Wide range, 1x gearing isn’t going away any time soon. Instead, it is slowly expanding into more and more affordable drivetrains. Sure, SRAM seems to be leading the way, but a number of other companies like MicroSHIFT are pumping out more affordable options. With their new XCD cassettes, you can get even more range for fewer dollars.
Compared to cassettes like their 10 speed 11-42, the new 11-46 uses 7075 T6 aluminum for the two largest cogs (40 and 46t). MicroSHIFT tells us that their manufacturing process stamps and forges the steel rings at the same time which ensures a strong, straight cog, while their Sliding Engagement Technology results in accurate shifting.
Available in two versions, the higher end CS-G113 model uses an aluminum spider to reduce the weight. The CS-H113 uses a spiderless design which results in a less expensive, but heavier cassette.
Offering 11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-36-40-46 gear progression, the cassettes will sell for $60 for the spiderless CS-H113, and $100 for the lighter CS-G113, both available in April.