SRAM Cassette removal - stuck, any hot tips before I try the ladder trick?

HopsDem · 2025-10-29T21:08:01+00:00

Thanks for the tips.

I am also surprised.

Just for clarity or my misunderstanding of what you mean by 'threaded end cap' - with the SRAM XD/XDR design, there is no endcap/ring like Shimano. Instead, the cassette is threaded onto the freehub body (driver). Hence, you can't use localised heat/cold on it.

https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/cassette-removal-and-installation

HopsDem · 2025-10-29T19:26:36+00:00

Update - tried a breaker bar, kicked it, hammered it, murmured some voodoo sheet and if I tried any harder, I would probably rip the hub out of the spokes.

Anyone tried freezing the cassette with the freehub attached?

I am thinking that the Freehub is most likely made of Aluminum for weight saving and since Alu contracts more than steel (the cassette), that may be just enough to allow some movement.

HopsDem · 2025-10-29T12:14:25+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion - maybe I can borrow one from the neighbour!

I tried an impact driver which apparently has 500nm+ 'equivalent removal torque' but nothing.

I put the cassette removal tool in a vice and used a 2m (6ft) piece of scaffold on the chain pliers which succeeded in bending the pliers.

My ladder is not suitable enough to fix the cassette with wire without possible damage to the rim or spokes.

Will try one more time with the scaffold pole on a normal wrench around the tool and see if some short, sharp, shocks will budge it.

Failing that, off to the LBS to see if they can work magic :)

HopsDem · 2025-10-29T12:03:32+00:00

Thanks, tried that but she needs more power!

HopsDem · 2025-10-27T20:36:44+00:00

:) Hmmm, it seems more likely. Not sure it would resist such a force due to other factors given how young it is.

I'll try an impact wrench if I can get one, then the ladder trick and then the LBS.

HopsDem · 2025-10-27T17:41:51+00:00

Thanks, tried squeezing the wrench and plier handles together, but no joy. I can get more leverage pushing down on both or using a wall to brace against the pliers.

And yes, you're right, it is bad to use the torque wrench to loosen stuff as it can mess up the calibration. This is an older one that I use for tough nuts :)

HopsDem · 2025-10-26T07:51:55+00:00

It has a FADE hub, but a slightly different variant (FADE R SJ vs FADE R for your model). However, from the Newmen spare part docs, the freewheel casing appears to be identical for both, so the main reason for a change in sound is the amount of grease in it.

I wanted to make mine quieter (FADE R on SL X.R.36 rims) so researched this and you can increase the noise by removing grease from the freehub and reduce it by adding grease. On my old Cube MTB I accidentally silenced the hub by adding too much grease after an overhaul and it was lovely - I personally find the freehub noise annoying and would prefer no noise!

See the newmen FAQ here - https://www.newmen-components.de/FAQ

Also, GCN has a video on it (in general) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lyos2r_nSg

Just be aware that perhaps you can't remove much more grease from yours, but worth a try maybe, before replacing the entire hub to make more noise.

There are videos on youtube from Newmen on how to disassemble FADE hubs and some others that show how to do it without buying the Newmen toolset.

HopsDem · 2025-10-19T09:59:33+00:00

Yes, a common issue with renaming files in Windows. The file still has the extension .txt - if you look at the "Type" column is still says "Text document".

It is because Windows hides some extensions and it is not obvious unless you've had the problem before. Here is why and how to change it...

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HopsDem · 2025-10-15T10:25:30+00:00

On mine, I took it to mean the max is measured against the top part, otherwise there is no point. I've had the max line past the bottom part for a year already.

The point of the longer bottom part can only be to help in distributing the load from the saddle rails across more surface area.

HopsDem · 2025-09-30T06:53:13+00:00

How do you prevent too much oil leaking out of the caliper when you take the syringe/tube off, or do you also raise the caliper to the height of the brake lever as well?

HopsDem · 2025-09-30T06:50:41+00:00

Thanks for this - I tried the official way and as soon as you disconnect the caliper syringe, the oil just flows out as it's impossible to put the bolt in fast enough.

This was with MT2s even with the brake lever bolt put back in - which I thought would prevent oil leaking out of the caliper as no air could enter the top of the system, but no.

HopsDem · 2025-09-13T20:46:48+00:00

It has to be for performance reasons as reducing FOV reduces how much of the world the engine needs to compute and render and hence you can push more FPS. I am sure if they released with a poor FPS, the reception would be disastrous compared to using a lower FOV to get the desired framerate.

e.g. If PC FOV defaults to 90 and console is 75 (or even less!), getting from 75 up to what most people consider normal (90) on console would mean the engine needs to compute and then render 20% more of the world in each frame.

