E*thirteen Announces New Close Range & Wide Range Cassettes

May 18, 2023
by e*thirteen  
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PRESS RELEASE: e*thirteen

At e*thirteen we don’t just engineer products; we engineer choices. Not all riders have the same needs so we’ve designed cassettes with purpose built gear options.

CLOSE RATIO 13-52T: 13, 15, 17, 19, 22, 25, 28, 32, 36, 40, 45, 52

SUPER-WIDE RANGE 9-52T: 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 23, 27, 31, 36, 43, 52

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HELIX RACE 13-52T

As pedal assist bikes have become more popular, we set out to engineer a close-ratio cassette specifically for e-MTBs. Enter the Helix Race 13-52T—a new 12-speed close-ratio cassette specifically engineered for steep terrain with high climbing speeds and gravity-powered descents.

The 13T, combined with a 32T chainring at 85rpm cadence, will deliver speeds of 30kmph/19.2mph, right at the speed limited assistance of most e-bikes. The new 52T lowest gear and closer steps help riders clean the most technical climbs with newfound ease.

Most mountain bike riders spend at least 70% of their time climbing or traversing, not utilizing the smallest cogs of the cassette. We’ve moved those wasted gears to the big cogs, giving you smaller gear steps starting at the 25T cog all the way through to the 52T. With this gearing, you can optimize cadence for e-bikes and bio-bikes alike.

While the Helix Race 13-52T was conceived with e-bikes in mind, it can improve the ride experience for all types of riders, allowing them to optimize their cadence on steep climbs and let gravity do the work on descents.

Like all e*thirteen Helix cassettes, the Helix Race 13-52T delivers seamless cross-compatibility with SRAM, Shimano, and TRP 12-speed drivetrains, along with improved shifting precision and wear life. Weighing in at 467g, the cogs are reinforced for high-powered e-bikes yet light enough for weight-optimized trail bikes. Experience the advantages of a close-ratio cassette on your next ride, with the Helix Race 13-52T.

• Close ratio gearing cassette for better
cadence and improved shifts under load
• Lower fatigue and extended range (Bio
or Battery) with sweet spot cadence for
max efficiency
• Helix Race Close Ratio 13-15-17-19-22-25-28-32-36-40-45-52 vs Eagle 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-38-44-52
• Cross-compatibility with Shimano, SRAM, and TRP drivetrains and chains
• Aluminum and Steel clusters can be replaced separately to reduce service costs and lower environmental impact versus buying a complete replacement cassette
• Patented two-piece aluminum/steel construction for strength, stiffness, light weight, and durability
• Reinforced for e*spec strength: 467g
• Five bold anodized or PVD color options
• Tested extensively for bio and e-bike use
• Price: $345.95 USD

photo

MOST RANGE IN THE GALAXY

Helix Race 9-52T Cassettes are engineered to deliver precision shifting performance with Shimano, SRAM, and TRP 12-speed drivetrains equally with an industry-leading 578% gear range. e*thirteen’s proprietary 9T smallest cog combined with the new 52t largest cog enables the use of a smaller chainring for improved clearance, lighter system weight, and a lower bail-out gear ratio while offering an even higher top gear.

The unique two-part design, with its 7075 aluminum two large cogs and 10-cog heat treated steel cluster, uniquely supports replacing the individual clusters as they wear, lowering cost and waste while maintaining optimal performance. Forged and CNC machined from steel and AL 7075, the Helix Race 9-52T cassettes are light enough for weight-conscious trail bikes at just 392g, yet tough enough to take the abuse of high-powered e-bikes. Future-proof your ride and expand your range with the Helix R 9-52T. Available in the full Helix color range, including long-wearing Intergalactic PVD.

• Widest range in the galaxy at 578%: 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 23, 27, 31, 36, 43, 52
• Cross-compatibility with Shimano, SRAM, and TRP drivetrains and chains • Two-part design provides ease of assembly/service and reduces waste
• Two largest alloy cogs cluster or 10 steel cog cluster can be replaced separately and affordably
• 43-52t cluster can be retrofitted to upgrade Helix 9/50t cassettes
• Unique 9T high gear allows use of smaller chainrings for clearance and weight savings
• Heat-treated Steel and AL-7075 construction for strength, stiffness, light weight, and durability
• Five anodized or PVD options to coordinate with colors and components to match your dream build
• Tested extensively for analog and e-bike use
• Price: $345.95 USD

THE FULL HELIX RANGE

e*thirteen’s complete range of 11 and 12-speed cassettes solves compatibility woes and allows riders to optimize gear selection for any riding style, terrain, or bicycle. Our team understands the limitations of a one size fits all approach, so we’ve created the Helix cassette range for the best performance and value in a variety of sizes.
12-speed cassettes are available in four gear configurations from the Close Ratio 13-52T to the 9-45T that can be fitted to eke out a little more range on a gravel bike.

For the diehards sticking with tried and true 11-speed, Helix cassettes run the gamut from 9-46T Wide Range for MTBs to the Wide Road 9-34T. You chose to stick with 11-speed; now you can choose more range and easier, lower-cost service.

