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Win It Wednesday presented by e*thirteen


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How does Win It Wednesday work?

Simply enter your name below and click "Enter" for your chance to win an e*thirteen HELIX R Cassette!

Prize Details:


e*thirteen HELIX R Cassette Details:

The Industry Leading Helix R 12-speed, 556% Range, 345-Grams

More Range, Less Weight

The HELIX R Cassette is an upgrade to any SRAM™️ Eagle™️ or Shimano™️ drivetrain*, with more range than any other cassette on the market. The 9 tooth cog lets you step down one chainring size while keeping the same top end gearing and provides not only better ground clearance, but an overall lighter drivetrain. Works flawlessly with Shimano™️ and SRAM™️ 12s drivetrains, despite the challenges in designing for the different cog spacing and chain behavior. Additionally, if your wheel has a SRAM™️ XD™️ Driver and you want to upgrade to Shimano™️ 12s, you not only save money on the cassette and don’t have to spend the extra on a new hub driver. **Not recommended for ebike use. For ebike applications we recommend our TRS+ Espec cassettes.**

MSRP: $289.95 USD


Learn more here.



Enter Here



The winner of the e*thirteen HELIX R Cassette is @andrewrruth. Congratulations @andrewrruth!

*By checking the box you agree to signing up to receive email news from e*thirteen, you may unsubscribe at any time.

Contest Terms and Conditions


**August 11, 2021 at 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (“PST ”) to August 25, 2021 at 11:59 AM PST (the “Contest Period”)

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126 Comments
  • 84 1
 Yes, please. I'll take one of those.

Alså, since I'm first here, can I ask everyone else to refrain from entering?
  • 124 0
 Oops, made the mistake of entering before reading the comments. I'll try to do better next time.
  • 13 0
 Go figure... About the only type of post that I don't automatically go straight to the comments section...
  • 2 0
 You can ask... ;-)
  • 4 0
 Sorry, entered then checked comments. Oh well at least there are only 5 entries. Shoot, wait 6 7 8 9 .........
  • 5 0
 Sorry, I entered just so that I can win something that I don't need. It's before I read your message. So, double sorry Wink (so Canadian of me)
  • 1 0
 Of course. Except me.
  • 2 2
 It's an E13 cassette, are you sure you really want it?

Had an 11 speed one get stuck to a DT Swiss freehub and had to destroy it to get it off.
  • 73 10
 You could not pay me to run another E13 cassette on my bikes.
  • 21 1
 Really? I've had great success with my last one. Curious to hear what troubles you had.
  • 1 0
 Why so?
  • 8 0
 I had an E13 11 speed on my old bike and it worked great. What happened to yours?
  • 3 4
 @korev: Fact base on opinion
  • 2 0
 I'm curious too. I had a rear hub driver of theirs strip out, but the serial number was part of a batch that were not machined properly on the inside. They sent me out a new one right away. No problems since. They even replaced the larger alloy gears section of the cassette because those got chewed up when the driver failed.
  • 16 2
 Because asked: (I am capable of correctly adjusting all aspects of shifting) 11 speed cassette frequently skipping gears, even on new chain and the following several months as that chain wore in. Premature wear of the teeth. Horrible shifting, in two gears that were in the middle of the cassette. Had it replaced with a new "Updated" version cassette under warranty and the shifting/skipping was still messed up. Put in an xt cassette and with NO adjustments needed, has now worked perfectly for over a year so far.
  • 6 1
 Ride, re-grease, ride, re-grease, ride, re-grease...
  • 4 0
 @ThreadedBB1day: thanks, really appreciate the feedback. Looks like you're not alone in having bad experiences (based on other comments here), so I'll probably stay clear of e13.
  • 13 0
 @ThreadedBB1day: This was exactly my experience with E-Thirteen 11 speed cassettes, AND I also found that the largest cogs are basically made of tinfoil, they fold over so easily. I'm 150 pounds and not exactly a wattage factory.
  • 4 0
 @ThreadedBB1day: Same problem here
  • 7 0
 OK I am not high mileage yet only about 250 km on my Helix r 12spd.

