SRAM XS-1270 cassette only lasting 500 miles

[Chips]

Quick check with the community if this is normal and expected for the abuse I give the drivetrain.

I`m pretty much an exclusive rider of turbo mode on the Amflow using the M1 motor. Have AXS derailleur and rotate two chains (SRAM GX Eagle Transmission Flattop) that are waxed and with no stretch.

I`ve just started to get skipping again in the lower gears after replacing the lower part 500 ish miles ago, to fix same. Is this my life now or am I missing something?

 

[Suns_PSD]

Ouch. I think that's about right if you run in turbo mode full time.

I'd move to Linkglide, realistically. It's cheaper and more robust.

But if you must stay with Transmission there are a few things that you can try:

1) increase your front chain ring, 2 or 4 teeth. This will lower where on the cassette you are operating spreading the load over large gears on the cassette.
2) Use X01 level components. They are known to last 2-3x longer.
3) Turn down your power level!
4) Increase your cadence, this will shift you into lower gears for the same speed and reduce wear.

These MTB drivetrains were not designed to operate for the power levels these Avinox motors put out. In fact, I've had drivetrain issues even at my lower Bosch motor power levels.

GL.

 

[irie]

I think that's about right if you run in turbo mode full time.

This.

 

[Chips]

Cool, thanks for the info. Will have to do some math on changing up the drivetrain. £40 every 4 or so months ain't to bad for now

 

[Scott_123]

For reference, I have about 1,700 miles on my Amflow PL Carbon Pro. I replaced the chain and front sprocket but probably didn’t need to. The XO Cassette shows wear but the cogs are nice and smooth. I clean and lube after every ride which is a must in the desert. I run 50-50% Eco and Auto (set to 85Nm) for my rides. I never use trail or turbo. I think as others have said, Turbo is fun but not your friend ($$$) when it comes to wear and tear.

 

[Chips]

I like whizzing back up to the top to much to give up my turbo, so will have to live with the expense. Maybe could slow down at the weekends, but getting 20 miles and 3k elevation in under 2 hours in the evenings is bliss. From my rough calcs the x0 is £275, so would have to last 3,500 miles in turbo to break even.

Could try the larger chainring but then I`d be shifting the wear to a part that would mean replacing the entire cassette. Also looks like linkglide is only 11 speed, hyperglide is 12 speed and works with axs from a quick google. @Suns_PSD is hyperglide in the same category of robustness in your opinion?

 

[Scott_123]

I like whizzing back up to the top to much to give up my turbo, so will have to live with the expense. Maybe could slow down at the weekends, but getting 20 miles and 3k elevation in under 2 hours in the evenings is bliss. From my rough calcs the x0 is £275, so would have to last 3,500 miles in turbo to break even.

Could try the larger chainring but then I`d be shifting the wear to a part that would mean replacing the entire cassette. Also looks like linkglide is only 11 speed, hyperglide is 12 speed and works with axs from a quick google. @Suns_PSD is hyperglide in the same category of robustness in your opinion?

Not sure you already did this, but get the GX 12 speed cassette which is exactly the same but is stronger, heavier, but way cheaper. I have 2,000 miles on my Canyon OnFly and my GX Cassette looks like new. When my XO wears out I will likely go with a GX cassette instead.

 

[Astro66]

The XS-1270 is probably the hardest wearing T-Type cassette in the range. It's nickel plated like the GX. And is the only one with replaceable top end cogs.

I don't see the XO lasting any longer. It is Electroless nickel plated. I don't see that making a significant difference.

If you move to Linkglide. You'll lose smoothshift. Which is not remotely an option for me.

My only suggestion would be to spread the wear more evenly on those replaceable gears, by rotating from a 36T chainring, to a 34T chainring every 250 miles.

 

[ArmyOfEvilRobots]

Why do I feel like some sales manager at SRAM, probably the one responsible for killing EX1, is reading this post and cackling about sales volume on high end cassettes?

It's gonna be a rough few years for drivetrain repair with these new 1kW+ motors taking over. It's frustrating because everybody knows more power = more wear, but why would the manufacturers bring out something more durable if we're willing to keep throwing the money at it?

 

[Astro66]

but why would the manufacturers bring out something more durable if we're willing to keep throwing the money at it?

I don't want to derail the thread, but manufacturers are bringing out something more durable. The ECVT MGU. It will supposedly be maintenance free and last the life of the motor.

If it interfaced electronically with the Avinox Motor System. I would be using the Linkglide Electronic derailleur in a heart beat. But it doesn't. So like the OP, I'm converting my Avinox Motored EMTBs over to the cheapest SRAM AXS T-Type cassette, which is the XS-1270.

I can get the entire cassette for AUD$200 from China. Or the replacement cogs for AUD$90 locally. As I only go through a cassette every 2 years. This is perfectly acceptable.

The issue I'm having is damaging the cages. But I do carry 2 spare cages, and have successfully repaired bent cages, using the spare as a template. And until the MGU becomes mainstream. This will have to do.