More information: ethirteen.com

Posted In:
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195 Comments
  • 105 12
 Ill stick with my Shimano XT 12 speed thanks. As good if not better ratios that either of these, same weight, less than half the cost. Granted, the pimp factor will be lower as I cannot get the anodized colors! I also feel the need to boycott any marketing that refers to normal bikes as 'bio' or 'analog'.
  • 89 3
 I always preferred the term “naturally aspirated”.
  • 13 49
flag jamesdexter (May 18, 2023 at 12:30) (Below Threshold)
 @ninjatarian: I really like naturally aspirated, I call them acoustic bikes
  • 12 1
 Bio-bike is a bit cringy but at least it's not massively stupid like the term accoustic bike. Maybe bio-bike is the least bad option.
  • 35 1
 Meatcycle or just bike. Analog, acoustic, bio can gtfo!
  • 18 1
 @ninjatarian: maybe others didnt quite catch this, but "Naturally aspirated" is an excellent term, if there has to be some sort of differentiating terminology.

I think "bike" and "e-bike" are just fine, we all friggin know what these terms mean right?

Friggin Normally Aspirated bikes sounds awesome, you win good sir!
  • 11 0
 They are called muscle bikes
  • 32 9
 Call me old fashioned but I use the term bike… because anything else is just a motorbike lol
  • 7 2
 @nismo325: ah, so clever.
These e-bike quips never fail to amuse me
  • 5 5
 @onawalk: Right? Motorbike and moped are just as noxious as acoustic bike and…ugh…bio bike. Maybe not as bad as bio bike.
  • 7 0
 yep. e13 doesnt have the greatest brand reputation to try and sell things at 2x shimano xt which is like the benchmark. maybe undercut xt and then we will buy it for the cool colors
  • 1 1
 Seems like everybody can get down with “unassisted mtb” why am I the only one using the term? (Obviously only when talking about ebikes, when I’m talking about regular bikes I just call them bikes)
  • 12 1
 And because assisted and unassisted are such a big words, let’s just call them ass-bikes and non-ass-bikes for short
  • 4 0
 @jamesdexter: e-bike and me-bike, amirite?
  • 1 0
 @ibishreddin: That is reserved for single speed or fully rigid bikes. Sorry.
  • 2 0
 Got to admire the creativity of some marketing people all the same. Not an easy task to constantly come up with brand lifting ideas for items that are already well established in the market. However, I will also be referring to my mtb as mtb. Naturally aspirated is also excellent. Kudos ninjatarian.
  • 1 0
 @jamesdexter: and that sucks too, congratulations
  • 3 0
 I run a 12speeds medium cage XT drivetrain with a 9-46 e-thirteen cassette. It weights something like 330g, almost half from Shimano ones. That’s the only reason why I bought it, 2 years of riding and very happy about my choice.
  • 2 0
 @ninjatarian: I tend to use the term "barely aspirated"
  • 2 0
 @tomfoolerybackground: bio bike sounds silly,