So far works like a charm. It is a bit louder/clunkier than the GX it replaced. But lighter and cheaper(and available) so that was a bonus.

I am 195 pounds, dad bod fitness level. KMC 12 spd chain and raceface chainring.

Fingers crossed after reading your problems.
  • 6 0
 I've put just over 1200 miles in my e thirteen 9-46 cassette and it's shifted perfectly the entire time
  • 5 0
 Ive had multiple e*13 cassettes on both sram and shimano drivetrains. They have worked flawlessly. I did have some creaking in the old first Gen from 5+ years ago but since then they have been great. Not to mention, less expensive, lighter and lower cost of ownership than sram or shimano due to being able to just replace the alloy section of the cassette. Not sure why they get such a bad rap. Ive had 2 buddies who have gone thru several sram and shimano cassettes with issues of folding cogs and broken teeth.
  • 4 0
 The new Helix cassettes are way nicer than the old 11-speed TRS+ models. I've run them all and I have yet to have any issues with the new models.
  • 3 1
 @ThreadedBB1day: Same exact thing happened with my 11 spd! My XT is still going strong too!
  • 1 0
 @ThreadedBB1day: maybe derailleur hanger? Did it change when you changed brand?
  • 3 0
 They had a known issue with my cassette where one of the cogs would skip during shifting but never a recall. One of my friends went thru 2 of their cassetes before he gave up.
  • 2 0
 @Apo-Kourt: I wish, had already replaced the hanger as a precaution before changing away from E13. Shifting was perfect on the xt cassette with the same replaced hanger. Same 11 speed Shimano derailleur the whole time. Both E13 cassettes also had a wobble to them, while rotating they would wobble towards and away from the wheel, I'm sure this was part of the reason it would skip/drop gears, even when not shifting, on climbs. I literarily am still afraid of putting too much power through drivetrains on climbs, even though sram and Shimano have never unexpectedly dropped the chain while climbing.
  • 5 1
 As a pro bike tech I second this opinion. Never had a good experience with ethirteen
  • 3 0
 I've had a few of the 11 speed ones over the years and they've all been great. The only problem I've really has is that one of them wouldn't go on my driver straight and kinda wobbles when it spins, but it doesn't effect shifting so it's fine lol
  • 1 0
 Unlike the old trs cassettes, the Helix is actually good.
Only ridden the 11 speed so far, with the single alu cog, but shifting was perfect through the entirety of a 150 km single stage race.
I see no faults in this product, it's pretty damn good, shifts nicely, seems to hold up well and it's very light.
I'd rate it 5/7, perfect score.
  • 3 0
 @ThreadedBB1day - Sorry to hear you've had some issues with our older cassettes. While we do have lots of happy customers running the previous generations, we are always striving to make performance and lifespan improvements. Our new Helix cassette has some notable steps forward from our earlier generation cassettes. Ill reach out via DM so we can get a better understanding of your case.
  • 2 0
 @BrambleLee: Same, cranked down on one of the large gears on a really steep hill and the thing folded over on me.
  • 1 0
 Love mine
  • 15 2
 I had one of these, briefly. Made a fuckton of noise when I was in the top 10 gears because that whole piece of the cassette moved relative to the top 2 gears that are actually attached to the hub. Greased the shit out of it, was quiet for a ride or two, then noisy again. Returned and put my GX Eagle cassette back on for now.
  • 9 0
 It sounds like the cassette was installed improperly if the steel section moved? These cassettes have a security screw to prevent that from happening.
  • 15 0
 I had the opposite experience. multiple hose downs from muddy ride and still quiet and shifting great. I currently have roughly 400 miles on it this season. Disclaimer, I did watch and follow instructions for installation
  • 6 4
 @corndog: Nope, followed their instructions to a T. The security screw would prevent them from completely separating but not rubbing against each other. There's a reason everyone else builds their cassettes as one piece.
  • 4 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: I haven’t tried the helix but I used the previous version of this cassette and loved it. Had zero issues over 1000 miles and it was lighter than almost anything else (9-46t)
  • 5 0
 @f*ckingsteve: actually your SRAM cassette is also 2 pcs. Shimano cassettes have also been coming in multiple pieces since forever. Sounds like you were missing the bushing which supports the steel section on the end of the driver.
  • 5 12
flag fuckingsteve (Aug 11, 2021 at 11:40) (Below Threshold)
 @DubC: Nope, it was in there. I love that you assume I'm an idiot and not that E13 makes dogshit products, a sentiment echoed by like 3 dozen other commenters on this post.
  • 9 0
 @f*ckingsteve: Wow what an a hole response to Dubc.

