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Room For One Less: An e*thirteen Helix Race 9-52 12-Speed Cassette Review

Radar By: Travis Engel

Room For One Less: An e*thirteen Helix Race 9-52 12-Speed Cassette Review

When modern wide-range cassettes first hit the market, it was the giant 50-tooth (and now 52-tooth) cogs that grabbed all the headlines. But 1X drivetrains arguably wouldn’t have taken over if it weren’t for the 10-tooth cog down at the other end of the stack. That’s how brands can claim their 500, 510 and 520-percent gear ranges. Still, it wasn’t enough for e*thirteen. They introduced a lineup of cassettes with 9-tooth cogs, allowing for lighter, more compact setups with as much as 556-percent range.

And then, earlier this year, they introduced a 12-speed cassette that spanned from 9 teeth to 52 teeth, netting a 578-percent range. Travis Engel had to get his hands on one, but not for his mountain bike. He wanted it for his multi-headed beast of a gravel, touring and bikepacking bike. Range is king if you can’t (or won’t) run a front derailleur. But is one less tooth worth bowing down to?

e*thirteen’s New Helix R Cassette

Radar

e*thirteen’s New Helix R Cassette

e*thirteen has lead the industry with its wide-range, ultra-light cassettes and today they announced a new Helix R cassette, designed to work with both SRAM™ Eagle or Shimano™ drivetrain, with a 556% range, and weighing only 345-grams. The Helix R cassette comes in 11-speed 9-46t (available December 1st, 2020), or 12-speed 9-50t (shipping October 15th), has replaceable gear clusters, comes in 5 different colors, and comes in a brilliant PVD coating ($319.90).

The Helix R starts at $289.95 for 12-speed, and 11-speed.

Radar

e*thirteen’s TRS+ 12 Speed Cassette and Upgrade Kit

For $299.00, e*thirteen’s TRS+ 12 Speed Cassette and Upgrade Kit offers a gear range that beats SRAM Eagle at 511% without having to buy a whole new drivetrain kit. Inside this package includes a TRS Plus 12 speed cassette, 12 speed chain, upgrade parts for your shifter and derailleur, and all the necessary tools to make the upgrade. If you’re thinking of upgrading your mountain bike, flat bar ‘cross bike, or tourer, now’s your chance to do so on a budget. Head to e*thirteen to see more.

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