Review: Garbaruk 12-Speed Cassette for SRAM Eagle
Want to spice up your bike's looks and shed a few grams? Garbaruk is a family owned machining and manufacturing factory that makes beautiful components from high-strength aluminum and steel alloys. To celebrate their recent move from the Ukraine to Krakow, Poland, they sent us a matched set of drivetrain items, headlined by a new 12-speed 10 x 50 cassette. PB previously reviewed their 11-speed wide-range cassette with good results. Their latest offerings are equally stunning and we expect the same or better performance, as Garbaruk noted improvements to their tooth profiles and shifting ramps.
The first 11 cogs of the 12-speed cassette are machined from one piece of heat-treated alloy steel with silver-tone plating, while the largest cog is machined from 7075-alloy aluminum and then color-anodized. It fits SRAM XD drivers and can be purchased in eight colors, including basic black or silver.
Tucked in with the cassette was a color-matched pair of CNC-machined aluminum derailleur pulleys (14 and 12 tooth), and a 30t-tooth oval chainring (they offer round as well). Components can be purchased directly from their web store, with cassettes priced at $314, pulley sets at $69 and SRAM-compatible chainrings ranging from $37 to $71 USD. (they make chainrings to fit all popular cranksets).
Tucked in with the cassette was a color-matched pair of CNC-machined aluminum derailleur pulleys (14 and 12 tooth), and a 30t-tooth oval chainring (they offer round as well). Components can be purchased directly from their web store, with cassettes priced at $314, pulley sets at $69 and SRAM-compatible chainrings ranging from $37 to $71 USD. (they make chainrings to fit all popular cranksets).
Improved performance from new shifting ramps and tooth profiles.
Garbaruk 12-Speed Cassette
Designed to fit SRAM XD drivers, Garbaruk offers their 12-speed cassette in either a 10 by 50-tooth range (10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42-50), which is the same gearing as SRAM's 10 x 50 Eagle cassettes.
Garbaruk also offers a 10 by 48-tooth range (10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42-48 ), for strong riders who want that last shift to be a smaller jump. Similar to SRAM, the largest, aluminum cassette cog is splined and engages the XD driver, while the contiguous block of 11 steel cogs are attached to the 50 tooth. Garbaruk's cassette also uses the same splined tool as SRAM, which is a good thing.
Designed to fit SRAM XD drivers, Garbaruk offers their 12-speed cassette in either a 10 by 50-tooth range (10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42-50), which is the same gearing as SRAM's 10 x 50 Eagle cassettes.
Garbaruk also offers a 10 by 48-tooth range (10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42-48 ), for strong riders who want that last shift to be a smaller jump. Similar to SRAM, the largest, aluminum cassette cog is splined and engages the XD driver, while the contiguous block of 11 steel cogs are attached to the 50 tooth. Garbaruk's cassette also uses the same splined tool as SRAM, which is a good thing.
Cassette Details
Construction: One piece alloy steel alloy cogs - 10t to 42t, 7075 aluminum - 50t cog
Compatibility: SRAM XD drivers
Gearing: 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42, 50, or 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42, 48
Colors: silver-tone plated steel cogs, Anodized 50t or 48t in black, silver, blue, gold, green, orange, red, or purple.
Weight: 10/50t: 342g, 10/48t: 339g
MSRP: $314 (black/silver) $331 USD (colors)
Construction: One piece alloy steel alloy cogs - 10t to 42t, 7075 aluminum - 50t cog
Compatibility: SRAM XD drivers
Gearing: 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42, 50, or 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42, 48
Colors: silver-tone plated steel cogs, Anodized 50t or 48t in black, silver, blue, gold, green, orange, red, or purple.
Weight: 10/50t: 342g, 10/48t: 339g
MSRP: $314 (black/silver) $331 USD (colors)
Comparing weight and price, SRAM claims 357 grams for their top-range XX1 Eagle cassette, while Garbaruk claims (and does) weigh within a percent of 342 grams. SRAM's golden or oil-slick XX1 Eagle will run you $449, while Garbaruk's costs $314 - over a hundred USD less. SRAM's comparably priced XO1 Eagle cassette costs $385 and weighs a claimed 357 grams. Most people considering the Garbaruk option, however, will probably be upgrading from one of SRAM's heavy, lower-priced cassettes like the $215 GX-level XG-1275 "full pin" model that weighs 450 grams.