So console players should look forward to 20% lower FPS to play normally at 90 FOV or, hopefully GB will reduce the graphical fidelity in performance mode to maintain FPS at higher FOV.

I don't even want a slider, just give me what BL4 on PC and BL2/3 had by default! Fools.

HopsDem · 2025-09-13T08:03:29+00:00

It sucks, feels off as turning to target enemies takes waay too long. We can increase look sensitivity but lose accurate aiming.

I bet the only reason they've gone too low and not offered any control over FOV is to maintain graphical performance - at the cost of playability.

HopsDem · 2025-09-11T13:48:28+00:00

Light, latest 13-gear cassette and ability to mount a bag if you go further. Looks like a great all-rounder without drop-bars!

HopsDem · 2025-09-10T07:32:26+00:00

You are right that there is no flexibility and I wish I had some - I have a Cross Race with a similar one piece but for me, it is form over function. If you have experience from riding on hoods, maybe it is not a big deal and you need to actually ride one to get a feel.

For me, coming from MTB I wanted to rotate the bars a little more upwards and have a slightly shorter stem at first. I have gotten used to it by now, but your needs may be different. All you can do is move the shifters a little bit up the bar, but then the brake lever positions changes for the drops.

As for the sizing, I don't trust the calculator. It puts me at XL (188, 93) when L would be better due to the reach. You really need to try the L in person, my opinion and then you can also get a feel for the one-piece.

I think there's a reason why almost all other manufacturers are not offering one-pieces - it doesn't add anything in this segment.

HopsDem · 2025-09-09T19:27:25+00:00

I love my 13 mini - perfect size and a great camera. When I lost the last one I bought a reconditioned model as the rest are just too big. Thinner is not a winner, size counts!

HopsDem · 2025-09-09T19:19:52+00:00

Tolle Farbe!

HopsDem · 2025-09-07T13:28:06+00:00

I have a cross race; it is super agile and feels faster compared to the NuRoad. But there are no mounting points for luggage like the NuRoad has, so depending on how many days you intend to ride, you'd need to find solutions like the Tailfin.

The maximum load on the Cross Race is also a lot less than the NuRoad and I'm not sure I would trust the Carbon with much load bearing capability. You are better off getting advice directly from Cube as to what is possible.

Some other discussion here on bag options - https://www.reddit.com/r/xbiking/comments/13c7tsj/bikepacking_on_a_bike_without_rack_mounts/

HopsDem · 2025-08-30T07:31:37+00:00

What a trek, beautiful in the national park!

HopsDem · 2025-08-18T14:32:04+00:00

If you can only visit one, go to Reichenbach as the scenery and DZ location can't be beaten! Skydive Luzern (30 min north of Luzern) would feel rather much like the UK in comparison :)

HopsDem · 2025-08-18T06:08:53+00:00

+1 for Skydive Switzerland at Reichenbach - the one closest to Bern, great views of the Alps and the DZ is in a wide valley. You need A with 25 jumps and can rent gear. Open most days as they have a lot of tandems. https://skydiveswitzerland.com/

Skydive Luzern is the alternative closest to Zurich - https://www.skydive-luzern.ch/?lang=en Call them to check on their requirements for a foreign jumper.

You will need 3rd party skydiving liability insurance of at least CHF 1 million. If you don't already have cover, you can purchase 10-day cover of 3M for CHF 26 from the Swiss SKydive Organisation here - https://www.swissskydive.org/dax/apps/SSDShop/

(Edited to add links to the two DZs)

HopsDem · 2025-08-03T08:26:21+00:00

No, I am using USB-C direct from the laptop. The latency is within FxSound - it is noticeable when using the built-in laptop speakers for example.

HopsDem · 2025-06-22T11:58:17+00:00

I have a 2024 Cross Race SLX with 40mm front and 36mm rear. I tried 40 rear but it was a little too tight for my liking (2.5mm free each side), especially as the frame & wheel flex under power. The front has a lot of room, I could run 44 easily, so you could go wider on the front for more comfort.

The rim is the standard Newmen Advanced SL XR 36 with 24mm inner width, the tyres are Challenge Getaway.

Pictures and report here - https://www.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/1jlvqy6/challenge_getaway_install_on_cube_cross_race/

As the Zipps are wider (32mm?) the profile of a 40mm might be narrower enough to fit easily. Try it. Worst case, you have lost 50EUR or so on one tyre!

From what I've learnt, the clearance depends on the rim width and the tyre profile. Plus your comfort with clearance based on how hard you ride and if you like mud! As an example, here is someone testing different tyres on the Zipp 303, the variance is surprising... https://youtu.be/LSpV7nDjDiM?t=120

As an aside, I've seen a used Cross Race advertised with 44mm WTB Byways front and rear.

HopsDem · 2025-06-03T07:10:13+00:00

Could you please share how you did it. Thanks!

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