Note he said "sounds like" as in trying to figure out the source of the issue.

There are other here who posted no issues with E13.
  • 1 0
 Same thing happened with mine, I use it on my spare wheel set only.
  • 3 0
 @fabwizard: Shrug. If I can prevent one guy from wasting his money on E13 trash it's time well spent.
  • 5 1
 User error. f*ckingsteve sounds like he’s a f*cking ham fist mechanic. Have 3 buddies and myself on the new Helix and they are awesome. Use with XT and XTR derailleurs. Shift just as nice as the 12 speed XT cassette it replaced and saved a quarter pound. Well done e13.
  • 1 0
 @f*ckingsteve: My Helix has been working flawlessly for a few months now, and I was quite sceptical about buying it, as I have burnt myself on E13 before.
I also have bad experiences with the old trs cassettes from working as a mechanic for a pretty extreme endurance race, and every bike equipped with that cursed cassette that came in for a quick tune up had horrible shifting, no exceptions, so the Helix was a positive surprise for me.
  • 1 0
 @f*ckingsteve: It was probably your ugly ass teal Marin that was so loud not the cassette. But in all seriousness the cassette can not move at all when that screw is installed just FYI.
  • 1 1
 @corndog: Haha it was on my beautiful Transition. Wink

And, I mean, it demonstrably can. Even 0.1mm back and forth is enough to make noise.
  • 6 0
 @f*ckingsteve: Sorry to hear you are having issues with the cassette. Our updated Gen 2 interface is much improved over the 1st gen and we dont see many issues with the new interface. Technically the set screw is more of a security feature and the interlocking fins do the bulk of the job holding the 2 sections together. If you are seeing notable movement with your steel section, its certainly something we can assist with diagnosing and resolving. We will reach out via DM and assist with getting you sorted.
  • 1 0
 @ethirteen-components: I had the last gen. It was great that it weighed less than competitors. When my first was wrapped, e13 took weeks back and forth with my lbs before I got a warranty. Was weeks old. My second did the same and then e13 blamed it on installation. Not my first e13 product to failed and fight warranty but was my last e13 product. Shit service and shit products
  • 12 3
 Garbagio... Never e13 on my bike again... almost swapped out everything on my bike that is e13 one failure at a time....
  • 12 3
 I've had enough e13 parts fail to know I would rather pay for Shimano or SRAM than put a free e13 product on my bike.
  • 4 0
 My e13 carbon cranks have been flawless, tons of bashing, crazy light. Still perfect.
  • 3 0
 @rickybobby18 - I just dropped you a DM so we can get a better understanding of your case. We never like to hear of cases with multiple failures and we'll do our best to make things right for you.
  • 8 2
 worst cassette ever. strips super easy bc they try to retrofit their cassettes to xd and shimano hubs. it’s barely held onto the hub with their design.

they wear out super quick.

you have to use two chain whips to remove the cassette, and it’s a pain in the ass. oh, then they don’t fit back together correctly, and not even e13 understands what the correct spacers are for the cassettes bc they’ve gone through so many iterations just trying to make them work with xd and shimano hubs.

