Mixing 12-Speed Cassettes: Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM – What Works? What Doesn’t?

mixing 12-speed cassettes
Three Bikes, Three Different Drivetrains

Circa 20 something years ago, people would have looked at you oddly if you believed we’d see 12-speed drivetrains in the 21st century. Yet here we are, and now with 13-speed available in 1x, and later, maybe we will see 14-speed? Of interest, Shimano filed a 14-speed patent during the 1990’s, interesting stuff.

mixing 12-speed cassettes
Left to Right: Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM

To the point of this video. 12-speed drivetrains have closed the gap, spacing wise that is, between cassette cogs. The big three, Shimano, Campagnolo (to a lesser extent), and SRAM all have 12-speed systems, the cassettes are similar enough that they may shift well between each respective system?

Mixing 12-Speed Cassettes Video

Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew spends a bunch of time, swapping wheels with cassettes by Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM, between bikes fitted with those systems to determine what works, and what doesn’t.

mixing 12-speed cassettes
Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-Speed

Reminder: ALWAYS BE A STEWARD FOR GRAVEL CYCLING: Respect the roads, respect the locals, respect the land, respect your fellow cyclists.

mixing 12-speed cassettes
Campagnolo Chorus / Super Record Mechanical 12-Speed
mixing 12-speed cassettes
SRAM Force eTap AXS Wide 12-Speed

Drivetrain Test Photos

mixing 12-speed cassettes
Campagnolo Chorus 12-Speed inc. Chain, Shimano Ultegra 11-30 12-Speed Cassette
mixing 12-speed cassettes
Campagnolo Chorus 12-Speed inc. Chain, SRAM Force 10-28 12-Speed Cassette
mixing 12-speed cassettes
SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-Speed inc. Flat Top Chain, Campagnolo 11-29 12-Speed Cassette
mixing 12-speed cassettes
SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-Speed inc. Flat Top Chain, Shimano 11-30 12-Speed Cassette
mixing 12-speed cassettes
Shimano Ultegra 12-Speed inc. Chain, Campagnolo 11-29 12-Speed Cassette
mixing 12-speed cassettes
Shimano Ultegra 12-Speed inc. Chain, SRAM 11-28 12-Speed Cassette

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1 Comment

  1. Avatar Bruce Bruce

    I am using a campagnolo super record cassette 11-29 with a sram red flat top chain. Works and shifts great in all gears. Did 40mph downhill no problem.
    Front is a sram 55 tooth chainring.
    The cassette was not as quiet and the chain would jump when I would stand up to peddle hard in the 11 tooth cog with a new dura ace chain.

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