The XX1 Eagle cassette is the ultimate choice for high-performance race bikes and top-end builds. Available in Gold, Rainbow, and a new Copper finish, these things certainly look great, but it's all the tech and fancy engineering beneath the surface that really makes these cassettes special.

The cassettes are built around SRAM's X-Dome architecture to create an incredibly lightweight and strong design with excellent mud-clearing properties. X-Glide 2 technology provides quick and precise shifting up and down the cassette, even while under load, and the 10-52t options provide riders with up to a whopping 520% gear range.

Who's this item for: The XX1 cassette is for riders that demand the best in terms of shifting quality, durability, and low component weight. They also look super awesome so they'll make your bike look cool.

Number of gears: These are 12-speed Eagle cassettes.

Weight:

• 10-50t: ~363g
• 10-52t: ~373g

Materials / construction: These cassettes use SRAM's X-DOME technology which means that 11 of the 12 cogs are machined out of a single piece of case hardened steel. The largest cog is alloy and is pressed onto the rear of the cassette.

Cog-tooth span: Only the largest cog differs between the 10-50t and 10-52t cassettes.

• 10-50t: 10t, 12t, 14t, 16t, 18t, 21t, 24t, 28t, 32t, 36t, 42t, 50t
• 10-50t: 10t, 12t, 14t, 16t, 18t, 21t, 24t, 28t, 32t, 36t, 42t, 52t

Freehub mounting style: XD Driver only.

Other component compatibility: SRAM has redesigned the new derailleurs to work with the larger range of the 10-52t cassette and it is their official stance that only the new derailleurs with 520% printed on the rear of the cage are compatible with the 10-52t. If you have an older Eagle derailleur without 520% printed on the cage you should stick with the 10-50t cassettes.

Best paired up with an Eagle chain.

Pros: They look great, perform great, and don't weigh much.

Cons: Bling costs money.