e13, just make your own hubs/drivers already.
  • 8 1
 Does anyone actually win these? Can we get an article of all the past winners? I need proof these are legit.
  • 2 0
 they announce/tag the winner in the original post after two weeks
  • 6 3
 e*thirteen performance = (user common sense X willingness to learn new things)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(confirmation bias X ego) ^ derailleur hanger adjustment
  • 2 0
 Yeah, so many folks including myself had issues with E13 installs. Just be sure you don't have a DT Swiss freehub as these seem to have issues with E13. Support will email you the "penny" method whereby you open-up the clamp slot with a coin.
  • 4 0
 I've got the Helix on my 240 hubs with no issues.
  • 2 0
 Love my Helix 11 speed. Works great with my XT drivetrain. I did have a problem with the big cog folding over but it was replaced no questions asked. Was a heat treat issue. The customer service was more than I could've asked for
  • 1 0
 Used their older TRS+ to replace a busted XO1 12speed and have put about 500 miles on it. I wouldn't say its quite as good as XO1 (a bit noisier), but I haven't had any major issues. I do like the 9speed as it allowed me to get more out of my 32T chanring. I also didn't need to pay $400+ dollars for it. For me the cost to performance ratio is pretty good on E13.... would love to try their newer Helix R.
  • 4 0
 @KEResearch Glad the TRS+ is working out well for you. We made some notable shift quality improvements on the Helix over the TRS+. The cool thing is that if you have the 9-50 TRS+, once you have worn out your alloy section, you actually could replace it with the Helix alloy section to realize some of those shift quality improvements (and save a bit of weight or add some color if that's your thing). Cheers
  • 2 0
 @ethirteen-components: Super cool you can swap out the alloy sections. A cassette that's cross compatible, lighter and cheaper is an impressive feat!
  • 1 0
 FYI I've tried to make it work wit ha GX AXS set up for quite a while (chain, hanger, b gap, micro adj, round/oval) and it just won't shift nicely, especially to the harder gears. Went to a GX cassette and it's immediately infinitely better.
  • 2 1
 I’ve tried every combination of Shimano and SRAM 12, and none of them worked particularly well (11 speed did fine for mix and match drivetrains).

So……how does this cassette provide decent shifting for either brand, let alone both!?
  • 5 1
 Sounds like there may be a common factor here.
  • 2 0
 Agreed. I had the same experiences with both SRAM and Shimano 12 speed. I brought one to put on a wheel to swap between my two (SRAM GX/Shimano SLX) bikes - I couldn't get it to shift well on either drivetrain.
  • 1 0
 Kazimer did a review of this and said the same thing but it worked.

So far 250 kms in and working well for me with Sram shifter/derailleur.
  • 1 0
 It shifts great with my XX1 AXS derailleur.
  • 1 0
 @rbonnell: I’ve turned wrenches for 20 years. Everything was adjusted to spec.

12 speed drivetrains require really, really precise setup. I’ve run both brands and although I prefer Shimano the complete SRAM 12 drivetrain worked fine too.
  • 2 0
 @seraph: I’ve wondered if the trim/compensation on those would adjust for the difference. Just not enough to get AXS. But……good to know. SRAmano/AXS sounds line the hot setup for the well heeled ripper.
  • 2 0
 @wyorider: Yeah I agree they require more precision. I'm no mechanic, but I've set up about a dozen so far. Multiple Shimano, Sram, and sets using the sunrace cassettes. The only issue I ever had was related to bent hangars....which I think are more prevalent with the additional torque of a longer derailleur. Other than that, the last XT 12 speed I set up literally took 3 minutes, and has been flawless for 6 months. My SLX I set up a month ago was just as easy. Set the low limit, b-screw, and snug up the tension and you're usually good to go. These things work... and if they dont its likely due to another issue like cable binding, damaged housing etc...
  • 1 0
 @rbonnell: Yeah-even a degree or so off on the hanger and the shifting is no bueno. Otherwise, complete 12 speed groups from either brand set up easy if you do it right. But my issue is that they aren't (really) cross-compatible. And both companies have proprietary tech to get the best shifts. So how will an aftermarket cassette from a company without access to those patents and spaced differently than either brand work!? Between that and E13s (rightfully earned) reputation for components with the structural integrity of cheese, I'm pretty doubtful this will work well. I'd rather have a GX or SLX cassette that provides perfect shifts-weight be damned.
  • 4 0
 @wyorider: Have a look at the review @mikelevy did on the Helix where he tested shift quality with both drivetrains: www.pinkbike.com/news/ethirteen-helix-r-cassette-sram-shimano-review-2020.html

