E-Thirteen presents the brand-new TRS+ cassette with 12 sprockets, leaving the competition behind in terms of gear range and weight – albeit, in some cases, only just. Weighing just 333* grams, this sprocket set with 9–46 teeth delivers 511 per cent gear ratio, which is more than SRAM Eagle (maximum 10–50 teeth, 500 per cent, 367* grams) and the new Shimano XTR (maximum 10–51 teeth, 510 per cent, 370* grams).
The price of 300 euros is roughly on a par with current high-street prices for a SRAM X01 Eagle cassette and just under 100 euros below the manufacturer’s original recommended retail price. But that’s not all: The real highlight of E-Thirteen is the conversion kit, which allows any older SRAM 11-speed groupset from the GX range upwards to be upgraded to a 12-speed drivetrain.
In any case, there’s currently no cheaper way to enjoy a 12-speed derailleur system on your bike than with the conversion kit from E-Thirteen, as it’s expensive. Or at least relatively expensive. The 1x12 pioneers at SRAM set the standard with the NX Eagle Admittedly, it’s the most affordable version available, costing 410 euros for the complete drivetrain. However, for reasons of compatibility with Shimano freehub bodies, it only offers a 455 per cent gear range – so for cyclists who currently ride a high-quality (lightweight) 1x11 groupset from SRAM and want to switch to 12 speeds without incurring exorbitant costs or a significant increase in weight.
Tuning: Converting an 11-speed drivetrain to 12-speed operation
E-Thirteen is coming to the aid of all those keen to upgrade who don’t want to replace their entire drivetrain straight away with the new TRS+ 12-speed cassette. With this new cassette, the accessories specialist also includes a conversion kit for SRAM 11-speed systems! Simply swap a small gear in the shifter and a spacer in the rear derailleur, and the 11-speed version of SRAM GX, X1, X01 or XX1 is instantly transformed into a 12-speed system. The cassette’s wide gear range is included.
The conversion is designed to be so straightforward that it can be carried out at home by the user. The manufacturer provides detailed assembly instructions, including an installation video, on its website and estimates that it will take one hour to complete. The manufacturer’s support team is on hand to answer any questions. Anyone who buys the kit from a specialist retailer can, of course, have it fitted there at their own expense.
Specifications and details: the E-Thirteen TRSR 12-speed 9–46 cassette at a glance
The cassette itself consists of four parts in total. The two largest sprockets are milled from a single block of aluminium and are secured to an XD freehub body with a retaining ring. Unlike earlier versions, no special tool is required for this. Next comes a plastic spacer sleeve, before the remaining sprockets (made of steel) are engaged into the aluminium body using a chain whip (ideally with a thin 12-speed chain) or – even better – a sprocket puller. Both sprocket bodies are secured with a small screw to prevent any unintended relative movement. Both tools or two chain whips are required for disassembly.
E-Thirteen justify their decision to opt for a 9-46 tooth distribution on the 12-speed cassette as well by citing lower weight and greater ground clearance. The small 9-tooth sprocket allows a 10 per cent smaller chainring to be used at the front without having to sacrifice the long top gear ratio. At the same time, there is still more range at the other end of the gear range. And small chainrings can be lighter than large ones. All parts of the cassette will be available individually as spare parts.
* BIKE readings
The E-Thirteen conversion kit and the TRS+ 12-speed cassette are now available from specialist retailers and via our own Online shop.
Sebastian Brust
Editor