Riding It
Installation is the same as SRAM's cassettes and, as mentioned, uses the same spline tool. Garbaruk's tolerances and spacing were such that I had no need to turn a derailleur adjustment screw - shifting was spot on. I installed it in a hurry on the first review bike, however, and did not use a torque wrench ...aaaand it managed to come loose a few rides later. The hub was an Industry Nine, so no questions about quality. Torqued correctly, I had no repeat performance or any further issues with the cassette.
Shifting was not as crisp and mechanically smooth as the SRAM XX1 it replaced on the first test bike, but on par with the SRAM XG-1275 cassette that I was using on the second bike I mounted it to. What I did notice was that the Garbaruk cassette was a little more fussy. I could sense the difference in shifting, one click in either direction of the adjustment barrel, while SRAM's cassettes needed a couple of clicks to achieve a similar bias in the direction I was shifting across the cogs.
Garbaruk's cassette could be pedaled backwards without making a mess of things, which is the present standard, and while shifts were noticeably louder than either SRAM cassette, surprisingly,
Garbaruk's cassette could be pedaled backwards without making a mess of things, which is the present standard, and while shifts were noticeably louder than either SRAM cassette, surprisingly,
Pros
+ Lightweight alternative to XO1 Eagle at a lower price
+ Good looking. Color match your drivetrain components to your bike
Cons
- Doesn't shift as smoothly as SRAM's top line Eagle XO1 and XX1 rivals.
Garbaruk Chainring
Garbaruk's take on the narrow-wide tooth profile is influenced by both Shimano and SRAM. Their tooth profile is very tall, like Shimano's, which helps retain the chain while it is thrashing left and right and, like SRAM, the tips of the wider teeth act as a sort of pivot, around which, the chain links can rotate slightly as they engage from various angles. Garbaruk also claims that their design helps cleanse the teeth from mud and crud and redirect it away from the moving bits. Garbaruk makes them both round and oval. I'm a fan of their 12-percent oval design reviewed here.
Garbaruk's take on the narrow-wide tooth profile is influenced by both Shimano and SRAM. Their tooth profile is very tall, like Shimano's, which helps retain the chain while it is thrashing left and right and, like SRAM, the tips of the wider teeth act as a sort of pivot, around which, the chain links can rotate slightly as they engage from various angles. Garbaruk also claims that their design helps cleanse the teeth from mud and crud and redirect it away from the moving bits. Garbaruk makes them both round and oval. I'm a fan of their 12-percent oval design reviewed here.
Chainring Details
Construction: CNC-machined 7075 alloy aluminum, narrow-wide tooth profile
Options: Oval - 12% or round, 26t to 38t (sizes vary by brand)
Compatible: SRAM, Shimano, FSA, e*thirteen, Race Face, Rotor, THM, & Tune
Colors: Eight anodized colors, including black and silver
MSRP: $37 to $97 USD ($63 - 30t oval SRAM GXP tested)
Construction: CNC-machined 7075 alloy aluminum, narrow-wide tooth profile
Options: Oval - 12% or round, 26t to 38t (sizes vary by brand)
Compatible: SRAM, Shimano, FSA, e*thirteen, Race Face, Rotor, THM, & Tune
Colors: Eight anodized colors, including black and silver
MSRP: $37 to $97 USD ($63 - 30t oval SRAM GXP tested)
Garbaruk's tooth profile runs silently, a rarity for oval chainrings.
Riding It
Disclosure: I didn't put a huge amount of time on the Garbaruk chainrings because the cassette was the star of this show and I needed a direct comparison using similar SRAM drivetrain components. That said, the blue anodized color coat is holding up exceptionally well so far, and I expect this chainring to be as long-wearing as the teeth on Garbaruk drivetrain components I've previously reviewed. They machine their chainrings and large cogs from hardened, 7075 aluminum alloy - which evidently is a big plus.
Tops on my like list is how quietly the chainring runs. Oval rings tend to sound very mechanical under power, but not this one. Garbaruk must have tooth profile correct, because the same goes for the cassette cogs, which run smoothly all the way out to the extreme angles. I also like the mild 12-percent ovality and clocking of their "not-round" option for the lack of pulsation and smooth technical climbing. In addition, the chain stayed on, the sprocket fit the crankset precisely and its Boost chain line was spot on. Good stuff.
