Cassette lifespan question

[PacMan]

I was wondering what the average lifespan of a cassette is/should be??

I run a Shimano XT 9 speed and go through about 1 a year. I ride 3-4 times a week over a pretty even mix of terrain. I consistently bend the 2nd and 3rd gears. And, since metal has memory, they can only be bent back so many times before it is a lost cause. I have never broken or bent a chain though.

I am a big guy at 230 lbs., but am careful about mashing gears too--I paid a lot for my drivetrain and I want it to last, so that's why I was wondering.

Is there a stronger cassette out there?? The mechanic at my LBS said he thought XT was about as good as it gets. He mentioned the SRAM 980 & 990, but said they were all pretty equal.

[Von-Diggity]

Once a year sounds about right for someone who rides as much as you do. XT cassettes are pretty good and the SRAM models are pretty much equivalent to them. Thats part of the price of mountain biking. I would replace your chain at the same time, it tends to wear along with the cassette.

[PacMan]

Ya, everytime I replace the cassette I replace the chain as well. When you're dropping $70 on a cassette, what's another $25 for a chain

Thanks for the response.

[Pain Freak]

I had an xtr last for over 4 years.

[Von-Diggity]

Those ti rings always scared me off. I did order one of the new light SRAM cassettes. I am curious about its durablilty.

[Innes]

I'm about the same size as you I was running XT cassettes for a while, but then I switched to the SRAM only because it was cheaper. I didn't notice any drop in performance at all. I replace mine about once a year, or when I get bored and start taking my bike apart.

[Von-Skipp]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

I had an xtr last for over 4 years.

you also have 8 bikes.

[gurp13]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

you also have 8 bikes.

pwned

[Pain Freak]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

you also have 8 bikes.

Touche

[dirttorpeedo]

Originally Posted by PacMan

Ya, everytime I replace the cassette I replace the chain as well. When you're dropping $70 on a cassette, what's another $25 for a chain

Thanks for the response.

xt is as good as they get,you shood change the chain more often,6mos. at a time your drive train will thank you for it.when your trudging uphill try to shift before you get to the point of having to shift under a load.this is what bends things like that....ie; 2/3rd gears.your drive train will last longer this way. hope that helps out ...

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by dirttorpeedo

xt is as good as they get,you shood change the chain more often,6mos. at a time your drive train will thank you for it.when your trudging uphill try to shift before you get to the point of having to shift under a load.this is what bends things like that....ie; 2/3rd gears.your drive train will last longer this way. hope that helps out ...

Thanks for the suggestions. As far as the chain goes, my mechanic told me the same thing--change it more often

As far as shifting when I shouldn't, I never do that--NEVER. I am always telling my buddies they shouldn't do it--cuz they do it a lot and it drives me nuts. I think my problem is more powering up a hill in too big a gear, instead of shifting down a gear or two to save on the wear. Like I said, I'm a big guy and my mechanic said I'm probably mashing too hard on risers.

Thanks again for the suggestions