Red AXS XG-1290 Cassette
Best high-performance upgrade for dedicated road cyclists seeking seamless electronic shifting.
The SRAM RED AXS XG-1290 cassette is a pivotal component for your RED AXS drivetrain, delivering seamless and rapid gear changes across an extensive range. Its X-Range gearing, featuring a 10-tooth small cog, ensures you find the optimal gear for any situation, from conquering steep climbs to powering through sprints. Engineered for wireless electronic shifting, this one-piece cassette offers remarkable weight savings. It is meticulously designed for compatibility with XDR driver bodies, ensuring peak performance and integration.
$377.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
68
/ 2100
#68 in Components
Price vs Category Average
+266%
Above average
Speed
12
/ Speed
Who it's for
- Weight-conscious climbers seeking maximum stiffness and efficiency
- Performance cyclists wanting wider gear ranges and aerodynamic efficiency
- AXS users demanding seamless and rapid electronic shifting performance
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused riders prioritizing value over top-tier component weight
- Cyclists using standard HG freehub bodies without XDR compatibility
- Riders sensitive to drivetrain acoustics and maintenance requirements
Performance breakdown
Shifting Precision
Seamless gear transitions define the pinnacle of wireless electronic performance.
Weight Efficiency
One-piece steel construction sheds grams without sacrificing structural integrity.
Gearing Versatility
X-Range design bridges the gap between steep climbs and high-speed sprints.
Durability
Machined steel architecture ensures long-term reliability under heavy wattage output.
System Integration
Engineered specifically to harmonize with the broader RED AXS ecosystem.
Installation Compatibility
Requires XDR driver bodies, limiting use to modern wheelset standards.
Key Specs
Speed
12 Speed
Gearing Range
10-33t
Driver Body Compatibility
XDR
Design
One-piece machined steel X-Dome
Color
Silver
System Integration
RED AXS System
Features
- Integral part of RED AXS system
- 10-tooth small cog with X-Range gearing
- Smooth gear progression
- Optimized for wireless electronic shifting
- Exceptional weight savings
- One-piece X-Dome design
- Wider gearing range
- XDR driver body compatible
What customers say
Users consistently praise the SRAM Red AXS XG-1290 Cassette for its exceptional shifting performance, describing it as smooth, precise, and remarkably fast across all gears. The lightweight design significantly enhances the ride feel, contributing to better agility and climbing. Integration with the AXS groupset is seamless, providing a cohesive, high-performing drivetrain. While the component carries a premium price, most serious cyclists feel the elite performance and superior build quality fully justify the investment. Reviewers emphasize that this cassette delivers on its promise of top-tier durability and engineering excellence for maximizing competitive cycling.
Know before you buy
No, the XG-1290 cassette is exclusively designed for XDR driver bodies. You will need to ensure your rear hub is equipped with an XDR-compatible freehub before installation.
The XG-1290 is specifically engineered for the SRAM RED AXS wireless electronic shifting system. It is not compatible with mechanical drivetrains due to the unique spacing and tooth profiling required for AXS performance.
The 10-tooth cog is a core component of SRAM's X-Range gearing. It allows for a wider gear range while maintaining smaller jumps between gears, giving you a harder top gear without sacrificing the ability to climb efficiently.
The one-piece machined steel construction is incredibly rigid and lightweight, which improves shifting precision. However, because it is a single unit, you cannot replace individual cogs; the entire cassette must be replaced once the teeth show significant wear.
Yes, this cassette must be used with a SRAM Flattop chain. The chain is specifically designed to work with the unique tooth profiles of the 12-speed AXS system to ensure quiet, smooth, and reliable shifting.
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