First Look: General Lee Wide-Range Cassette Adapter

Feb 9, 2013 at 9:00
by Matt Wragg  
When SRAM launched their XX1 groupset last year it introduced a range of innovations. Ideas like a new style rear mech and chain retention on the chainring were interesting, but there was one feature of the groupset that really caught people's attention: the wide-range cassette. The idea of a cassette that went up to a dinner plate-sized 42 teeth appealed to many people who liked the idea of running a single chainring up front, but weren't confident they had a small enough gear to get up the climbs with a traditional cassette. To do this, XX1 pioneered a whole new freehub system that meant the range could also go down as far a a tiny, ten-tooth sprocket at the other end. Yet many people who looked at the groupset weren't fussed about that small end and asked the question "couldn't we just have a bigger cassette?"

General Lee
The Leonardi Factory General Lee cassette adapter

The folk at Leonardi Factory in Italy were some of the people thinking that too, so they cranked up the CNC machine and had a look at what was possible. The advisory information with most mechs places the upper capacity of a standard derailleur at around 36-38 teeth, but who's ever listened to the user manual? From this experimentation the General Lee cassette adapter was born.

Details

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General Lee
General Lee


General Lee cassette adapter details:

- Range: 25-29-34- 40t
- Compatible with: SRAM 1030, 1050 and 1070 cassettes
- Weight: 190 grams
- Material: Alloy

MSRP: 123.00 Euros

CNC'd from a closely-guarded alloy formula, it is a machining work of art. Replacing the top four sprockets on a SRAM 1030, 1050 or 1070 cassette, it offers a 25t-40t range. To give you a better idea of what it means for your gearing, here are the comparative cassette spreads of SRAM XX, XX1 and a 1070 cassette with the General Lee adapter.

- SRAM XX: 11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36
- SRAM XX1: 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42
- SRAM 1070 with General Lee adapter: 11-12-14-16-18-21-25-29-34-40

Obviously to go larger means the spread of the gears will be further apart than on the sprockets it is replacing. It is only compatible with those specific SRAM cassettes because Shimano cassettes are attached in blocks of three sprockets, which left the system with a gear spread Leonardi were unhappy with.

It isn't cheap - the four sprockets cost €123.00. However, when you look at the MSRP of an XX1 derailleur, shifter and cassette, then factor in the fact that you will need to buy at least a new freehub, if not a rear wheel, to fit it, it offers a much cheaper way to extend the range of your rear cassette. Leonardi only sell their products in Italy, so if you are looking to buy one, you need to find a shop like Bagnoli Bike in Castiglione della Pescaia who are willing to ship internationally.

Out On The Trail

To start with we need to point out that SRAM and Shimano are very clear that this isn't supposed to work and if you approach them for advice on this system, don't be surprised if they, very politely, tell you where to go. You will also void any warranty on your drivetrain parts. Ignoring that advice, the guys at Bagnoli Bike mounted the General Lee to a couple of test bikes this winter. Both ran SRAM cassettes and one was mounted with a SRAM X9 setup, the other a Shimano Zee/SLX combination and spent a few months riding with them in the abrasive Tuscany mud. Both derailleurs were rated to take up to a 36-tooth cassette.

general lee
general lee
The two test setups - one with SRAM X9 and the other with Shimano Zee/SLX

The short verdict is that they both worked. You could go out and ride on both setups and it would change gear when you pressed the shifter. There was a loss in shifting performance, it's not as silky-smooth as it would be were you using a normal cassette, but nobody should be surprised by that. Consensus was the medium-cage X9 mech worked much better than the short-cage Zee one, the shifter was sharper and indexing crisper. In fact, after a couple of months testing, the Zee setup was changed to X9 too.

Pinkbike's take:
bigquotesWhen XX1 came out there were many comments asking whether people could just buy the wide-range cassette. If you are one of those people, this might be the answer to your problems. If you want to run a wider-range cassette and are happy to take a slight hit on outright shifting performance to do that, then there are no questions as to whether this system works. Feedback from the test riders is that a medium-cage SRAM mech is the preferred option to run with it, although the short-cage Zee mech did still work well enough over the test period. Just don't go crying to SRAM or Shimano if something later goes wrong with your drivetrain. - Matt Wragg