Pros
+ Silent running and super secure tooth profile
+ Attractive anodized colors to match any bike or kit
Cons
- Black chainrings mask dirt and grease much better
- Lots of cheap chainrings to choose from if color isn't your thing
Aluminum Derailleur Pulleys
SRAM XX1 through GX level rear derailleur pulleys already roll on sealed ball bearings. Those plastic discs may not look all that sexy, but they get the job done and weigh about the same as Garbaruk's stunning CNC-machined aluminum replacements. There are a few physical reasons to purchase 69-dollar derailleur pulleys, but I'll get to those later. The way I look at the equation is that once you buy the diamond necklace cassette and the matching diamond chainring, you may as well buy your sweetheart a pair of half karat earrings to complete the look.
Garbaruk pulleys use the stock SRAM hardware and line up with an identical chainline as the ones they replace. You will need to add some thread locker to ensure the minimally threaded screws
SRAM XX1 through GX level rear derailleur pulleys already roll on sealed ball bearings. Those plastic discs may not look all that sexy, but they get the job done and weigh about the same as Garbaruk's stunning CNC-machined aluminum replacements. There are a few physical reasons to purchase 69-dollar derailleur pulleys, but I'll get to those later. The way I look at the equation is that once you buy the diamond necklace cassette and the matching diamond chainring, you may as well buy your sweetheart a pair of half karat earrings to complete the look.
Derailleur Pulley Details
Construction: CNC-machined 7075 alloy aluminum, sealed ball bearings
Teeth: 12t upper, 14t lower
Features: Narrow-wide tooth profile, self-cleaning design
Weight: Nearly nothing
Colors: Eight anodized colors including black and silver
MSRP: $69 USD (pair)
Construction: CNC-machined 7075 alloy aluminum, sealed ball bearings
Teeth: 12t upper, 14t lower
Features: Narrow-wide tooth profile, self-cleaning design
Weight: Nearly nothing
Colors: Eight anodized colors including black and silver
MSRP: $69 USD (pair)
Garbaruk pulleys use the stock SRAM hardware and line up with an identical chainline as the ones they replace. You will need to add some thread locker to ensure the minimally threaded screws
Riding Them
Like their Garbaruk siblings elsewhere on the bike these pulleys never even whispered during the review period. But, the best and most unexpected tangible benefit of this pair of impulse purchases is how much cleaner they stay.
I can't explain how it happens, but SRAM's and Shimano's plastic pulleys act like tiny cement mixers that combine chain lube, plant matter and trail crud into a putrid paste that non-toxic cleaners cannot dissolve.
I can't explain how it happens, but SRAM's and Shimano's plastic pulleys act like tiny cement mixers that combine chain lube, plant matter and trail crud into a putrid paste that non-toxic cleaners cannot dissolve.
Narrow-wide nodes (left) on the sprocket teeth.
Every home mechanic has a favorite flat-bladed screwdriver that fits into the hollows of their crusty plastic pulleys to dislodge that hellish gum. Those thinly spoked pulleys with their tiny ballerina narrow-wide teeth laugh off that crud. Garbaruk, it seems, has machined away every molecule of aluminum a dab of mini cement mixer grunge could lodge onto. That alone may be worth 69 bucks.
Pros
+ Functional jewelry for your rear derailleur
+ They stay clean and look way better
Cons
- As long as your pulleys have sealed ball bearings, you really don't need them
Pinkbike's Take:
 | Garbaruk's 12-speed cassette fulfills three market niches. Depending on the cassette it's replacing, this upgrade can erase 100 to 200 grams from your suspension's unsprung weight, which is a significant reduction. Garbaruk's 12 speed option also offers the same CNC-machined mono-block construction as SRAM Eagle's "Powerdome" cassettes for a substantial savings. For many, though, the attraction of styling out your bike with matching accessories is equally compelling and few, if any, drivetrain makers offer a better looking ensemble than the craftsmen at Garbaruk. If I were building up a custom titanium frame, I'd definitely go that route. If I were searching for pure shifting performance, however, and cost was no object, then a SRAM Eagle XX1 or XO1 cassette would be my first choice. |
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Makes sense.
1. SRAM Oil slick cassette is the same as X01/XX1 and weighs the same, certainly not 300gr!
2. Shifting on SRAM cassettes is the same, regardless if its GX, X01 or XX1. I've had both. It's only logical since the ramps, teeth profile and spacing is the same.
Oh and I also tried the OneUp conversion to the Shimano cassette in the past, didnt shift that well either, Id say on par with Garbaruk. Just my 2 cents..
