Vent: Everyone says to avoid cheap cassettes, but a $25 SunRace on a commuter bike just saved my week.

Had a regular come in with a skipping 9-speed. Budget was tight, kid needs the bike for school. Everyone online screams 'Shimano or nothing', but I threw on a SunRace CS-HG50. Adjusted the B-screw, gave the chain a check. It's been three months now, she brought it back for a tire change and it's shifting crisp. Not every ride needs Dura-Ace money. When a part does the job for the price, why the hate? What's the cheapest part you've used that actually held up?

2 comments

2 Comments

ericb666d ago

Seriously, preach. The online bike snob thing is out of control. My question is, where does that "Shimano or nothing" pressure even come from? Is it just people repeating what they heard, or is there some real failure rate with the cheaper stuff that we don't see in shops? I've had SunRace and even some no-name cassettes last for years on beater bikes.

blairj556d ago

You're right that cheaper cassettes can last, but the "Shimano or nothing" thing isn't just about failure rates. It's more about consistent shift quality and easy part swapping, which matters a lot if you're deep into tuning your bike. That specific performance feel is what people online get so loud about.