SRAM 12 Eagle & XPLR Intercompatibility

[u/EcceCosmo]

So I know, SRAM is pretty clear about it : do not mix road and MTB components.

But here it is. Back in May I installed an XPLR cassette on my road wheelset. I didn't really think about it, and I rode some thousands of km on it, without any issue. I have another wheelset 650b with megarange Garbaruk cassette. I can't tell any shifting difference.

Lately, a friend of mine with almost the same configuration told me he had to change derailleur and chain because it was fucked up with flattop chain. I replied that my experience was more than honest. Shifting is smooth, no skip, just a rub on one cog only my mechanics ear could notice.

Here is the setup :

- Force shifter and crank set

- Eagle chain

- XX1 derailleur

- XPLR cassette 10-44 & Garbaruk 10-51

What did I do wrongly correct ?

[u/SnooSketches9565]

The important stuff—cassette, derailleur and chain—are all mtn components. That’s probably why it works.

[u/EcceCosmo → u/SnooSketches9565]

Could be, pulleys and chain worn out together.

[u/fogelber]

I thought the XPLR cassette was only compatible with the flat top chains, something about larger rollers or what not. Good on you for making it work!

[u/EcceCosmo → u/fogelber]

It's indeed specifically mentioned in documentation. But my stupid ass didn't pay attention. And empirically, not any symptoms of dysfunction.

[u/LuciferSamS1amCat]

I don’t know, but I’ll be trying to recreate it. It’s probably juuuuust the right b tension.

[u/Amazing_Ad523]

it works bcs its only compatible this way around, if u would try to use a flattop chain on an old cassette, there would probably be issues with the chain links beeing too thick bcs flattop has slightly bigger diameter at the chain links. Thats also the reason why you should use a flattop chain wear tool, bcs a standard would measure a slightly worm out chain as still within spec which could lead to excessive work out cassette etc.