Leonardi Factory
Bagnoli Bike

Author Info:
mattwragg avatar

Member since Oct 29, 2006
753 articles

206 Comments
  • 110 4
 When I saw "general lee" I was expecting something bright orange barrel rolling lover a gap being chased by cops. I was disappointed Frown
  • 71 5
 I was hoping for Daisy Duke!!
  • 18 7
 I was hopeing for an anodized rebel flag on the cassette
  • 9 3
 I was expecting Lee Trumpore
  • 86 1
 I was expecting a high ranking Chinese officer ...
  • 19 1
 I was expecting a wide range casette adapter. I'm lacking in the imagination department I guess.
  • 10 34
flag suicidedownhiller (Feb 19, 2013 at 13:16) (Below Threshold)
 I fail to see the point of this. $130 for something that adds an extra 4 teeth on the highest sprocket? Get out of the saddle and stand? Even on the steepest climbs I'm rarely in first if I'm standing, I run a 36t in the front, and a 28 rear...
  • 3 2
 I was expecting too see an orange car flying through the air with deegan horns being thrown up
  • 14 1
 Maybe this adapter is for enduro and all mountain bikes only, do u get the point now brotha? Dead Horse
  • 40 0
 Suicide downhiller is apparently the strongest rider on the planet.
  • 2 0
 what are "deegan horns" lucacometti?
  • 2 0
 Rosco P Coltrane!
  • 1 0
 It's a really good idea and I would definetly think of getting it for a future AM bike, does anyone know how heavy it is?
  • 1 0
 188 grams (adapter only)
  • 84 3
 DEATH TO FRONT DERAILLEURS!!!!! DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE
  • 1 1
 My recent new build has an xtr crank and front mech, my last build had a single ring on an slx crank with a straitline guide on it. The xtr set up works well ontill you try and put some effort in very quick and it skips. They are really the w@nkest thing to put on a bike and are way to much hassle than there worth!!
Any one who wants to buy and xtr front mech and shifter give me a shout!!!
  • 16 0
 Been using it on my enduro bike for 1 month or so, combined with a 34T MRP Bling Ring (11-40x34) - u can check some photos on my album www.pinkbike.com/u/nunomelo77/album/MSC-Hunter-RR-SX

Only good things to say atm, well, almost! The thing is it's a bit tricky to fine tune the gears: u really need a lot of patience if u want perfect shifting with this adapter; i even had to align the dropout by 1mm to make it perfect.

Apart from that excellent! For some time I wanted to get rid of my double ring SRAM GXP 26-39 spider and left gear trigger. The moment I saw the LeoRacing General Lee adapter I had an alternative to the XX1 without having to spend loads of money on the transmission.

Before I committed to buy the thing, I used this gear calculator at www.gear-calculator.com to compare the transmission ratios and decide which ring to use whith the cassette, hence the 34T choice instead of the 32.

I've only done some 100kms (60miles) with this transmission and, so far, it's exceeding my expectations. Only time will tell about it's durability.

Specs:
Leonardi Racing General Lee 25-29 34-40T ~137.00€ (total with P&P from Italy to Portugal)
SRAM PG1070 ~50.00€
MRP Bling Ring 34T ~60.00€
TOTAL: ~247.00€
  • 1 0
 I was wondering, do you have to take the 11-32 or 11-36 PG1070 cassette ?
  • 3 0
 You must use a 11-36, as you will be needing the 11-13-15-17-19-22 cogs.
  • 1 0
 K thanks. I'll get one in the next few days/weeks, but shipping is 30€ to France (not the 14€ like you paid) O_o
  • 1 0
 My transaction excluded taxes, but I payed the full 36,30€ for the shipping!
  • 1 0
 Aw ... I'll try to see with my LBS if he's interested in one or 2, it would split the costs Smile
  • 6 0
 Hi guys, I'm the one whose green bike is in the video etc.... Initially I tried it with a zee, but the mech geometry and chain length made the shifting not so smooth, however with an x9 medium cagevand proper chain chain length this really does work. The gear changes up back are actually surprisingly good considering the distance the chain has to move, I was surprised. No over shifting or anything, to setup my hanger is straight and boom went on no problem. I use a g2 up front with a 32. I have basically a perfect 1 x10 system now. The 11-32 in the high gear for speed for me is fine, I am totally happy with the ratios presented. I know top enduro guys run 32 up front when they have steep climbs, so I think if it is good enough for them, it's good for me. Apart from that all is good, if anyone wants to try my setup and they are in southern Tuscany they are welcome to come and give it a go. It will also be on test at the first World Series for those who want to try it.. Bagnolis ship internationally, no problem. Thanks have fun all..
  • 7 1
 Hiw come you didn't switch the zee from short cage to mid cage?
  • 1 2
 Em Portugal, à venda em:

coimbracity.olx.pt/cassete-sram-general-lee-11-40t-xx1-low-cost-iid-435659981

Estou a montar uma na minha Santa Cruz Nomad!
  • 1 1
 Mid cage zee mechs don't exist. Only short cage.
  • 4 2
 Incorrect. Zee comes in a "Freeride" model with a 11-36 range... in addition to the short cage "DH" version.
  • 1 0
 That's what I thought, because there is no switch like the Saint model. Just separate cages for the separate cassettes.
  • 3 0
 The actual cage length is the same, the geometry is different, but you can't make the zee mech cage any shorter.... The jockey wheels would bump into each other.
  • 1 0
 ok. cool good to know. thanks
  • 1 0
 Anyone ordered a general lee and they had to send payment via PayPal through a email link? Is that legit? This is through the bangnolis website....
  • 3 0
 If it redirects u to the PayPal webpage it's legit. Notice the keylock or secure key symbol on the browser id
  • 15 2
 Most riders overestimate their need for a biggest gear. If the bolt circle diameter that became standard in the last couple decades had by chance been smaller than 104, and accommodated a 30T ring as an easy, bolt-on part, when the whole 1X revolution hit, nearly every non-pro, non-I-race-in-the-Alps rider would be on 30x11-36. You are kidding yourself when you think you are spun out on singletrack in 32/11. Unless you can't spin more than 50 RPM. You want lighter and lighter bikes but also bigger and bigger cassettes and more unsprung weight? Be honest w/ yourself, and then learn to spin (ever seen a BMX race?) and then learn to pump. You will not need a higher gear, and you can enjoy your rides and save your knees w/ gearing appropriate to the climb.
  • 3 4
 I don't know your "Single track" but I spinout 32-11 on our single track... and I cross train on Track bikes(get's your cadence up better then bmx) so I can spin pretty well.
That's not saying I really need to go bigger for my AM bike but it is easy to do were I live...but i also fractured my back in 3 places hitting a drop spun out on 35 11 on single track...I thought I had it made till I woke up with a new hole in my face and 3 compression fractures in my back!
  • 3 1
 Gee whiz, then you are one of the few really really fast riders. Please see the word "most" in the post above.
  • 1 0
 No I'm not...I am saying depending on what trails you ride on it can be easy to spin out that's all. I paid the price this last fall "trying to be fast"
  • 1 0
 Luckily you can get a 30t for the 64mm inner BCD, which is just what I am currently putting on my AM HT. The chainline is actually not bad, especially since you do most of the grinding on the left side of the cassette anyway.
  • 1 0
 You can also get 30T for 104 BCD...... www.extralite.com/Products/octaramps_anglo.htm
  • 13 0
 Ohh yes this is what we need. A wide range system that don't need changing out the entire drivetrain. Please start to mass produce and ship to Sweden!
  • 9 9
 It costs ca 1300 sek incl. shipping, then you need to pay ca 600 for Sram 1070 cassette. That gives you more or less 1800-2100 Sek. Message Matthias Hellöre and he will convert your current cassette (eventualy buy XT) to anything you like i.e. 11-40 for similar money and it will be made from best possible steel, forged by Sandvik from stuff dug up in Kiruna Wink If uou want to lash out a bit more money, he does stuff in Titanium as well!

