Question on buying a used cassettte

[nrsnow]

I want to replace my asian ti 9spd cassette with a XTR. What are your opinions on what to look for when purchasing a used cassette?

[mattr]

TBH. I'd not buy a used one.
The risk of getting a worn out one, that's been cleaned to within an inch of its life and then sold as "light use", "less than 100 miles" is far too high.
Unless you know the seller of course.

The visual differences between still Ok and shagged enough to only run with used chains or skip continuously are very very very difficult to spot, or measure.

[victorduraace]

Yes, but if it is worn out slightly there is little chance things will go wrong
AND good luck if you want to spot 9spd XTR in NOS condition in reasonable price

[HillRPete]

A certain german shop has 12-34 at just a bit over 50% MSRP. 11-32 a bit more expensive. Don't want to advertise (no affiliation), but PM me if I should share the link.

[nrsnow]

Thanks for the input. A NOS XTR 9 speed cassette is going for $200usd. With that kind of money, I wonder if I should upgrade to 10 speed. Then of course I'll be spending more money to buy a rear derailleur , and a right shifter in addition to a cassette ( I run 1x9).

[jpac]

i've bought used cassettes on craigslist before (Dura Ace7900) for a significant discount. they are used, but still work well.

[02GF74]

there is always a risk with cassetters - I have done so in the past but alsways ask if the cassette will jump with a new chain. tyhen if it does, I guess you can ask for a refund (fortunately not had to do that yet).

[jooo]

If you're happy with an 11-32, have you thought about a SRAM XG-999?

[hull80n]

If you're happy with an 11-32, have you thought about a SRAM XG-999?

Nice but looks as new one

[nrsnow]

Thanks I looked them up on Ebay....with those prices as new, i'll try and find a used one.

[nrsnow]

I just thought about this, which amuses me. If you looked at my bike, would assume that spending $200 on a cassette shouldnt be a big deal.

I dont know, I just feel that piece of a bike part is too expensive.

[ms6073]

The risk of getting a worn out one, that's been cleaned to within an inch of its life and then sold as "light use", "less than 100 miles" is far too high.

I would agree but it also depends on the circumstances. I liked using 13-27 Shimano cassettes for cyclocross racing and while this is cost prohibitive with DA cassettes, Ultegra offered a pretty good bang for the buck. By combining the 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 tooth cogs and 18-19 spider from a 12-23 cassette with the 21-24-28 spider from an 11-28 cassette, I got a 13-14-15-16-17-18-19-21-24-28 cassette resulting in me having a lot of unused cassette cogs from the 8 Ultegra cassettes used for four sets of race wheels.