SunRace CS-RX1, 11-32T, Rear Cassette, Review

Rear Cassette

An important benefit of building your own bike is the freedom of choice; you can select components that meet your needs, fit your budget, and are compatible with other parts.

In this instance, I had the opportunity to choose between the original Shimano 105 (R7000) and the SunRace CS-RX1 rear cassette. Based on my past cycling experiences, I decided to stick with the familiar 11-32T (teeth) ratio; in Taiwan, some mountains are just too steep to tackle with a 28T sprocket.

Difference

The main difference between both cassettes are in the material and the finish.

1. Construction

The construction of both the Shimano R7000 and SunRace CS-RX1 are the same. The three largest cogs are riveted on an alloy spider, the others are single sprockets with spacers of plastic (Shimano) or alloy (SunRace) in between. This design is used by all high end rear cassettes and makes them not only lighter (30 grams) but should increase the stiffness.

2. Finish

I am not familiar with the coatings but by touching, the SunRace's finish feels smoother than Shimano's. The Japanese brand's surface feels like a very fine sand paper while the Taiwanese is smooth and shiny (see photo). SunRace's spider is available in red, this anodized color 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, the red spacers and the red lockring. 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

+Plus

+price

+finish/looks

+quality

+weight

-Minus

- non, so far

Ride carefully, Gerhard

#SunRace #CS-RX1 #Shimano #R7000 #11-32T #Sturmey-Archer #bikepacking

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.