It doesn't get any more Swedish and probably you won't find anything of higher quality anywhere in the world. I am thinking of asking him to convert my 10sp XT cassette to 11-38.

hellore.se/experimentalprototype
  • 9 1
 We've seen some unnecessary products recently, but this one is a beaut!
  • 1 0
 @ Waki - convert your current cassette (eventualy buy XT) ???????? Please elaborate upon this .
  • 6 4
 The company frim the link I posted coverst XT and XTR cassettes to different ranges, like 11-40. They also make complete custom cassettes. Steel and Ti from ehat I've learned. Dont expect prices to be low. It's a true craftmanship. Sram XX price level for a mod. Complete, wohooo... But it's worth it if you have the cash like for XX1 Wink
  • 2 0
 Thanks Smile
  • 2 0
 Why so neg on @Waki's post? Look like some good stuff there. We need more options to push the big guys into making what we want, or enough out there to offer affordable alternatives to the big guys trying to push and lock us into expensive new systems.
  • 10 0
 This is awesome.

Mountain bikes are finally starting to look like mountain bikes (lots of travel, big tires, sensible geometry), and now they'll start to be spec'd like mountain bikes (no front derailleur) instead of road bikes. Smile (only half kidding!)

"...and Shimano are very clear that this isn't supposed to work and if you approach them for advice on this system, don't be surprised if they, very politely, tell you where to go"

But wanna bet there's a more pocket friendly SRAM or Shimano version on the market in less than 18 months? What's also funny is how Pinkbike ran that article the other day about "letting the industry figure out what you need..." This is a perfect example the industry being shown what the consumer wants. *shrugs* just find it interesting.
  • 4 17
flag WAKIdesigns (Feb 19, 2013 at 11:24) (Below Threshold)
 mhm... Industry does not show a lot of interest to stuff they don't want to push themselves any soon. It's their game or they are not interested. Otherwise we would get dropper posts earlier, 650B and 29" will be all over the place 5 years ago. They need to wait until they can package it, until they make enough agreements between different parties to generate enough hype. And the whole thing is funny anyways. They did it because too many people jumped on 1x10 as soon as 36t cassettes came out. There were many many people who were like: mhm I can almost do anything on 1x9 with 34t cog... mhm. .. oh 36! I will uphill that on single ring for sure!

Instead of motivating riders to train a bit to jump on 1x9 or 1x10 as it is, they first make 2x10 to get rid of granny (and pardon me 24t granny paired with 36t rear is as lazy ass as 22t front -32t back, now we get another promotion of lazy assness with 42t in the rear. So certain people will remain exactly who they were, it will take them exactly same time to get on top of that same hill, which is forever, but they've bought two drive trains! relaibaility bla bla bla, but you're still f*cking slow, you can't use that reliability! it doesn't matter if you drop the chain or not, you suck if you need so much in the back, face it!
  • 29 0
 Pfft. Then everyone should ride singlespeeds. Gears are for pussies!

As for the industry game, I'd agree with that.

If I suck because I need an easy gear to push my 35 pound bike up some steeps, so be it. I WANT it to be easy, I'm not out to suffer or show how fast I can mash up something. I go out to get up, so I can GET DOWN. Its a means to and end. Couldn't give a rats a$$ who goes up faster or more comfortable... If I want to race, I'll go... race. In fact, I HOPE I suck at climbing fast....
  • 3 3
 Sorry, it wasn't meant to be any attack on you. I did not mean no harm..,
  • 9 1
 " I WANT it to be easy, I'm not out to suffer or show how fast I can mash up something. I go out to get up, so I can GET DOWN. Its a means to and end."