The main challenge achieving cross compatibility was related to Shimano's new chains which have features specific to their cassettes. We were able design in some features which allow you to achieve function with the new shimano 12s chains, but we recommend using SRAM, KMC or other non-shimano 12s chains for optimal performance and easier setup with the Helix.
  • 2 0
 @ethirteen-components: oops i posted earlier it was Kaz who did the review.

Not my fault they are literally twins.
  • 6 0
 I like turtles
  • 1 0
 I have something like 500 miles on a helix 12 speed with xt derailleur and gx eagle chain.

I just replaced the chain as it’s reading a smidge past .5 chain wear. (This is the chain I installed new with the cassette)

With a new xo1 chain, I’m getting a mild grinding in certain (most) gears. I’m hoping it will go away after a few more rides… but leads me to believe the cassette is wearing quickly. (I also see signs of wear)

155lb rider

—

I’m coming from a SRAM 1195 cassette, which lasted through 2.5 years of riding… probably 7-8 chains.

Shifting on the helix is good- much better than older generation e-13 cassettes.

I’m skeptical about lifespan at this point. The teeth are showing wear more quickly than the sram and shimano cassettes I’ve used in the past.

We will see how this plays out…
  • 1 0
 These guys are great at warranty stuff, I went through 4 cassettes in record time. I gave up and went to xt and never looked back. The tires were huge, heavy and draggy, but the grip and handling were second to none. Nice dh tires
  • 1 0
 This E13 has 50->42 for it's high end gears, the current sram GX on the new bike I just got has 52->42. Those are so big. This made me do some research into Shimano and I saw the XT cassette has 51->45 which seems way nicer.
  • 1 0
 I’ve never run any of their products but I’m certainly willing to give them a try if I win. There’s a lot of mixed reviews and ethirteen have replied to those so I doff my cap to their customer service. On that willingness to engage with the customer, I assume their eagerness to provide a top quality product remains forefront. So I for one remain open minded. Fingers crossed!
  • 2 0
 Their willingness to engage with customers here is not an indication of their actual quality of customer service outside of the public eye.
  • 3 0
 Hope these are better than their last 12 speed cassette, old ones wore quickly and the fastening mechanism wasn't great.
  • 3 1
 The new ones are way nicer than the old models. Light, quiet, easy to install.
  • 2 0
 I have 9-46 on my HT (209 miles), and a 9-50 on my Genius (102 miles)... no problems yet but I haven't gone very far on them at this point. We'll see how they hold up.
  • 2 0
 I like this idea, but you should really check what a winnit is in the UK. FWIW, E13's 12 speed conversion for 11 speed SRAM shifters is great.
  • 2 1
 You'd think they'd just say 9-50t in the copy. So I didn't have to multiply 9x5.56 or squint at the picture to see the small 50.
  • 2 0
 ive heard terrible things with these cassettes, but they look hella sick so worst case ill just keep it for taking pics
  • 1 0
 Having read all the comments, this will be the first Win It Wednesday where I could make use of the prize, but won't be entering...
  • 3 0
 I'm feeling super confident I will not win. It's a good feeling.
  • 1 0
 I bought some of their stuff thinking it was a new ebike specific 13 speed drivetrain. So disappointed. Who needs this 11-12 speed crap, e13 is the future, I want it now.
  • 2 0
 Gaudy anodised colours, it would be a shame if the winner wasn't from England.
  • 2 3
 I will never, ever again buy a bicycle with e-thirteen parts. BPA of the cranks broke within a month, tires seem to be made of plastic instead of rubber, rear hub bearings have a hell of a play, cassette made of butter....
  • 1 0
 First win it Wednesday I can remember that I have absolutely no interest in. These are junk!
  • 1 0
 I entered this because I need to replace the smaller cog set on my e13 cassette, as they wear out faster than a chain.
  • 1 0
 wait what wtf
  • 2 0
 @mariomtblt: I have an e13 helix cassette. The silver cog set is separate from the colored ano biggest two. It wears out fast as hell, mine didnt even last 1000 miles which is not acceptable considering a replacement costs $170.