I'm running 11 speed g2 9-46, 12 speed XT derailleur, 12 speed XX1 chain. It doesn't shift as smoothly as the XT cassette I has before, but it's not terrible, and it's quite a bit lighter.
I tried 11 speed Shimano, KMC, YBN, and 12 speed SRAM. The first this were all terrible. SRAM chain cleaned things up nicely for me on both my 9-39 and 9-46 e-13 cassettes. But they don't shift quite as nicely as a full Shimano 11 speed setup.
For some of us, that could be a more relevant option than these heavy, expensive 12-speed cassettes.
Just sayin...
And youre still way cheaper than light 11/12speed cassettes
How do they usually hold up?
* Full disclosure, I'm running a 11 speed 11-46 Sunrace cassette. It replaced a Shimano XT 11sp one which had horrendous lower gear spacing.
"normal" Shimano one
I actually hate sram, let me be clear about that. I have had so many SRAM and RockShox product failures in the last 3-4 years, I totally boycott their products when possible. But I can say the cassette I had worked well. My current e-13 lost more finish in 20 km, than my SRAM in 1,000 km.
Ok, now I want a 10-46 (or 9-46) all steel for under 400 grams!
www.ethirteen.com/collections/e-spec-cassettes/products/trs-plus-11-speed-cassette-gen2
Your experience may vary.
SRAM: We machine a solid piece of steel for your cassette into a beautiful dome inspired by the shape of the Sistine Chapel
Shimano XTR: We take four different materials and slap them all on a spider, the end result of which is heavier
Mine was only $250 shipped
I too suffer from hate random bike noises syndrome.
The saying goes, Entrepreneurs are the only people who will work 80 hours a week to avoid working 40 hours a week. I may soon join the small group of people who are looking at heavy, drag inducing, grip shifting gearbox bikes to avoid these blasted rear derailleurs.
I'm speaking of real entrepreneurs, not the self-claimed social media entrepreneurs that don't actually work or those that are involved with network marketing/MLM/pyramid schemes
Here's a nice chart of weights, ranges, and compatibility for pretty much every cassette out there for anyone curious to do some comparisons:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16C3Rz6qmzmurSNd-L3IeMSFukkBFV6D1DRbfS59EDrE
I have an 10/48 11 speed cassette of theirs. It shifts almost as well as the big 2 but I liked the extra gear range.
Where they shine is the chainrings. Especially if you want to use an MTB crank on a gravel bike. They have a large range of options for unique needs. More than most boutique companies.
I know the pulleys are expensive but see what the stock replacements cost. It’s not that much of an up charge. Also in my riding region the chain crud is a major issue. That alone is worth the extra money.
www.ebay.com/itm/12-Speed-9-50T-Bicycle-Rainbow-Cassette-Compatible-Ultralight-For-XX1-Eagle-Part/283625428456?var=584926133171&hash=item42096495e8:m:mnI03QxIUXeI9hVvDTWPPsw
I get what you're looking for but I suspect chances are slim that you're going to get that wide range in twelve speed. Nine speed was already available in 11-34, so getting a similar range with a larger number of sprockets would be a hard sell. Maybe someday they'll do the smaller DH cassette with DH spacing. Otherwise do as the enduro people do and just stick with the big (and maybe cheap) cassette even if you primarily ride downhill. Or maybe singlespeed would be sufficient?
Otherwise I can imagine CX may at some point offer what he needs. There is an advantage for them to use 1x drivetrains and not run very big chainrings (in order to clear logs and other obstacles) so there is good reason for them to work with a 10t sprocket on a 12sp cassette.
I ran that same setup for 6 months and it worked flawlessly. Not trying to troll you, just trying to offer another datapoint.
I have seen an x-sync 2 ring that had been through a summer and it was ruined, in contrast 'standard' design rings are still useable, albeit a bit more noisy and dont clear mud as well.
I think the profiles from Wolf tooth and absolute black seem the best to me, they have accounted for the wear of teeth while retaining a profile that will last a good length of time.
...and it's like $15 too
The steel rings a bit of a tank thogh, and mostly available in smaller sizes, ill pass on that.
'$69'
'Nvm'
Well, someone has to buy and use that garbage anyway. Why not you?
And all cyclist who care about performance, weight saving and reliability will get themselves Garbaruk.
Maybe not the parts are expensive, but you are earning to little $.
Garbaruk has the best performance/weight/value/reliability ratio out there so far.