WHat he said, FTW! Dude, you are my hero! LOL
  • 11 1
 That Nomad has a granny AND the General Lee??!! What for? Tractor pulls?
  • 1 1
 That's what I was wondering about. Why would you need the General Lee if you have the 25T granny gear? Does that not do enough to get you up the climb?
  • 6 0
 I am not going to knock innovation but I definitely don't have the scratch for these new XX1 and even XX drivetrains. I am sticking with XO 9sp for the foreseeable future. I am relieved to see that XO cassettes can now be had for less than $70. To jump to 10- or 11-speed would mean more hours punching a clock and thus fewer hours on my bike. Thumbs down!
  • 9 3
 I was thinking about this with a 32t front ring until I realised it was a lot easier to just put on a 28t front ring with the existing 11-36 cassette and not worry about the one gear I lost at the top end
  • 3 1
 But then you would change your upper gears too - this increases the lower gear range while leaving the top as it is... This sounds good (in practice it may not be - I don't know!) and it will matter to some...

Too much for the average Joe though...
  • 5 1
 Hence why I said "not worry about the one gear Iost at the top end". But then my bike is for fun, not racing
  • 3 1
 to make your downhill bike more of an uphill bike without sacrificing the 36t or so sprocket?

Maybe not DH, but more trail or AM? I have done plenty of DH trails with a bit of uphill and maybe this would be nice for those moments.

Then again...a lift is nice in that moment too Wink
  • 2 0
 Matt - sorry! I was stoopid...
  • 3 1
 Or... you could just get 29" wheels....


(FYI, this is an ironic post before people get the 29 rage at me!)
  • 6 1
 I agree - it's better to drop the normal 32 front ring to a 30 or 28 as Mattjevans is saying. Honestly, if you're spinning out in your top gear (9th or 10th) then you're pretty much haulin ass and doing more bike handling and control than peddling. I'll take the gears to climb and lay off the brakes on the way down.
  • 13 5
 Honestly 32x11/36 gets me up and down everything. If you need to put one of these things on your bike it's either too heavy for what your doing or you need stronger legs.... sorry if that's blunt.
  • 2 0
 30x11 with 26" wheels on 2.35 tires = top pedaling speed of 30 Km/h (18 M/h);
32x11 with 26" wheels on 2.35 tires = top pedaling speed of 32 Km/h (19 M/h);
34x11 with 26" wheels on 2.35 tires = top pedaling speed of 34 Km/h (~21 M/h).
in: www.gear-calculator.com/

You'll need a higher top pedaling speed when you start racing some european style avalanches, believe me!

Nevertheless, I'd rather use a smaller 10 or 9T sprocket than a bigger chainring, but that's still not possible without having to change the rear hub.

I consider myself a strong pedaller, but I still need a wide range cassette for my AM and Enduro rides and for the type of trails I usually ride: very steep climbs (the ones you can barely keep your front wheel down), fast descending wide trails and single tracks, some bike parks as well.

At the end, it's all about keeping it as simple as possible and having fun riding your bike!
  • 7 1
 When you tell people what they do or do not need it sounds ignorant. Have you ridden all the trails that other posters ride? I could easily tell you to drop your cassette and put a DH one on there. And if you cant ride with a dh cassette your legs are weak. .. personaly i agree with you i have 34-11/34 on my 40lb bike. If i cant clean an uphill section i look at me not the bike. However what people put on their own bike is thier bussiness.
  • 2 0
 Fuglio, I agree, Im playing a round a bit but it's kind of true. To be honest, im more interested in something with a 9t in the rear so that I can still have a tall gear running a small front ring. Im not worried about having dinner plate rear sprockets but for those that are that's cool. Anything to get that front mech off your bike!! .... To me though, something more conservative would be nice. Like 32 in the front 9-38 out back.....
  • 1 0
 How are you fitting a 28t up front?
Smallest i can get on my XO crak spider is 32.
Only method i can think of is the direct mount ring.
  • 1 0
 I agree! My Driver8 is set up 11-36 w/ 33t up front is just fine.
  • 2 0
 Contactjt- check out Blackspire for some interesting ring options.
  • 8 1
 All this talk of manning up and getting bigger muscles is bull. With arthritis kicking in mid thirties, I'm sticking to spinning up steep hills with my 22 tooth chainring, and faster than most riders I meet. Same will go for many others who are young/old/unfit/injured. And I don't mind the double and mech so much now my SLX clutch mech and no chain device never drops a chain.
  • 2 2
 dude you are 92.... and still ride, that's awesome ..... granny gear or not. Smile
  • 2 2
 I gotta agree with darkstar63 somewhat...but I am also from fitness 29er capitol of the planet! I am climbing on a 32 pound single pivot AM bike with no lockouts 32t x 11-36 650b and pulling 20% to 26% (strava) climbs daily and I am one of the LEAST FIT riders in my group!

At the same time I get that this opens up more AM Enduro bikes for those who want a really easy climb and that is also good I want more people to have fun and if that's what it takes hell I am all for it!
  • 1 4
 seriously, people need to man up... i wouldn't consider myself that strong, but i use a 36t chain ring with an 11-36t cassette and it does everything pretty fine...
  • 1 0
 It is cool though, that we are getting rid of front mechs. I have hated front derailleurs since the first time I ever rode a bike with one. The chain flapping all over the place. I have been riding single front chain ring for a long time and it was tough running 32x34's on bigger bikes. 36 is great and somewhere where lower gears are needed bigger cassettes are a better option than fitting a front derailleur. But I will wait until I can get something at a lower price point that has a 9 tooth small cog to give me some top end too. With so many big wheeled bikes in the pipeline too, larger spread cassettes are needed.
  • 5 1
 Love this ' man up ' attitude , wait till you have had a few knee injuries and then try grinding out too hard a gear on an uphill and tell me how long your knees last. High revs on the pedals is more efficient than 50 rpm stood up destroying your knee caps
  • 4 0
 Dear Shimano & SRAM,

Bikers will want this, so you can adapt or die.

