When it comes to wide range cassettes, e*thirteen is hard to beat. Their 11 speed 9-46t design offers an incredible 511% range, and it’s compatible with existing 11 speed drivetrains – no special derailleur needed.
And now, it’s even more affordable thanks to the new TRS+ option which drops the price down to just $249. Weighing in at 339g, the two piece cassette still uses SRAM XD freehub bodies with the first piece locking in with an included lockring, and the second piece twisting into place with a chain whip. We’ve used this cassette design on mountain bikes, fat bikes, and even gravel bikes, and they’ve also been completely hassle free. As one of the lightest cassettes in its class, the TRS+ should be an easy upgrade for many this fall.
Along with the new cassette, e*thirteen had a lot going on this tradeshow season with a completely reworked aluminum crankset line with the LG1+ and TRS+. Cranks are now built with the non-drive arm and spindle as one piece, while a captured self extracting bolt on the driveside crankarm pulls it all together or takes it apart. The cranks still use their APS adjustment system, and offer direct mount chainrings. The cranks above are also showing their new SL Chainring which is said to be 12g less and offer better chain retention for 10/11/12 speed chains.
Part of the new TRS Race SL line, you’ll find a new Race SL crank, wheelset, and chain guide. The cranks come in a 474g with the SL chainring for $400, while the chainguide weighs just 37g with the upper. The wheels are available in 27.5 or 29″ with a 28mm inner width and rim weights claimed at 388/422g. In spite of the paltry weight, they also test twice as well as the previous enduro model which should make them very competitive. Complete weights are claimed at 1690/1733g, and both sell for $1400 a set completely taped with valves and ready to go.
Adding to their dropper post range, the TRS+ post is now available in a 170mm travel length as well. In addition to the extra travel, e*thirteen has updated the internals while shortening the post significantly with the 170mm post measuring 490mm end to end. Price is $279 with the lever.
Even their tires have gotten an update as they’ve gone to 72 tpi from 60, while also adding a thicker apex insert and stiffer enduro casing for a more durable, yet better riding tire.
Finally, yes, that is a Shimano e8000 STEPS motor and those are e*thirteen e-bike components. At this point, it seems like it’s impossible for companies to resist – especially in the European market. So e*thirteen will be offering all levels of cranks in e-bike options as well as an e-bike STEPs or ISCG05 guide with a steel back plate for $35.