11/40 12 speed cassette - Ali Express

[AlanW]

So my new gravel bike came with 31/48 up front and a 12 speed 11/36 cassette, which is ideal for pretty much most occasions. However, when fully laden with all my camping stuff I think that I may need to look at lower gearing. I did think about swapping the chain set for a 30/46, but the gain is minimal and not really worth the cost or effort in replacing really to be honest.

But a quick search on Google suggests that others have experimented with a 11/40 12 speed cassette from Ali Express, seemingly with a positive outcome. Despite Shimano saying the limit is 36 on the rear mech, apparently a 40 will fit and function okay.

At just £40 for the afore mentioned 11/40 cassette, its worth a punt I think.

But just wondering if anyone else has tried this combination?

 

[Bristolian]

My experience with Shimano is that they are rather conservative with their gear range limits. I have a 3x9 Sora set-up which, according to Shimano, has a biggest gear of 28T but the 11-32T I fitted works perfectly - that's the same 4T more than you're proposing. Personally, I'd give it a go

 

[Elybazza61]

Have my Stayer gravel bike with an XT 11-46 on 11-speed GRX X1 and works 'ok' ,it can be a bit 'clunky' on the last two big cogs.