What’s wrong with bike, and e-bike?
  • 1 6
flag cedric-eveleigh (May 19, 2023 at 7:06) (Below Threshold)
 @onawalk: E-bikes are a type of bike, so bike by itself is ambiguous.
  • 1 0
 These are for the guys that have matching anodized Hope everything. Grips, stem, seatpost collar, cranks, rotors, brakes, hubs, etc. Money can't buy taste, but it can buy matching parts.
  • 1 0
 @cedric-eveleigh: We say "Muscular" over here...
  • 1 0
 @onawalk: I think we can all agree that's a perfectly reasonable naming convention that absolutely no brand will ever follow. I can't help but wonder if ethirteen is just trolling with bio bike in the name of 'sparking engagement'.
  • 1 0
 @nicoenduro: Thank you! what do I get as a prize
  • 2 0
 @jamesdexter: an ebike with cables that go through the headset and the pressfit bottom bracket
  • 2 0
 @cedric-eveleigh: you’re being sarcastic right?
  • 1 0
 You have unassisted bikes and assisted bikes (or bikes with pedal assistance). Not sure why it isn't being used more as I think this was the official (or original) name. Maybe it doesn't sound cool to say you're getting assistance with pedaling (even if you actually are).
  • 1 0
 @onawalk: no
  • 1 0
 @ninjatarian: or on a steep and long climb, naturally athsmarated
  • 1 0
 @vinay: In terms of clearly conveying the type of bike, unassisted bike is a good term, but it doesn't roll of the tongue too nicely.
  • 4 0
 There is no need for any new term. It’s bicycle. Anything with a motor isn’t.
  • 1 0
 @cedric-eveleigh: So the term e-bike isnt somehow descriptive enough?
  • 1 0
 @FuzzyL: youre adorable
  • 1 0
 A XT 10-52 cassette weighs 469 gr., versus 384/392 gr. for Helix 9-50/9-52.
  • 1 0
 Ratios are a personal preference, but for me the existence of a 9 tooth cog is an enormous advantage over Shimano and Sram's offers.
  • 53 1
 Not trying to be an elitist but i genuinely don't understand how anyone could need a 52t sprocket on an ebike. The motor on a full power ebike probably has enough torque that you could tie a rope around your spokes and winch yourself straight up a cliff with that gearing.
  • 15 0
 I think you just created the first James Bond mountain bike!
  • 15 0
 Wait till the battery dies
  • 3 0
 Agreed. I don't know if I've ever even used the upper two rings on my ebike's XT cassette
  • 2 1
 It would actually make sense if the e-bike speed wouldn't be limited to 25kmh (and a bit more in the US). As it is, there is no reason to have big chainrings because pedalling an ebike faster than the limit is PITA and no serious e-mountinbiker has actually ever done it.
  • 2 12
flag gooral (May 18, 2023 at 14:59) (Below Threshold)
 @n734535: motor only produces that torque at certain cadence, if you are in wrong gear, you get nothing. On extremely steep terrain that you would never ride your Amish bike on, you need that 52 cog.
  • 14 1
 ebikes should be sold with the 11-45 cassette and the short cage derailleur, it is the way
  • 1 1
 @ranchitup: with a 34t chainring + full weight of the bike, watching the trails that 80% of the e-bike comunity are post pandemit cyclists nobody of that group could pedal the bike uphill, maybe the 52t will work in the flats if the battery dies.
  • 7 1
 Have an ebike, can confirm. Even on the steepest climbs the 52T isn’t necessary. I think a 46T is more than adequate. I’d rather have tighter gearing or a 9T at the other end.
  • 1 0
 @slickrides: This is the way
  • 2 0
 @gnarlysipes: Wouldn't your bike completely destroy that 9t sprocket? I need to replace my 11t sprocket (or a 11-36t 10sp XT cassette) every time I replace the chain (at .5% strain). And I'm riding without pedal assistance and a 34t oval front ring.
  • 1 0
 @slickrides: or less. im chillin with 11-40 on a normal bike
  • 1 0
 No idea why there is shifting on an ebike. The torque of an electric motor allows to build cars without transmission, there is no reason to put gears on an electric powered two-wheeler.
  • 1 0
 @FuzzyL: the drive trail spins at the speed of your legs, not the speed of your motor.
  • 1 0
 @sfarnum: But you can simulate pedaling at any cadence, it’s just to engage the motor, you don’t actually have to apply much pressure, so the gear doesn’t play a big role.
  • 1 0
 @FuzzyL: the pedals don’t just work as a throttle. Pedaling is assisted, but it’s not a motorcycle.
  • 1 0
 I don’t understand why all e-bikes are not downhill bikes. I mean if you have a motor just carry the biggest rig.
  • 2 1
 @taouin: Some e-bikes are DH bikes, but not all of them. Apparently people buy these other e-bikes too. If people would only buy the DH variation, surely by now brands would only make those. Apparently the customers chose something else. I don't care really. It is like Pinkbike reviewers claiming that the bike designers "forgot" to implement a bottle mount or Chris Porter claiming that all mountainbikes should have rear suspension. As long as there is a bike that suits my purposes, I'm fine. The existence of bikes that don't suit my purposes doesn't hurt me. I'm tough like that.
  • 1 0
 You need a 52t sprocket in order to use a larger chainring and thus decrease transmission wear. That's the logic behind these cassettes.
  • 1 0
 @DavidGuerra: How big can chainrings get on most bikes? My frame only accepts up to 36t (so I'm running 34t as I prefer oval chainrings). I do like the idea though. Get the largest chainring you can fit to minimize wear.
  • 30 1
 Bio bikes?
It's called mountain biking.
Always has been, always will be.
Batteries Not Included.
  • 23 0
 They should have never discontinued their 10 speed 9-42 cassette. 467% range, 300g. Coupled with 10 speed Shimano it’s smooth shifting and one of my favorite setups ever.
  • 8 0
 It makes perfect sense if you can run a small chainring on your bike
  • 5 0
 Shimano did just release the new high durability groups. High range 11 spd and other ranges. All built for the average non-sponsored rider.
  • 1 0
 @Cannonbill: Why do I keep hearing about link glide, like I go to google where are they used and I'll see articles from years back about, but wheres the bikes equipped with them (shimanos article is from 2021 saying expect them this summer)? No one offers a spec with them. Wondering why sram hasn't come up with a more durable ebike drivetrain too, be nice to see the day ebike drivetrains are commonplace and standardized rather than still seeing sx/nx on $6k+ bikes
  • 1 0
 Exactly. Why the hell you would make a cassette with way less range and keep it 12-speed, especially for a cassette targeted at eMTBs. If you're going to lose range, you should pick up durability and ease of adjustment. Way less important to have exactly the right cadence when the motor is helping you.
  • 1 0
 @Cannonbill: but it doesn't fit on any nice hub purchased in the last 5 years without replacing the driver body.
  • 1 0
 @dancingwithmyself: I cant speak from personal experience, but I did think they said it was hg compatible.
  • 1 0
 @TeaPunk: here’s a podcast with transcript.
“Linkglide is basically a different approach. It's starting with thicker steel cogs, and cutting really deep shift gates into them, so we can end up with basically the smoothest possible shifting that Shimano can produce, but also a group that's focused on durability and longevity.”

www.pinkbike.com/news/the-pinkbike-podcast-shimano-linkglide-cues-explained.html
  • 1 0
 @Cannonbill: No yeah I've seen all the articles, I'm wondering where they are in the wild and why I don't see any mtbers actually using them
  • 2 0
 @TeaPunk: @TeaPunk: So basically two issues, the first being delays in production, the second being numerous rebranding/repositioning of the product.

