Aluminium Ultralight Cassettes: Cheap & light, but do they last?

Aluminium hybrid cassettes, great weight savings but how to they compare to regular steel cassettes?

SIROKO CLOTHING LINK – Additional 10% off - https://srko.co/tracevelo

When looking to drop some weight from your bike, cassettes can make a big difference. However, the lightweight varieties from big brands like Shimano and SRAM can be VERY expensive. I mean a Shimano Ultegra R8000 cassette can cost upwards of £95, if you can even find one atm, and the Dura Ace cassettes… Forget about it!

So, over the last 18 months I have been testing out some cheaper hybrid cassettes from AliExpress, from bands like ZTTO and Sunshine. They are part aluminium, part steel, very lightweight, and pretty cheap too. They look amazing, and I’ve been through a couple of them by now. But what are the drawbacks?

In this review I go into detail about the weight, the construction, and the durability of these ultralightweight hybrid cassettes. I also put them up against some pretty standard all steel cassettes, so you can get a really good idea if these are something you want to try out for yourself!

Got any questions or comments, stick them below 👇 and I'll try and get back to as many of you as I can!

Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
01:00 – Sponsor Segment
02:20 – Intro
03:39 – Construction
05:30 – Cost
06:51 – Weight
08:20 – Durability
10:35 – Shifting Performance
13:00 – Final Thoughts

Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.uk

Music:
Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
Fresh Healthy Perspectives
Lakey Inspired (  / lakeyinspired  )
The Process, In my Dreams
Noir Et Blanc Vie (   / billyocean2185  )
MydNyte, Still Not Rite, QuangerineCream
NoMBe (   / @nombe  )
Take Me Down to The Fashion Show
Patrick Patrikios (   / @patrick-jordan-patrikios  )
Just Dance

About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!

Instagram:
  / tracevelo  

Email:
[email protected]

Please note:
With the exception of Siroko, all other products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.

In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.

In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!