SRAM XX Cassette 2010

One of the most impressive new features of SRAM’s new XX groupset is undoubtedly the cassette. The work and that goes into making this is staggering and the finished product is precision personified. Each XX cassette takes 7 hours to complete!  You really have to see the end product to appreciate it, but this is how they make it.

Step 1

They start by cutting the cassette from a big lump of steel:

• Time: 7 minutes
• Weight: 4858g

Step 2

The profile discs are CNC machined out of the same block of steel. You can see the XX cassette taking shape below – the picture shows it from the rear.

Time: 30 mins

Weight: 2300g

Step 3

At this stage the block of steel is turned into what is clearly a cassette. Again, the CNC machine cuts away swathes of steel and with ultra precision the cogs are formed. It really goes on a diet at this stage, dropping from 2,300g to just 213g, but there’s still more to come…

Time: 1 hour

Weight: 213g

Step 4

As they say on Cribs, this is where the magic happens. As you can see, the remaining steel joining the cogs is also cut away leaving a lattice work of intricate machining and what really does look like a work of art. Again, we see more major weight loss at this stage, dropping to just 126g. This thing should be on the front of Heat magazine.

And from the rear:

Wow. I might have to go and look at this thing again. You really have to see it – but be warned, once you do you’re going to want one. Lots. Like everything desirable it comes at a price, but having ridden the demo bike (more on this later) the total integration SRAM have aimed for with this groupset is apparent the second you change gears – the quickest shift I’ve ever experienced on a mountain bike by far.

So, in the meantime start saving – we’ll be stocking these very soon, and will be taking pre-orders even sooner.