I spoke to a trade shimano rep at a show about this recently. At one point the cassettes were going to work with the existing shifters and derailleurs, but they weren't hitting the durability targets so widened the sprockets. There was also going to be a new hollowtech standard but that was shelved. Plus the whole thing was then rebranded into the Ques family last year to add to the delays.

The whole project is a nice overview of Shimanos issues in recent years (supply problems, odd branding, and strange design choices).
  • 1 0
 @Witz-93: Ah wow thanks for the info
  • 15 4
 13-52!

IT IS ABOUT f*ckING TIME!

The geometry of any cog smaller than 12t is one of marketing only, as it adds dramatically to *stated* range at the same time as it adds precipitously to drag, wear and inefficiency. the ultimate "sell the sizzle not the steak"

13-52 and run a 30t chain ring. perfect enduro setup and you can actually reasonably use 1st and 12th gear again!!!!
  • 5 0
 I am an idiot and typed too fast. 34t chainring. top end on par with 32/10 and a usable 52t
  • 2 1
 Yes the "new standard" 9T and 10T cogs can't be used to put down serious power. That's why the roadies avoid them as well.
  • 4 0
 @Mtbdialed - Hell yes! We share your enthusiasm here! Thanks for the kind words.
  • 8 2
 Agreed. I've long wondered why anybody gave the smallest shit about "range" when it came (at least in part) from giving us smaller high gear cogs. Show me a trail where anybody is using 9t, 10t or heck even 12t cog and I'll show you a fireroad. Completely irrelevant
  • 6 1
 Just ordered the 13-52. I have steep climbs where I'm from, so 32T or 30T in the front with the 40-45-52 combo will make climbing a bit more enjoyable for sure!
  • 8 2
 @Will762: What are you on about? I use my 10t cog nearly 95% of the time I am descending - as does nearly anyone on any number of "blue" and black" trails everywhere.
  • 1 0
 Agree. And too bad cassette drivers had to shrink to fit the tiniest cogs. 9t and 10t cause a major re-design of the driver, for the worse, to accommodate those tiny cogs that we rarely ever use. Show me a worn out 9t and I'll show you ten worn out 50t cogs.
  • 1 0
 This is why I still rock a triple on my HT that gets used for gravel!
  • 3 0
 @MikerJ: The reason your 50 or 52T cogs wear out is because we spend the majority of our time in those gears applying continual power to the drivetrain during the high resistance of climbing + they are typically made of less durable and lighter material to shed weight from the cassette. During descending, even rolling descending, you are only ever applying pedal strokes incrementally between long bouts of coasting and you are not fighting gravity.

Smaller cogs are absolutely useful in terms of maximizing the ability to apply power to the pedals during speedy descents and for significantly reducing pedal kickback. There are absolutely reasons you'd want the smallest reasonable cogs.

I would also point out that modern drivetrains are, without any doubt, better than drivetrains of just 3-4 years ago. So not sure what you're on about.
  • 1 2
 @KJP1230:Sounds like you've got some cool trails. Not like that "everywhere" though. Quite the opposite in my experience where the double blacks were brakes and no chain. Running blacks fast and clean is about carrying speed without chain. Remember Gwin winning chainless? Downhill greens and dirt roads are the only places I see the 9t engaged. Again, I think the proof is that you rarely see the 9/10t wear out. Yeah its harder but it has way less teeth so you'd expect it to wear much faster if you were really using it. Agree with your point about dropping gears to avoid kickback is good - but giving that up would be a small cost. And yes today's drivetrains are great. Especially compared to the "thumbies" I started out on. I think for many riders though drivetrains could have easily been made better by eliminating the 9/10t. Where you ride it's a different game I suppose.
  • 3 0
 @MikerJ: I'm not here to suggest that every place has trails that necessitate a 9t or 10t ring, but I can't fathom places where it wouldn't be wanted if only for the pedal kickback. A 13T small cog is going to impute significantly more pedal kickback than a 10T, assuming the same size chain ring.

We were certainly getting along fine with 11T and 12T cogs years ago - but assuming you have riding that justifies a 140-170mm bike, a 9 or 10T cog is a luxury in terms of absolute top speed and reducing pedal kickback. Simultaneously, I see absolutely no downside to having a 9T or 10T cog. Sure, years ago the move to more gears and smaller cogs mean custom drivers on the hub - but by now that is just a standard that comes with any new bike or wheelset. Where is the compromise?