Sincerely,
Everyone who is sick of the minor tweaks SRAMano is making, rather than serious innovation & change.
  • 5 0
 Dear General Lee, If you make an entire cassette and rear derailleur, please shut up and take our money.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, it would be better to just have a cassette designed for 11-40, nine speed option would be nice too! I like the machining on the general lee.
  • 1 0
 SRAM minor tweaks? Do you remember that the market rejected Hammerschmidt? They tried.
  • 4 0
 Am I missing something here ?? Why don't they just make a whole cassette to suit the needs rather than piggy-back another brand cassette ?
  • 2 0
 ActionTec titanium has offered cogs to do these sorts of conversions for years now, in titanium and up to a 39T size. They're individual loose cogs so you don't want to run them on hubs with aluminium freehub bodies but that's hardly a problem to most riders.You swap out a block of your cassette and replace them with the titanium cogs and some spacers, or you can drop the final smallest cog or two, change the lockring size, and space the bigger cogs in behind your largest cog of your cassette (turn an 11-34 9 speed for example into an 12-39 9 speed).
  • 2 0
 I say ride what you dig! If this floats your boat and it will work for you, go for it. Who gives a fuck what others think about it. We all like riding. Some like options and tinkering with our bikes more then others. That's cool. What ever motivates you and keeps you on the trails is great. Keep on riding!
  • 2 0
 Iv got a full shimano zee set up. Zee cranks 36t, zee 10spd shifter, zee 10 spd deraileur, xtr cassette 11-36, and KMC ti gold chain 10 spd. I have zero prolems out of it. I ride a lot of xc and enduro style trails. My only complaint is im a bit of a panzy on the climbs so I am buying a 33t ring for the front. If you ever want the perfect gearing for any situation. This is it. I can't invent any situation in my head that this would not work for anyone with any riding style.
  • 1 0
 Is this only for cross country or could it be used on a downhill bike? it seems like you would be able to get through the gears quicker with this thing because of the large jumps. I guess you wouldn't necessarily be climbing a lot so maybe it isn't worth it for that application. I guess this is a stupid question.
  • 1 0
 XC/AM... most DHshort cage rear derailuers wont go above 32T
  • 1 0
 ive been running a 30 tooth ring up front with an xtr 36 to 11 on the back of my 29er and i can climb near on anything,had to fashion a special chain guide for the front but it`s a hell of a lot cheaper than any of this 40-42 malarky and it`s not going to kill the rear mech!
  • 1 0
 I just bought this 30T chain ring www.extralite.com/Products/octaramps_anglo.htm . I will be riding 11-36 cassette, which should give me a good ratio for climbing. It is cheaper that this adapter. I would like to see this adapter after long term test.
  • 1 0
 I recently installed one of these on a customer's bike and although it's a nice looking product, don't expect to maintain your current shifting performance. Shifting is sluggish and chattery - and that's with an XTR long cage derailleur. They recommend you max out the b-screw to keep the derailleur away from those massive cogs - that just takes the shifting performance from bad to worse...
  • 1 0
 General Lee News...

Has just been released the Shimano version with 28-33-40T

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271216037463?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1561.l2649

and they have more,,, as Shimano didn't come up, they DID IT! 29-35-42T

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271217436481?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
  • 1 0
 Old thread, but since no one made mention of it, heres what I did.

Im using a old shimano 105 ROAD triple crank set, 74mm and 130mm on the outside. with a 118mm square taper spindle, ( you could use a 121mm spindle, they are less than 20 bucks brand new on line, pick your size) got it at the local bike co-op for 5 dollars.

I have, a 28, and a 30 74mm ring, both conveniently NON ramped, I switch them out depending on how i feel, and run them with the General Lee Sram cassette 11-40. standard shimano XT LONG cage rear derailleur (couple years old) and a SLX 10 speed shifter, and KCNC x 10 chain...

Shifts fine, I dont race. might not be best for racers, but who cares? Im on a full suspension generic carbon chinese scott knock off Weight weenie 29er at under 24 pounds, it gets all up and over any hill, whole bike cost less than 2k USA dollars.

has never derailled either way, I have a 2 dollar plastic chain catcher on the inside and the spot where the outer rings would be on the crank keeps the chain on the outside.