So I would like to win this one for when I need to replace the smaller cogs in about ten minutes.
  • 2 0
 @ihertzler: man im so happy you posted this, haha I was shopping for a new cassette
  • 1 0
 @mariomtblt: There's no denying the e13 one looks great. BUT I will definitely be going back to a GX cassette when this one is done.
On the topic of shifting quality, with sram X01 chain/DR, it is fine. Slightly loud clunks going down that cassette but not enough to make you think about it.
  • 3 0
 If you are wearing out your 9 tooth that fast time up size your front chainring.
  • 1 0
 @fabwizard: it's actually not the 9 tooth that's worn. Its most of the ones you actually use on trail (15-31 ish). I already run a 34t ring.
  • 1 0
 @ihertzler: fingers crossed the new ones are better than all the complaints here as I bought mine because i couldnt get GX for months.

Also, the 11 spd came on my kids new mt bike. so we could be in double trouble.
  • 2 0
 @fabwizard: I mean it is a quality item and works well just in my experience the cogs wore out way faster than they should. Maybe if you're just putting it on, go for a longer-lasting chain (than gx) and that may make a difference since they tend to wear together.
  • 1 0
 guys i seriously need this one. the old one is almost worn out and i cant get replacement anywhere
  • 2 4
 Will never run any E13 parts ever again. Terrible luck with their cranks, cassette, and wheels. Poor engineering and poor design. If it were only one thing wrong I’d reconsider but across the board it’s disappointing. Cheers to the people who it works for though, more power to ya!
  • 1 0
 Thank you! May I have another?!
  • 3 1
 E-13 is totally rad
  • 1 0
 if it "Works flawlessly with Shimano" it works with hyperglide+ ?
  • 1 0
 This took me a minute to understand as well. I think they're saying you don't have to replace the freehub. Just keep the cassette on the XD freehub and switch derailleur/shifter.
  • 1 0
 @jojotherider1977: i know what theyre trying to say but its wrong
  • 2 0
 @mironfs: Have a look at the review @mikelevy did on the Helix where he tested shift quality with both drivetrains: www.pinkbike.com/news/ethirteen-helix-r-cassette-sram-shimano-review-2020.html

The main challenge achieving cross compatibility was related to Shimano's new chains which have features specific to their cassettes. We were able design in some features which allow you to achieve function with the new shimano 12s chains, but we recommend using SRAM, KMC or other non-shimano 12s chains for optimal performance and easier setup with the Helix.
  • 1 0
 It was really clever before I hit submit.
  • 1 0
 me with a 9 speed: OH hell yes. sign me up!
  • 1 0
 Ethirteen equals lowest entry record.
  • 1 0
 I neeeed this !!!!!
  • 1 1
 Why doesn't anyone make one in Green dang it.
  • 4 0
 Not sure if they still do but Garbaruk lays claim to the lightest 12 speed cassette and they have Green!
www.garbaruk.com/12-speed-xd.html
  • 2 0
 @KEResearch: Garbaruk cassettes are probably the best you can buy.
Good weight, good price, good shifting and they have a long lifetime.
Pretty much just really good across the board.
  • 1 0
 @Losvar: @KEResearch. Thanks for this info I am going to look into getting one of these cassettes.
  • 1 0
 @Losvar: Funny I've had the opposite experience....Garbaruk cassette large cog folded on me like cheese....
  • 1 0
 *Swerves*
  • 1 1
 NEVER AGAIN E13. NOT EVEN FOR FREE.
  • 1 2
 No thanks. Never had an E13 part that actually lasted more than 3 months
  • 2 5
 Their tires were some of the worst I've used, but I'll take a free cassette to make up for it.
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