Trace Velo - My favourite AliExpress cassette might have a problem…

I’ve recommended these super lightweight bicycle cassettes from AliExpress many times, but it looks like they could have an issue…

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These lightweight SLR Gen3 cassettes from a brand called ZTTO on AliExpress, are pretty incredible for the price. They are MUCH lighter than the equivalent cassettes from Shimano or SRAM, and you can find them for around £60-£70. They use some very intricate and frankly, quite good looking CNC work, and come in a bunch of colours and sizes.

The largest 3 gears are machined from a single block of 7075 aluminium, while the rest are made from a single block of steel, however it’s the aluminium gears that could be a problem.

A viewer sent me some pictures of his cassette where the top two aluminium sprockets had completely sheared or snapped off the back of the cassette. After taking a more detailed look at the design, it’s quite easy to see how this could have happened.

I have run these cassettes on my road bikes for over a year at this point, with no real issues, but it looks like it might be a good idea to proceed with caution when it comes to the 11-36 version of this cassette…

AliExpress affiliate links below ↓
FYI, It wont cost you any extra, but I get a little kickback from AliExpress, which helps!

Ztto SLR Gen3 cassettes:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3yroFwB

Ztto SLR Gen2 cassettes:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4ExXdhd

Ztto ULT full steel cassettes:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3yroFwB

SROAD/SPEDAO cassettes (also a good option):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4ExXdhd

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:33 – ZTTO SLR Gen3 cassette failure
01:24 – Cassette design
02:34 – Why haven't mine broken?
03:58 – Does use-case matter?
05:05 – Should I be worried?
07:10 – Alternative cassettes
08:21 – Bonus clip

Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.uk

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tracevelo/

Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com

Please note:
I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.

In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!

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