LOVE IT, thanks General Lee
  • 1 0
 I just insalled Leonardi Factory / General Lee 29-35-42T on my SC Driver 8, and love it. I am able to climb with ease. I used XT 10 speed Casset + XO Type 2 Long Cage Derailleur. My chain ring is 32T. I had to add two more sections of chain links (=4 teeth worth) to a full length new Sram 1071 chain to allow enough sag for "chain growth(pull)" under rear suspension movements on my SC D8.
  • 1 0
 I just got this new from ebay. Potugal to USA. Fast shipping. I installed it on a 1.5 year old 10 speed drive train: Sram 1091 chain, X9 cassette, and X9 non clutch medium cage derailiuer. Nothing fancy up front: white industries ENO chainring. Rode 13 miles. Anderson Truck Trail. World Cup. Worked flawlessly. I suspect the broken in drive train had something to do with it. Highly recommend.
  • 1 0
 XX1 is going on my new trail bike, but I just rode my Chromag Sakura today with a 1x9 (32t fr, 11-34 rr) and it got up all the climbs. I had to maintain cadence and really dig for a few switchbacks, but it can be done. Still, I'm looking forward to the 10-42 on the XX1 because the 10 gets me a nice top end with a 34-36t ring. The 32/11 combo def spins out when you get moving.
  • 4 3
 Huge kudos to SRAM for one of final steps to make Mountain bikes free of those hideous front derailleurs. Useless pish! Die die die my front darling! But you took it one step too far with the price of XX1, If I were you I would start with X9 and keep it 10sp.
So big thanks but... Boom goes your bubble with General Lee's arrival! That will hold few people off...

Thanks for that article Matt! Now I just wonder... Buy that or... Train harder Blank Stare
  • 2 0
 I spent several minutes this morning vomitting by the side of the road after trying to do a famous climb with only a 52t chainring. So you can guess which option I'd recommend.
  • 4 3
 No excuses! Mark Weir did not even have 11-34, when rocking few hour rides with 40t up front! Get a Enduro mustache and rock it!
  • 7 2
 BTW - you write so many articles on Enduro, you know so much about it, the format will be huge, yet there is still very little here. You should forge some standards before it kicks off. How about an article on Enduro Fashion? Will it be gentleman's sport? What helmets to wesr, what cut of pants, will Lycra be acceptable? What kind of mustache? Mark Weirs Sanchez, Ross Schnells gentleman, Nicos and Dan Athertons angry bulldog or Jerome Clementz - peasant style?
  • 5 0
 The problem with me writing about Enduro fashion is that I don't care. Unless you're wearing an open-face helmet and goggles, which is just wrong. And no, lycra is never acceptable.
  • 5 1
 Yeah, this must really piss SRAM off. Not only will it cut into their XX1 sales, it also dampens any excitement of them releasing lower-cost versions of it. I think it's great because an 11 speed chain should not be necessary to run a single ring setup with a super wide range. I hope when Shimano inevitably releases their version it is 10 speed. But derailleurs still suck and once they are hopefully gone some day these huge cassettes will seem silly.
  • 5 0
 One day Protour you will post a comment which doesn't contain the words "Derailleurs suck" and everyone will be shocked.
  • 2 2
 Protour - cold fusion first - then gearboxes and affordable Carbon parts. Though You might wanna move to Mars by then.
  • 2 0
 They do suck...
  • 2 1
 All of this whining about XX1cost. Next year XO, then next X9(if not sooner). Patience.
  • 7 0
 My front derailleur works just fine. I run my weenie bike 1x10 for XC racing, but climbing 2000ft+ straight, after a few hours of riding, even 32x40 may get old pretty fast. 24x36 front with a bash and 11-34 rear works well.
  • 5 1
 Lycra not acceptable? What is wrong with you people? It is just a convenient, sport specific pair of pants. Get off you wet erotic dreams - nobody is checking out your ass.
  • 1 2
 Axxe - Lycra + skinny kneeguards, openface + goggles + sanchez it shall be! As for the bike: CF Canyon frame with 62HA and massive BB drop, 650B, XX1, single crown USD fork, dropper post with internal cable routing and most importantly: Garmin on to the stem!

I'm sending the mails out asap, before big guns set off for See Potter Cycle Fashion Show!
  • 3 0
 If you lived on mars you wouldnt even need this cassette! The gravity is only 1/3 that of here.. You could ride up the tallest mountain faster than a moto, and all with a 44t chainring and a road cassette on your dh bike, then ride down, hucking whatever 100' drops you want!
  • 3 3
 Six66 - that is unfounded and probably misinformed speculation.
  • 5 0
 if you blah blah i would nerd nerd....
  • 1 0
 Waki it was a haha. But now Im serious- Lets hi-jack that Axe Apollo contest spaceship and bring our bikes with us and find out, deal?
  • 2 0
 six66 - yea! We would beat all those freeride superstars big time. They shag their brains out to find those remote places no one has ridden before, they dig for 5 days to make one in run and a hip. Then they give an interview in huge sunglasses about how sick it was to jump it Imagine giving such interview in Troy Lee space suit helmet, and Oakley signature visor

- yea landing was like great, we are just like happy to ride our bikes and we're like into pushing boundaries of the sport! We'll be like, really sending it!
- how is it to ride in a space suit? Must feel super cool yet limiting movement?
- no no it's like really great, you know you feel like you are like the only man that has ever done it. Like it just gets tough when you fart, like filters never take it out really aaand it takes like, 30 seconds before you get used to it, it's like really living in your own atmosphere

when you are like dope, like cool, the "like" becomes like a coma, but it is like a more positive coma, because "like" can be like "similar to" but also the "like", like a "like" on Facebook, so like it means you like something and it's like it is positive
  • 2 0
 Olympus Mons is a large shield volcano on the planet Mars. By one measure, it has a height of nearly 22 km six66 you try that for a good measure with cam zink
  • 1 0
 For every one out there who is now crunching the numbers on a gear calculator to see what they might gain from this - this is my favorite:
kstoerz.com/gearcalc/compare
It allows you to set up two whole drive trains and compare them - it is slightly manual, but that give some more freedom to mess around - like adding 4 chainrings, or 12 cogs in the back...
  • 1 0
 Fair play guys. Single ring is definitely the way to go now and good too see people pushing the boundaries of what's possible!! Once this has been sorted so you get super smooth shifting you can kiss goodbye to the crappy looking front mech and shifter. #keeppushing
  • 1 0
 So, theoretically, since SRAM uses 1:1 cable pull I should be able to run this with a XX1 rear mech (to get the parallell-action-thingy), 10s shifter and 10s pulleys?

