have a slight bit of variance. I really only noticed it under backpedalling, but it was probably part of the less than 100% smooth shift.

As for wear, it has been really good. E13 make the cassette replaceable in small parts, three to be exact, so you can replace the parts that wear out, which helps make the entry cost a little more bearable.

So who is it for?

E13 pitch the TRS+ cassette at trail and all-mountain riders, I used it for trail and XC including some racing. When racing, the size of the jumps were noticeable, as was the slightly clunky shift. I think it's excellent for a lot of mountain bikers who want a bigger gear range without the expense of the latest group sets. The shift is not as silky smooth as a top-shelf closely spaced cassette, but if you need range, and want 1x simplicity, this is an excellent choice. There is also a 9-42t option for anyone on a 10-speed drivetrain who will make an upgrade to an XD Driver.

Hits:

• Huge gear range

• Replaceable in parts

• Get more range from your current 10 or 11 speed set up

Misses:

• Not XTR slick

• A pricey upgrade regardless

TRS + 11sp 9-44TCassette: $459.95

TRS + 10sp  9-42 Cassette: $439.95

From: E13 Components