Keep in mind, there are always options for wide range 9 and 10 speed cassettes - but most mountain bikers in most places will benefit (with no disadvantage) from a standard 12 speed with at least a 10T small cog.

As for the "wear out" argument - again: it is a function of time spent applying power to the cog. Every mountain biker (aside from park and shuttling) spends significantly more time climbing than descending. Similarly, during the climb you are continually applying (let's take an average) somewhere between 170-350 watts to the large cog. So not only are you riding uphill between 300-500% longer than you spend descending, but you are also applying significant power continually to the system. Whereas your smaller cogs will be used for very short bursts (maybe 5-10 seconds) between long bouts of "coasting" during descents. I can't fathom a trail where you are spending time actively pedaling your 10T cog for minutes, much less hours, at a time. This is why the big cogs wear out and your down range, accelerating gears do not.
  • 1 0
 @MikerJ: I have a pile of cassettes with worn out 9T or 11T cogs and have never worn out the 46T cogs. We have a lot of steep climbs but I rarely need the dinner plate cog and generally push a hard gear instead so I am not using the softer aluminum cog (probably because I am stubborn and cheap). Commuting to the trailheads (2-5 miles each way on flat terrian) puts me in the low gears a lot so those wear out much faster for me. I am pretty sure I am in the minority on this though.
  • 2 0
 @tkunkel: This. When I owned a bike shop we'd be forever throwing 12-speed stuff away at the first new chain because the 10T sprockets slipped. The more stupid thing was Shimano offer a replaceable 10T sprocket, but it never came in stock once with Madison in the 3 years the business was open lol
  • 2 0
 All you guys have good point about need the small cogs. Right on. While I've not seen much of what you are seeing its clearly an issue and warrants those cogs. Really - now I don't feel so bad paying for the extra cogs I rarely use. At least someone is using them. Ride on!
  • 2 0
 I like that they have both options now. Different geographic conditions may favor either. I have the 9-50 cassette and it allows me to run a 28 tooth oval ring without spinning out riding the paths to the trails, but then have the super low gearing when I’m climbing ridiculously steep trails, or above 11,000 feet and limited O2, or doing a 4 hour plus ride when I need to preserve my legs. I now rarely spend much time in either the lowest or highest cogs, which is as it should be. Middle cassette most of the ride improves chain line, shifting, and wear. If you drive to the trails, a 9 cog is probably completely unnecessary.
  • 2 0
 "13-52 and run a 30t chain ring". If it works for you, great, however be informed that there is a world out there with faster riding terrains, and riders with actual power on their legs, for which 13t with a 30t chainring is absolutely pathetic. Might as well be riding a single speed.
  • 9 0
 I dont understand why they upscaled the smaller gear ratios instead of downscaling the larger ratios, eg if they went 9-42 or something like that. You could achieve almost identical gearing with a different chainring while having the cassette lighter and smaller overall
  • 2 0
 100%. Still waiting on a 12-40 12 speed for 95% of riding.
  • 1 0
 They are intending it for e-bikes. Small cogs wear so fast on e-bikes. If you aren't using the largest cogs, get a bigger chainring and extend the drivetrain life further.
  • 1 0
 @bushbush: Angle grinder and dremel tool will get you that in 11 speed. I broke some teeth off the 45t big cog of my shimano cassette, so I took it off. Now it's 10-40t 11 speed and great for most riding.
  • 1 0
 @crustin: there is just such a huge gap between road and mtb offerings in 12s. Either 10-26 or 10-45. If I want 11speed, I'd just swap back.
  • 12 0
 Hey @spuddo - Thanks for the comment. This is indeed something we considered but there are 2 problems with going smaller - The first is that nearly all suspension bikes on the market have their suspension optimized for ring sizes around 32T. This means for many riders to achieve an easy enough gear they would need to run a chainring much smaller than their bike is optimized for; thereby sacrifice suspension performance. The second issue is that jumps on smaller 9-10-11t cogs are inherently large % ratio jumps whereas with larger cogs there is more opportunity to design for the exact gearing ratio jumps we were aiming for.
  • 2 0
 @atestisthis: Indeed this is also another reason we went larger than smaller.
  • 1 0
 @bushbush: I built my own 11-39 cassette by machining off the top two rings from a SunRace casette. Paired with XTR mid cage derailleur its the absolute best set up.
  • 1 1
 Because people want 52t. I have a 9-46 one, I almost never use the 46 while I do 1000m elevation rides with a 16kg 29er
  • 1 0
 @bushbush: SRAM road 12sp also has 10-30, -33, -36, -44
  • 1 0
 @ethirteen: Well, what you call a problem can be a desired effect, as a lot of bikes have little anti-squat in order to avoid the fabled pedal kickback, and the use of a smaller chainring can actually be the way to optimize suspension performance according to one's individual preferences (getting more efficient pedalling). The only problem with this for me is that there is more transmission wear with a smaller chainring.
  • 8 1
 I'm on Deore, I really think a wear item like a cassette shouldn't cost more than about 100€. I understand all that telescope time to research the cog ratios in the far ends of the Milky-way has to be earned back, but not from my wallet.
  • 7 1
 I'm gonna have to stick with my 9spd 11-50 sunrace in full steel. It's a bit of a hippo but it gives me the range I want along with being ultra hard wearing and not having so many steps to shift from top to bottom which I love coupled to my steel SRAM chain ring and Shimano e-bike specific chain.
  • 6 0
 That’s the smartest thing ever
I think I can easily sell my last 3 cogs as they get used just when the bike is parked ( close range )
  • 3 0
 While a cool concept (and the parts were available during the pandemic when I needed a new cassette), the design seems to end up being weaker in one particular way than other Shimano and SRAM cassettes I've used.