That would save me of buying a new boss (wheel/hub) cassette and crank (I'd use a CD anyways). Great!

If I'm not trying this, I'm definitely trying the XX1 on a 10s drivetrain on this years bike.
  • 1 0
 i was thinking clever , then saw the mech go pretty much straight in top gear, that can't be good longevity. in bottom gear there will just be loads of chain slapping about perfect for orange 5 swing arms to get eaten i will stick to my good old x o as i don't even use all 9 gears :O
  • 1 0
 OK, so we have the General Lee Cassette, and a T2 rear derailleur. Is there anyone out there making front rings with the teeth like the XX1? (So we can basically build up a 10 speed XX1 type drive train at a reasonable price)
  • 1 0
 3 points:

1- the zee mech is only designed to cope with a large tooth of 36t so asking it to cope with any larger rings will allways comprimise performance- if you want shimano go for an slx or xt med cage, these may still have the same problem but probably have a better chance of coping with it

2- for that price i would be hoping to be buying a complete casette if you want this setup and dont have a compatible sram cassette already its going to be a very costly upgrade (yes im aware its cheaper than xx1) but it still aint cheap for a mtb casette

3 - the whole point of this massive casette movement is to allow single rings to be ran up front saving front mech/shifter weight, allowing a propper full on chainguide up front and clearing handlebar clutter to improve ergonomics with dropper post remotes, so why is the sram meched bike running a twin ring with a granny ring, the cadence you would have with a 24t ring at the front and a 40 at the back would be ridiculous, surely you would run out of traction before you need a gear of that mechanical advantage?????

in summary this is a good idea and there is definitely call for it but its a tad costly and not perfectly matched to the gear systems out there at the moment, but i suppose they could try and make links b-links for shimano mechs with mode converters like saint and zee do to stretch them up to the desired ratios....
  • 1 0
 **I ordered one of these and received it yesterday! I have decided not to keep it after all. Im not dissatisfied with it, its just that Im heavy (250+ lbs) and its alloy. Its brand new never mounted. Anyone wants it I will pass it along at cost.$200 Its a beautiful piece of cnc/billet work. Superlight. PM me if interested. . -morph.
  • 3 0
 I would be very interested in these. Any links to purchase? especially in english?
  • 1 0
 Oh my god, a double with a 24 tooth chainring on the front and a 40 tooth cog in the back. Is it even possible to pedal fast enough to keep the bike upright in that gear? Hilarious stuff!
  • 1 0
 "You will also void any warranty on your drivetrain parts" is laughable. When was the last time the warranty on a drive train meant anything anyway? Great product for the rest of us non-worldcup/non-flatlanders.
  • 1 0
 So you swap a front derailleur and shifters for a chainguide...sounds about equal weight. Why not just a 2 ring front cassette with a 36x12 or 36x11 rear cassette that you could get for about $30?
  • 5 1
 Great, now we just have to wait for china to mass produce it!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 nice idea, but is there any difference between chain lengh in compare with standard cassette? I mean to avoid meeting of cage and cassette when the bikes goes deep into its travel
  • 1 0
 i wouldn't worry about it
  • 1 0
 danke Smile
  • 1 0
 Looks cool and it must perform really well.. I wouldn`t mind one on my Stumpy but 123€ + shipping costs is a bit too expensive. Maybe when mine wears off I will replace it with this one.
  • 2 2
 I've always had a 1x setup my entire mt. Biking life...1x8, 1x9, 1x10....running a 34t or 36t up front. I figured I'm fit enough to do away with the rest of the clutter. It seems the mfg. industry like to please those who can't and make more crap. If its difficult to climb a hill and earn your reward, spend some time to get better...otherwise find another life, like knitting!
  • 5 2
 Hate to sound like a DHer but surely if you need to be running 34t X 40t you'd be quicker pushing???
  • 1 0
 What chainring was used with this Gen Lee adaptr? How many teeth?

Could you replace the 11 tooth with a 10 tooth and reduce the number of teeth of your front chainring ?
  • 3 0
 That sure is an interesting take on the spline...
  • 2 0
 A 39t low end would be cool... along with a 33t front- I just like 3rds. makes it easy with a normal-ass 11t top.
  • 4 2
 Illuminatus!!!
  • 3 1
 Honestly I'd rather stick to my 36 tooth sprocket. 123 Euros can be better spent on other components on my bike!
  • 2 1
 The shifting in that video was awful! Totally overshifting! Can hear the chain biting at the next sprocket, that would do my head in!
  • 1 0
 Pretty stuff. Need the opposite and only 4 gears:

