Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
1 year ago, I started using a cheap lightweight cassette from Aliexpress. 12 months later, how is the durability, and how does it compare to a Shimano cassette?
SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
srko.co/tracevelo
I am ALWAYS looking for ways to make my road bike lighter, so when I saw a cheap lightweight mono-block cassette from ZTTO on AliExpress, I had to pick it up. Despite being made of steel it weighs just 199g and seemed very good quality. The shifting performance was also excellent, and costing just £66 i was very impressed. However the long term durability hasn’t been fantastic.
I would normally expect to get around 5000 miles, or roughly two chain replacements out of a standard Shimano cassette, however from this ZTTO cassette, I only managed to get 2560 miles…
In this episode I will discuss the construction of this cheap ZTTO cassette, compare the grade of steel used to that of a Shimano cassette, and also deep dive on the different coatings used to mitigate rusting/oxidation, reduce friction, and improve overall durability.
Affiliate links to cassettes discussed:
Black ZTTO cassette: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEP2izt
SLR Gen3 cassette: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCDuLld
Timestamps:
00:00 – Overview
00:32 – Cassette failure
01:31 – How long did it last?
02:30 – Compare to Shimano
03:54 – Steel hardness test
07:02 – Siroko sponsor
07:34 – Cassette coatings
09:48 – Are cheap cassettes worth it?
11:26 – Bonus clip - Video editor
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - go2dev.co.uk
Instagram:
instagram.com/tracevelo
Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com
Please note:
I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!
1 year ago, I started using a cheap lightweight cassette from Aliexpress. 12 months later, how is the durability, and how does it compare to a Shimano cassette?
SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
srko.co/tracevelo
I am ALWAYS looking for ways to make my road bike lighter, so when I saw a cheap lightweight mono-block cassette from ZTTO on AliExpress, I had to pick it up. Despite being made of steel it weighs just 199g and seemed very good quality. The shifting performance was also excellent, and costing just £66 i was very impressed. However the long term durability hasn’t been fantastic.
I would normally expect to get around 5000 miles, or roughly two chain replacements out of a standard Shimano cassette, however from this ZTTO cassette, I only managed to get 2560 miles…
In this episode I will discuss the construction of this cheap ZTTO cassette, compare the grade of steel used to that of a Shimano cassette, and also deep dive on the different coatings used to mitigate rusting/oxidation, reduce friction, and improve overall durability.
Affiliate links to cassettes discussed:
Black ZTTO cassette: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEP2izt
SLR Gen3 cassette: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCDuLld
Timestamps:
00:00 – Overview
00:32 – Cassette failure
01:31 – How long did it last?
02:30 – Compare to Shimano
03:54 – Steel hardness test
07:02 – Siroko sponsor
07:34 – Cassette coatings
09:48 – Are cheap cassettes worth it?
11:26 – Bonus clip - Video editor
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - go2dev.co.uk
Instagram:
instagram.com/tracevelo
Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com
Please note:
I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!
