SRAM cogs 12 speed compatibility with Shimano 10 speed hub

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

4.15.2021

This post was contemplating on investing in the present bike with a SRAM SX, GX and NX.  GX and NX are much more expensive by 3 to 5k, the only difference being the pulley on top side that assists the cable.  Otherwise  they are almost the same.

The GX and NX are in the 20k range local (P16 to 17 at e commerce platform) , the SX could be as little as P14K (local)

The more important thing with the 12 spd is the wide range of teeth:  there is little jump on number of teeth between gears and therefore less stressful on the legs:

• 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42, 52 teeth  (@2 spacing 10 -18);  3 spacing between 18 to 24;  @4
• between 24 to 42,  and 10 between 42 and 52  (Thats where the sudden jump is )
• Weight: 350g

The relevant questions that could prevent me from investing:

1.  Will the 12t cogs fit into 10 speed Shimano cogs..   Both the mechanic and Mr. Google says yes.  

      The situation is different with road bikes where it is difficult to fit a 11 speed on the 10 speed.   Its 

       because most of the cogs of higher number of teeth is on the wheel side

2.  Do you need an XD drive for your drive train to accept  the 12 speed.   A.  No need.   The sales

     person from VMP showed me it fits.  

The question being raised is how come SRAM was able to make the 12t cogs fit into the same space as a 10 speed   The answer seems to be in th echain.   So I guess for the system to work, you have to buy the SRAM chain.  YBN or China chain will not seem to work