Cluster 01 · Drivetrain

Drivetrain & speeds

The full drivetrain cluster, linked. Start with the pillar to identify your cassette, then drop to the exact standard: freehubs (HG, XD, Microspline), chains, chainline and UDH, plus the comparisons and capacity math.

What cassette does my bike use?Start here. Identify your speeds and freehub in two steps, and you'll know which cassette fits. CassetteThe rear sprocket cluster: what it is, speeds and range (10-52T). Why not all fit your wheel. Freehub bodyThe wheel body the cassette mounts on. The 4 standards that decide which cassette fits. HG (Hyperglide)The world's most common freehub: 9 splines, 11T min cog, 8-11sp. Why it can't reach 10T. MicrosplineShimano's 12sp freehub: 23 splines, 10T cog. Exclusive to its MTB and gravel 12sp. XD / XDRSRAM's threaded freehubs (10T cog). XD for mountain, XDR for road (1.85 mm longer). UDH (universal hanger)SRAM's standardized hanger. What it solves and why it's the basis of T-Type. ChainlineChainring-cassette alignment: 49/52/55 mm. Why a misaligned ring rubs or drops the chain. Chain by speedWhy it narrows from 8 to 12sp and which chain fits your cassette. HG vs XD vs MicrosplineWhich freehub you need: the simple rule by brand and min cog. The #1 buying mistake. Shimano vs SRAMWhat you can mix between brands and what you can't, and why cable pull prevents it. 11sp vs 12spIs the jump worth it? What actually changes and when it doesn't pay off. Derailleur capacityThe formula that decides whether your chainring-and-cassette combo will work.