Are cheap cassettes durable enough? AliExpress vs Shimano

Video Description

1 year ago, I started using a cheap lightweight cassette from Aliexpress. 12 months later, how is the durability, and how does it compare to a Shimano cassette? SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): https://srko.co/tracevelo I am ALWAYS looking for ways to make my road bike lighter, so when I saw a cheap lightweight mono-block cassette from ZTTO on AliExpress, I had to pick it up. Despite being made of steel it weighs just 199g and seemed very good quality. The shifting performance was also excellent, and costing just £66 i was very impressed. However the long term durability hasn’t been fantastic. I would normally expect to get around 5000 miles, or roughly two chain replacements out of a standard Shimano cassette, however from this ZTTO cassette, I only managed to get 2560 miles… In this episode I will discuss the construction of this cheap ZTTO cassette, compare the grade of steel used to that of a Shimano cassette, and also deep dive on the different coatings used to mitigate rusting/oxidation, reduce friction, and improve overall durability. Affiliate links to cassettes discussed: Black ZTTO cassette: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEP2izt SLR Gen3 cassette: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCDuLld Timestamps: 00:00 – Overview 00:32 – Cassette failure 01:31 – How long did it last? 02:30 – Compare to Shimano 03:54 – Steel hardness test 07:02 – Siroko sponsor 07:34 – Cassette coatings 09:48 – Are cheap cassettes worth it? 11:26 – Bonus clip - Video editor Intro roll: Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracevelo/ Email: [email protected] Please note: 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!!!