Rear Cassette
A big advantage of building your bike is your own choice of parts; you can buy whatever matches your needs and/or suits your budget.
I had the chance to decide between the original Shimano 105 (R7000) and SunRace CS-RX1 rear cassette. From my previous cycling experiences, I've decided to keep my familiar 11-32T (teeth); in Taiwan, some mountains are simply too steep to climb with a 28T chain wheel.
Difference
The main difference between both cassettes is the construction and finish.
1. Construction
While the Shimano R7000 is a traditional design - the 11 chain wheels are combined with screws in one unit, except for the smallest 11T chain wheel.
The SunRace's design, like the higher-priced Ultegra R8000 rear cassette, cuts the wheels in the center and rivets them on a bright red anodized alloy carrier or 'spider'. This design is used by all high-end rear cassettes and makes it not only lighter (30 grams) but should increase the stiffness and the looks.
2. Finish
I am not familiar with the coating but by touching it, the SunRace's finish feels smoother than Shimano's. The Japanese brand's surface is like very fine sandpaper while the Taiwanese are smooth and shiny (see photo). The spider is available in black and red, anodized looks just great in red!
Decision
Deciding between the Shimano R7000 and the SunRace CS-RX1 rear cassette was not a difficult one. I could get them both for the same price, so I opted for the smoother finished, red anodized alloy spider for the 'cool' factor and lighter weight.
SunRace Origin
The Taiwanese manufacturer was established in 1972 and produced initially entry-level products for the North and South American markets. I know, the Brits do not like it, but SunRace purchased the internal hub gear manufacturer Sturmey-Archer (established 1902) in 2000. Only after big investments in engineering, research, and development the former British company did not only survive but excel.
Today, SunRace is a major player in the bike industry, they produce everything brake and gear related. They jumped on the 'bike packing' wagon in an early stage, capitalizing on the single front chain wheel (1 x) - large rear chainwheel trend.
Shorts
+price, looks, quality, finish, weight, price
- minus: non, so far
Ride carefully, Gerhard
A Word of Caution
Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike and not the other way around. Ride responsibly and defensively, and be prepared for a worst-case scenario! It is senseless to gain some seconds but spends weeks recovering in a hospital and/or at home for a stupid action! You, your body, your parents, your family, and your friends will surely appreciate your precautions before, during, and after a bike ride.
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