- SRAM XX1: 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42

instead

- SRAM 10: 9-11-13-15-spacer
  • 3 0
 Check out the Canfield micro drive Combine the microdrive with the General Lee and you have XX1 10 speed.
  • 2 0
 Want it, but as a 9 speed. Mass produce and bring down the cost and I'll buy it.
  • 3 0
 I hope Shimano come out with 11-38 SLX. It should just work.
  • 2 0
 I'd also like to see some quality Cranks in a smaller bcd to accommodate a 30t easily.
  • 2 0
 Sram just lost a bucket load of money ha ha that will teach them for ripping us off
  • 3 1
 Damn just forked out loads for XX1 yesterday. Not happy JAN!
  • 5 1
 How did you every ride your bike before? :-)

It sounds like XX1 has much better shifting and (comparatively to this) proven reliability, so you've hardly thrown your money away. If you could justify it yesterday, I don't think much will have changed today... Although saying that if you change your mind I'll give you £10 cash for it!
  • 3 2
 Just kidding ;-)
  • 2 0
 Doh! :-)
  • 2 1
 Guess i miss out on AUD $14.98
  • 1 0
 Me gusta la idea, ahora con que tamaño de plato necesitas para tener lo mismo que un plato 22 con piñon 36 ...
  • 2 0
 Con un plato de 25 tendrias el equivalente (0,61), pero te recomiendo probar primero con un plato de 24 y seguir con el piñon de 36, cuando te acostumbres puedes saltar a este sistema y adelante dejar un plato de 28 o 30.
  • 1 0
 Buena info! Gracias ....
  • 1 1
 Em Portugal, à venda em:

coimbracity.olx.pt/cassete-sram-general-lee-11-40t-xx1-low-cost-iid-435659981

Estou a montar uma na minha Santa Cruz Nomad!
  • 1 1
 Em Portugal, à venda em:

coimbracity.olx.pt/cassete-sram-general-lee-11-40t-xx1-low-cost-iid-435659981

Estou a montar uma na minha Santa Cruz Nomad!
  • 1 2
 I use a deore 11-36 cassette, ditched the big ring and now up front run a 22, 36 with a long cage and a stinger chain device and a low clamp x9 derr. XO twist shifters can trim the front derr, works just fine.
  • 1 0
 Now if only the guys at Bignoli could answer my email! Been looking to buy one for a few weeks already .. Frown
  • 3 1
 Hey dude, email me and I will answer for you, their system wasn't working...

Their english is not top, ;-)

Info at I-MTB.com

Thanks

Alex
  • 1 0
 They just answered me, thanks anyway! Smile
  • 2 4
 Is there any way to mod a 9 speed shifter or vica versa to work with a clutch mech and this? Fkuc 10 speed. Fkuc 9 speed even. 8 is enough, but that's an old rant. an someone make these and a 9 speed mod for clutch mechs please.
  • 2 0
 If you want 9 speed and a clutched mech then you can apparently run a SRAM 9 speed shifter with a shimano 10 speed mech. The shifting ratios of the 9 speed SRAM is very close to the ratio of the 10 speed shimano. Have a google of it for more info, im gona be giving it a go in the summer.
  • 1 0
 You need a small spacer and you can run SRAM 9sp shifters with Shimano clutch mechs. Zee is a excellent mech for a 1x9 setup.
  • 2 0
 Not comptatible Shimano ?
  • 3 0
 It's comptatible Shimano XTR. because the pinions is duplicated on the dual 30-34 and also on the following.
  • 1 0
 I want to have this casette, but I'm in denial of having to buy a new hub, new casette, chain, all drivetrain!! :@
  • 2 0
 Has anyone heard anything new about Hope's 36-9 cassette?
  • 1 0
 These sprockets look like what I am looking for my Sealed Drive bike too go 1 x 10

www.pinkbike.com/video/218538
  • 1 0
 I thot the point of the increased range was to get rid of front derailleur??
  • 2 0
 Just another way to f*ck ur derailleur up
  • 1 0
 mattwrag, possible to run this with 9spd cassette? with thinner adapter between cogs?
  • 1 0
 How are these cassette holding up after few months of using them guys?
  • 2 1
 Color matching cassette..? Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Yep, match it with your Kashima forks. Smile
  • 1 0
 I use a 38 tooth front ring I wonder how this would work with that setup
  • 1 4
 or you CAN MAN UP HIKE UP AND TRRICK EVERY LITTLE THING on the trail and single speed it i still beat my dad uphills on my dj its kinda funy but you need to make one of these easier to mix a road and xc casssete for dh so you can pedal once in a while
  • 1 0
 Ok, when and where can we buy one here in the U.S. of A.??
  • 1 0
 Any long term review on this?
  • 1 0
 can is use it on my shimano 9 speed rear cassette??
  • 2 2
 There will be dirt in those holes.
  • 2 1
 your cassette is full of holes already. Being at the center of a spinning wheel allows it to shed most crap. Same thing with rotors.
  • 1 1
 They should make ceramic. Harder and worth the money. Aluminium sucks Smile
  • 3 3
 a bit ugly but hey if it works...
  • 1 0
 it costs how much?
  • 2 0
 You should check how much the xx1 cassette from Sram costs
  • 2 5
 This is getting stupid now.... I wonder what size rear cassettes will get before they realise that cassettes and mech are the wrong way of doing things ? 50 Toothed rear soon ?? Fking joke.
  • 1 0
 perfect! I want one
  • 1 1
 Thats a beut
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