Rear Cassette
A big advantage of building your own bike are your own choices; you can buy whatever matches your needs and/or suits your budget.
I had the chance to decide between 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 28 chainwheel.
Difference
The main difference between both cassettes are the construction and finish.
1. Construction
While the Shimano R7000 is a traditional design by which the 11 chainwheels are combined with screws in one unit, except the smallest 11T chainwheel.
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 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 a very fine sand paper while the Taiwanese is smooth and shiny (see photo). The spider is available in black and red, anodized looks just great in red!
Decision
To make a decision 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 silver finish with the red anodized alloy spider. And did I mention the 'cool' factor of the CS-RX1?
SunRace Origin
The Taiwanese manufacturer was established in 1972, produced initially entry-level products for the North and South American market. 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 chainwheel (1 x) - large rear chainwheel trend.
Shorts
+price, looks, quality, finish, weight, price
- minus: non, so far
(to be continued)
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, be prepared for a worst-case scenario! It is senseless to gain some seconds but spends weeks to recover in a hospital and/or at home for a stupid action! You, your body, your parents, your family, and friends will surely appreciate your precautions before, during, and after a bike ride.