The third largest cog is pretty much unsupported and I've found that it bends easier than I would expect. I've had to bend it back a few times (the first bend obviously weakened the material), but I now shift very gingerly in and out of that cog in an effort to extend the life of the steel cluster.

Just a note from my experience- other's will have different opinions and experiences I am sure.
  • 3 0
 @Quinn-39 - Sorry to hear about the issues with the largest steel cog. Once bent, it certainly will be more likely to bend again. Please drop us a line on our support page and we will get you taken care of. Here is the link: support.ethirteen.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038827791-Warranty-Request-Submission-Form
  • 1 0
 @ethirteen: hi, thanks for reaching out.

I never would have presumed to warranty something like this, so have just been riding it carefully since things started to go wrong. I have filled out the form you linked.

Thanks again.
  • 2 0
 @ethirteen: Update: Thanks for looking after me and standing behind your gear, ethirteen.
  • 3 1
 This is what most people need (close ratio one). Sure it won't get you the 520% range claims but the closer steps are awesome. I'd rock this in a second if Sram offered it. I've just never had good luck with third party components on a drivetrain.
  • 5 0
 Thanks for the kind words @NRZ. We've done a lot of work to ensure these cassettes work very well with existing drivetrains on the market and are very confident in their performance. Check out the pinkbike review they did on the 9-50 helix for some good comparisons with other cassettes on the market.
  • 2 0
 @ethirteen: Thank you for commenting and sending along the PM. I may have to give the third party route a try =o)

The shorter steps are really intriguing.
  • 3 1
 Thank you!!! .. for the close range! This matches actual biking in the mountains with real and technical climbs. Personally I simply put the 11t cog on the inside to improve the chainline for the big three cogs, because I never use the smallest cog and spend most of my time climbing yes, true, and thank you!
  • 1 0
 Hey @rad8 - Glad to hear you like the concept! Even some of our product testers who were skeptical at first ended up loving it also!
  • 2 0
 I ran the 11sp Helix with a XTR setup and liked it a lot. The cassette removal/install is super easy. Only two issues I had with it. First was the bushing cracked but easily resolved and didn't really have any play or noise until I could replace the bushing. Second issue likely my fault, had terrible shifting and noticed the cassette had a huge gap between it and the hub. Took the wheel off and whole cassette was loose off the driver. Recently did work on the hub so probably forgot to tighten the pinch bolt. Screwed out the lock bolt, found a little tree with a hook in it just off the trail and wedging the main half into it rotated and separated the halves. Reinstalled the cassette with just gloved hands and a CB tool, remembering to tighten the pinch bolt this time, and rode on. Cassette is still great condition after a year and a half. Would have bought the 52T cassette if I hadn't found a x01 for $270 a month ago, I think the install and removal is easier since I don't need that cassette tool that constantly falls out of the SRAM cassettes when spinning it around with a crescent wrench.
  • 2 0
 Why not use 9-36 cassette for the SAME 400% range. SRAM 10-36 road cassette weighs only 236g, about half. Then you could move to a smaller, lighter front chainring with better ground clearance. ADDITIONALLY, this 'close ratio' cassette has a maximum gear jump of 8 teeth, from the 44t to 52t cogs. Whereas, a 10-36 cassette has a maximum jump of only 4 teeth. So the claim for better shifting is only relative to the ridiculous 10 tooth jump of some 10-52 cassettes. Better durability isn't even a realistic benefit, since the aluminum cogs are nearly always the first to wear out. The vastly better 9-36 would use all steel cogs and still be 50% lighter.
  • 3 0
 Where's the close range 9-40? I'd rather use a smaller ring (the whole marketing thing e13 does for their 9t cog) than run a 52 cog.
  • 2 0
 They got em for 11sp...
  • 2 0
 It's not a 9-40T, but the 9-45T is pretty close?
9-11-13-15-17-19-22-25-28-32-38-45
  • 1 0
 @hangdogr - We've got a 9-45t! Check it out on the site. However, be aware that if you are running a FS bike, it's suspension is more than likely optimized to work best with chainring sizes around 32T.
  • 5 1
 The term "acoustic" is dumb enough, but "bio bike" is somehow even worse. Nice try e-Thirteen marketing guys.
  • 1 0
 I don't like new names for bikes but as I read in another post, Amish bike is pretty good. Bio/acoustic-terrible
  • 2 0
 @Mvision: how about just bike and e-bike?
  • 3 2
 Please just make 11-48 or 11-50 10 or 11 speed systems. Only XC racers need such small jumps in between gears. My AdventX with a light sunrace 11-46 cassette is just about perfect for me and most people who didn’t drink the 12 speed 52t kool aid. It would be nice to have more similar options.
  • 1 0
 @Frank191 - We make a 11 speed 9-46 in our TRS+ and Helix range and also a 9-39 in our XCX range. Cheers!
  • 1 0
 I have been very happy with the helix 9-46 11 speed with a 34T chainring. I can still climb steep hills and the 9T is nice for comuting to and from the trails. My only complaint is that the 9T and 10T are not replaceable. I tend to push a hard gear and these are the gears that always wear out on me.
  • 2 0
 @tkunkel thanks for the kind words and glad you have been liking your Helix!
  • 1 0
 Honestly, I had to buy a Helix R last year during the parts shortage to get my Sram powered bike back moving again after I bent a cog on my XO1 cassette. Wasn't expecting much, but honestly I'm a convert now. Can't say I'm super impressed with E13 wheels as my brother's YT came with them and they seem to be made of rubber and his E13 dropper post was trash. But the Helix seems like a solid part. Gotta give credit where it is due, and this particular line of cassettes is a pretty good (and incredibly light) piece of kit.
  • 1 0
 @cueTIP Stoked to hear you are liking the cassette. Our first dropper post was not exactly one of the products we are most proud of but our current Vario dropper has proven to be much more reliable and has a lifetime warranty on cartridge AND wear and tear parts. It's a vast improvement. We've also made notable improvements to our OEM rims since the YT spec happened. Cheers
  • 1 0
 "Most mountain bike riders spend at least 70% of their time climbing or traversing, not utilizing the smallest cogs of the cassette"... errr, I'd love to see the stats on this. I may be in the Rob Warner camp, but I actively try to avoid hills at any time. I enjoy my MTBs best when the terrain faces down... Can't think of anything worse than a 1000m climb on my Enduro bike.
  • 1 0
 Would love to see a close-range 11-speed cassette with a 46t granny gear (13t-46t?)... I don't use the granny much and would like to have an easier-pedaling gear that is one step down rather than a big jump like from 50t to 42t on my GX 12-speed... will switch to a shimano 11 for a bit more durability after I break this derailleur.
  • 1 0
 I have Helix Race cassette 11 speed 9-46 tooth since august 2022 and it sux.

