Replacing an 11-34 11-speed cassette – stock HG800 and it got close to 3,900 miles of use, which seems fair for all the grime and junk it saw on the gravel bike. Another HG800 is $85 on sale, easy peasy, right? Of course I see the HG700 for $35 less. It’s 40 grams heavier. Other than a slightly different cog carrier for the largest 3 cogs and a metal vs aluminum lock ring, the HG700 and HG800 seem identical. Identical in there’s no functional superiority between the two that would provide better shifting or longevity. Just 40 grams lighter – is that really it?
I’m over-thinking this, for sure, and will most likely get the HG800. For the record, pairing this new cassette purchase with a KMC DLC 11 black titanium chain (will be waxed). Should be interesting, haven’t used KMC before…picked up the $130 chain for $30 at a shop clearing out.
by Kinky_Wizard69
10 Comments
They’re identical from my experience. KMC chains are fine with them too.
Yes they are the same, just weight savings.
You could reuse the HG800 lock ring and make up ~10-15% of the weight difference.
I’ve noticed no shifting performance between 105/Ultegra, aka 700/800 level cassettes. Lower end 11 speed cassettes than 105/HG700 are definitely a step down in shifting quality, but above that, it doesn’t really get any better.
Don’t buy Shimano components on eBay, probably all of them are counterfeit.
HG700 is great. Why pay more for pretty much the same component. If you go light get something super light.
I feel like you gain most/all of your shifting performance from the derailleurs and shifters and upgrading your cassette/chain really only saves weight and adds longevity and otherwise doesn’t seem to affect shifting performance at all.
The HG800 has more cogs on aluminum spiders vs the HG700. In general this isn’t a performance benefit but with aluminum freehub bodies it can be beneficial from a longevity standpoint as they won’t cut into the FHB as much
I prefer Shimano chains to KMC, have had much better experience with them, both shifting and longevity wise, but you do you.
While you are replacing this, it’s also an option to look at the ethirteen cassettes… you can get a little wider range for a little more money here
Burning up a cassette that quickly shouldn’t be normal. How far gone was the chain? Which chain was it?
I got 3,600 miles out of my last SRAM (XX1) chain on my mtb and the cassette was still fine…and that was with a smaller 34t chainring.