New standards got you down? While changing specifications often results in obsolete equipment, they also provide a chance for other companies to step up and offer solutions to keep that pair of wheels out of retirement. That’s the case with the Edco Monoblock cassette. Named after its one piece construction, the hardened chromoly steel design also aides in durability. Edco offers a number of 11 speed Monoblock cassettes for Shimano and Campagnolo drivetrains, but that doesn’t help those who are still riding wheels with a 10 speed freehub body.
That’s where the Monoblock TEN+ELEVEN adapter cassette comes in to play. Since the cassette is all one piece, the end of the cassette can be extended from the freehub. Used in conjunction with the special TEN+ELEVEN lock nut, and you have an 11 speed cassette that should fit on most 10 speed wheels. Even better, the cassettes are now available in the U.S. through Reynolds Cycling…
Even with the entire cassette made from a single piece of hardened steel, the weight is still quite impressive at 163g (claimed). Much like the SRAM Red cassette, only the base of the cassette and the very end actually contact the freehub body, and the front of the cassette has extra long indexing cams to mate with the shorter 10 speed freehub bodies. Currently available in only 11-25t from Reynolds for $230, Edco’s site hints at other gearing options available as well. Assuming the cassette shifts well enough, you can hold on to those 10 speed only wheels for at least another season…