Cassette teeth are optimized for both SRAM and Shimano chains which makes it not work with any of them. Lower gears started skipping during hard pedaling after just 3 months (keep in mind i have put new chain when i replaced the cassette).

I do not recommend it. Get SRAM or Shimano one that will work perfectly with your chain and rest of the drivetrain.
  • 1 0
 I’ve been running e-13 cassettes on two bikes for a few years now. Helix 9-50 on one and XCX 9-42 on the other.
(I use SRAM chains with them, XO1 grade)

I have an XT 11-42 on my gravel bike, and have spent plenty of time on SRAM 1195.

For me, the e-13 products are very good- durability and shifting quality are both on point.
I do get a creak out of the Helix once or twice a year, but pulling it off the bike and re-greasing fixes this.

It’s nice to see the larger small cog. I’d also be happy with a ‘normal’ 10 or 11 as the smallest cog though.
  • 6 6
 I've been running a 9-50 for the last two years. I've got an ebike now and actually can't wait to try the 13-52. I think that's rad! I'm never in the small cogs on that thing but I do use the granny gear on these big california hills. Certainly not gonna hurt to have 2 more teeth. I'm running AXS and this thing shifts like butter, especially for being so much cheaper than an XX1 cassette. Thanks e*thirteen!
  • 7 0
 52 on an ebike? Dude, how?
  • 7 0
 @mariomtblt: That's how you ride an ebike without getting your heart rate out of zone 1.
  • 4 1
 You ride a e-bike and your always in granny gear…. You win the lamest comment ever award! Congratulations haha
  • 1 0
 @razz627 - Thanks for the positive comments! Glad you like the 9-50!
  • 1 0
 @mariomtblt: 13-52t is the same range as a theoretical 10-40t cassette. You just run a larger chainring.
  • 1 0
 @boozed: doesn’t sound like that guy runs 42T up front bro idk
  • 1 1
 I ran a 12 Speed 52 Tooth Garbaruk cassette on my Shimano 12 speed drivetrain. Shifts were hot garbage no matter what I did. I have set up plenty of drivetrains in the past. Swapped to a SLX 12 speed cassette and it was shifting flawlessly with about 5 minutes of adjustment.
  • 1 1
 dont see a point in 9T smallest, i am running 30T front and have gone thru many 12 speed cassette, never one time i use 9T. what is the point of 12 speed while you have perfectly working 10 and 11 speed with endless advantage lighter setup and smoother shifts
  • 1 0
 @bull1t - We hear you! This is why we released the 13-52. Riders have different needs and we offer a wide range of gearing options with our cassettes and are not only driven by chasing the widest range possible but also the most optimized range for each riders needs.
  • 3 0
 I'm never giving up my Grip Shifts so 9 speed FTW! Those who know, know. ;-)
  • 4 2
 WHY IS IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE BIKE INDUSTRY TO OFFER 12sp CASETTES WITH 40t GRANNY RING! Not everyone needs that silly dinnerplate...
  • 1 0
 Shimano and E.13 both have 45t max cog cassettes. That's as close as you can get.
  • 1 0
 @Linc - We offer a 9-45 also. Not quite to your 40T request, but we do offer a 9-39 in our XCX 11 speed.
  • 1 1
 I'm happy with my 10 speeds 11-42T and play with chainring sizes, 104 BCD so I dont need to
take the crank off, for the cost of these I can renew my whole drivetrain and still have change.
I dont ride a battery bonfire bike so I can even chill : )

