SRAM

PG-950 9-Speed Cassette

Over time, it's easy to forget how quiet and smooth your bike used to be. The original cassette had 7 years or riding on it. Shifting was getting a bit noisy and rough. I recently replaced the entire drive line on my Trek 520 with the PG950 and a new crankset with different size rings. Shifting is now completely silent. I replace my chain about once a year due to stretch. I don't think I would replace the cassette that often, but at this price, I will probably replace the cassette every other year to keep things running silky smooth.

Replaced as part of a full-chainline upgrade. It would be silly to replace the crankset and chain and not the cassette. At this price, it's a no-brainer. I think the video referring to this as an entry level cassette does it a disservice. I had over 10,000 miles on the original (same model) cassette without any problems. Replaced it proactively to prevent shifting issues with a new chain.

I'm a high-mileage bicycle commuter (over 5K miles/year) in Seattle -- mostly flat, but with a 20% grade at one point. This cassette is geared just right, putting me right in the middle for good chain line for most of my mileage, but enough bottom and top end to handle steep hills--up and down. Going more than 28 teeth is just too low for me. This cassette has fewer "gaps" between cogs making it easier to find the right gear for a good spin. I'm on my second of these SRAM cassettes. The first performed flawlessly. Replaced it after my third chain replacement just to keep the drive train "fresh", and expecting more carefree miles. It's not the lightest cassette out there, but for a few more ounces and a LOT fewer dollars and good reliability, this is the one for my meat-and-potatoes riding.

Well-made. Good range and gear-to-gear increment. Previous SRAM cassettes have been reliable and durable. I expect many miles from this one.