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?"
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
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 TrailTo 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.
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: | When 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 FactoryBagnoli Bike
Any one who wants to buy and xtr front mech and shifter give me a shout!!!
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€
coimbracity.olx.pt/cassete-sram-general-lee-11-40t-xx1-low-cost-iid-435659981
Estou a montar uma na minha Santa Cruz Nomad!
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!
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
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. (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.
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!
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....
WHat he said, FTW! Dude, you are my hero! LOL
Too much for the average Joe though...
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
(FYI, this is an ironic post before people get the 29 rage at me!)
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!
www.gear-calculator.com/#KB=34&RZ=11,13,15,17,19,22,25,29,34,40&GR=DERS&TF=85&UF=2160&SL=2
Smallest i can get on my XO crak spider is 32.
Only method i can think of is the direct mount ring.
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!
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.
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
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
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
I'm sending the mails out asap, before big guns set off for See Potter Cycle Fashion Show!
- 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
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...
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- 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....
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/General-Lee-11-40-Cassete-Rear-Sprockets-Kit-SRAM-Shimano-SRAM-XX1-Low-Cost-/200906193837?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2ec6f13bad
Could you replace the 11 tooth with a 10 tooth and reduce the number of teeth of your front chainring ?
- SRAM XX1: 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42
instead
- SRAM 10: 9-11-13-15-spacer
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!
coimbracity.olx.pt/cassete-sram-general-lee-11-40t-xx1-low-cost-iid-435659981
Estou a montar uma na minha Santa Cruz Nomad!
coimbracity.olx.pt/cassete-sram-general-lee-11-40t-xx1-low-cost-iid-435659981
Estou a montar uma na minha Santa Cruz Nomad!
Their english is not top, ;-)
Info at I-MTB.com
Thanks
Alex
www.pinkbike.com/video/218538
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271159603637?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
Cheers
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271159603637?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp85/jcganley/60Tooth.jpg
or the 80 tooth sprocket:
i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg471/bobc0/bikebits/80sprocket.jpg
why not 100 tooth sprocket?
25.media.tumblr.com/4a226f6c7593c743ff108d9d8d1f877b/tumblr_mge6so2jU11r2n4sho1_500.jpg
Here they are!!!
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271216037463?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1561.l2649
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271217436481?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649