E-Thirteen’s new 12-speed cassette not only has more teeth than the competition – We’re already familiar with that from E-Thirteen –, it also has its own name: Helix R. Compared to the TRS+ cassette with 12 sprockets, however, it’s significantly lighter and once again takes the top spot amongst the lightest 12-speed cassettes for mountain bikes. There are also colour options available so you can customise the cassette to suit your own taste.
According to the manufacturer, the two-part cassette works with both Both SRAM and Shimano 12-speed groupsets (in this comparison test) equally good. Newly designed shift aids are designed to ensure improved gear-changing performance. The largest aluminium sprocket set is now available in four anodised colours, as well as with a different, shimmering blue coating that is said to last twice as long.
Price, weight, range – E-Thirteen remains top of the range
There are no changes to the standard fitting procedure for E-Thirteen cassettes. The aluminium sprockets are still clamped onto the XD freehub. The steel body, which houses the remaining ten gears, is then locked into place. Weighing 345 grams, the Helix-R cassette is just under 50 grams lighter than the TRS+ cassette with the same gear ratio. This means that, with the Helix-R cassette, E-Thirteen once again offers the lightest 12-speed cassette set compared to SRAM and Shimano. And unlike the competitors’ one-piece cassettes, worn parts on the E-Thirteen can be replaced individually. This can save money in the long run.
Speaking of costs, this specialist in accessories also remains among the top cassettes from its major rivals in terms of price. A 12-speed cassette (9–50 teeth) with a 556 per cent gear range costs 289 euros from E-Thirteen. An 11-speed version with 9–46 teeth is also available. It is lighter than E-Thirteen’s previous 1x11 cassette and, according to the manufacturer, weighs 325 grams. Price: also 289 euros.
Sebastian Brust
Editor