www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-65629502
  • 3 0
 Good lord now there's orange cassettes.
  • 1 0
 "Tested extensively for bio and e-bike use"... "Tested extensively for analog and e-bike use"

Marge, they're just hams, OK?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwZTJdjLhD8
  • 1 0
 I'm fine with 30t w/ a 11-46 cassette......essentially a wide ratio gearbox lacking a bit of top speed, which I don't miss because I'm never in too much of a hurry.
  • 2 3
 The E n E13 stands for Emmental. Every component of theirs is made of cheese and overpriced. Havent had an item that didnt break or wear prematurely (carbon cranks, cassettes, chain guide) and their customer service is terrible. I had Helix cassette, it lasted less than a year. The replacement deore one has lasted 18 months already.
  • 1 0
 @bombdabass - Sending you a DM to get a better understanding of your situation. We never like to hear stories like this and would like to make things right.
  • 1 0
 Fixed the last four gears, now we have 3 to 4 good climbing gears
SUPER-WIDE RANGE 9-52T: 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 23, 27, 33, 38, 46, 52
  • 4 0
 Purple!? Take my money.
  • 2 0
 @zpedals - The purple is a nice deep hue also. It's beautiful in person and the photos don't do it justice....in our humble opinion.
  • 2 0
 Even after many years, E13 remains unshakably confident in their flawed mounting system.
  • 1 0
 Imagine having two chainrings on a bike and being able to go from one to the other while on the fly. You could optimise the cassette range even further with that
  • 1 1
 Wickr id: peterking2014

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tx/whatsApp: 001(775)773-5306

t.me/talktomehere2023
  • 1 0
 @ethirteen: Where on your website are the alum 52T replacement parts? I only see 45T and 50T...
  • 1 0
 Hey @jaymac10 - They will be up on the site shortly and in stock in the coming month or so. Thank you for the interest!!
  • 1 0
 30T chainring combined with 10-45 Cassette it's the same thing as close ratio and it's a lot lighter.
  • 2 0
 @Antoncor - We offer a 9-45 in our Helix range also! Check it out.
  • 2 3
 E13 cassettes, never again, not even once. Turned me off the entire brand, that and their shitty dropper posts. A YT Jeffsy educated me the hard way.. There engineers have no idea what actually riding a bike involves.
  • 1 0
 Great place here

Telegram: @xanax2022,

t.me/talktomehere2023
  • 2 1
 Non-ebike is the best term
  • 5 4
 $346 -please f*ck off then f*ck off some more.
  • 4 0
 It's a high end cassette, they're expensive. Don't complain about pricing if you're not the targeted customer.
  • 1 2
 @seraph: It's not a "high end". Its a take the piss with the price cassette
  • 2 0
 @mtb-scotland: it is high end. The weight, range, and colorways put it in the higher end of the cassette spectrum.
  • 1 2
 @seraph: its a cassette. Its a bit of metal. People like you are a dream for companies that sell overpriced products.
  • 3 0
 @mtb-scotland: it's a bit more than a bit of metal. There's tons of engineering, quality control, testing, and product development that goes into making a cassette that performs well with every available chain and shifting system on the market. Sure there are other options out there, but this one checks a lot of boxes in terms of performance and compatibility. And to be honest, it's not even that expensive in the grand scheme of things. MSRP on an X01 cassette is $415, and MSRP on an XX1 cassette is $483. The XTR M9101 10-51 cassette retails for $410. High end cassettes that don't weigh very much are kinda all pricey. MSRP on the E.13 9-52 is $345 for a similar weight and performance to the others I listed. Sounds like a good deal to me.
  • 1 0
 What? No 10 speed option?!?
  • 1 0
 It isn't April 1st again, right?
  • 1 0
 Flashy colours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 I'm sold, yes i am THAT vain.
  • 2 3
 KCNC has had 9-52 12 speed Cassettes for years. Also available in multiple colors.
  • 3 0
 They have, but they also shift like crap. I ran their 9-53 cassette a while back and it was dramatically worse than anything from SRAM or E13.
  • 1 0
 Bicycle and moped
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