When I was upgrading the Focus Paralane from 11 speed to 12 speeds, I was not sure which 12 speed cassette I wanted. There were 2 options available, the 11-30T cassette and the 11-34T cassette. From the online specifications, the only functional difference was that the 11-34T cassette omits the 16T sprocket, and adds a 34T sprocket at the back.
11-30T Cassette: 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-24-27-30T
11-34T Cassette: 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-24-27-30-34T
It came down to a single decision: Whether you prefer to have the 16T sprocket for finer cadence control, or the 34T sprocket for easier climbing?
I was not sure which was more important to me, as both are good benefits to have. When I was using the 11 speed 11-30T cassette, the difference between the 15T and 17T sprocket can sometimes be annoying, although not a huge problem.
On the other hand, a wide gear range such as the one offered by the Sunrace RX1 11-36T cassette is awesome for climbing steep slopes.
In the end I got both the 11-30T and 11-34T cassettes as I could not decide, figuring out that I can always use the other cassette for another build. That gives me the perfect opportunity to compare both cassettes in detail, as I have done for so many other cassettes previously.
The box for the 11-34T cassette is much bigger, although the sprocket size difference is only between 30T and 34T.
Apparently there will be a 11-28T cassette available for even smaller gear steps, although I have not seen anyone use it yet.
The rear is rather interesting, with the 34T sprocket riveted onto the 30T sprocket.
Details later on in the post.
11-34T cassette adds 33 grams more, at 256 grams.
Largest 7 sprockets for comparison. 11-30T cassette on the left has a 16T sprocket, and 5 titanium sprockets. On the right, the 11-34T cassette has 6 titanium sprockets.
Although both of these spiders have 17T-19T sprockets, they are not the same. One needs to match a 16T sprocket (11-30T cassette), while the other needs to match a 15T sprocket (11-34T cassette).
That's why these spiders are labelled clearly to avoid mixing, which will cause poor shifting performance.
11-30T cassette spider on the left has 4 titanium sprockets attached to it, while the 11-34T cassette spider on the right has 5.
Only difference I can see is the additional 34T sprocket riveted to the spider on the right.
Close up look at the spider with 5 sprockets (21-24-27-30-34T).
These spiders are also labelled to avoid mixing.
11-34T spider on the right has a longer spider body, can you spot the other difference?
11-30T spider has a machined undercut on the inside, to reduce weight.
The 11-34T spider does not have this cutout, wonder what is the reason? Surely it would save some weight as well.
The 34T sprocket on the right is riveted on the 30T sprocket, instead of directly on the aluminium spider.
On the right, the 34T and 30T sprockets are riveted to each other via 6 rivets. The other 6 rivets join the 27T and 30T sprockets to the spider.
In summary, on the 11-34T cassette, there are 6 unused rivet holes on the 27T sprocket, whereas they are all used up on the 11-30T cassette (refer to pictures above).
It is interesting how the larger sprockets on the 11-30T and 11-34T cassettes are designed, such that they are semi-modular instead of being completely different. For one, 21-24-27T sprockets are common, but the spider, 30T and 34T sprockets are different.
If you want the lowest cassette weight, the 11-30T cassette is the one to use. However, if you want a lower gear and don't mind losing the 16T sprocket, the 11-34T cassette is more suitable. Ultimately it is up to your riding style, fitness and also type of terrain.
Having gotten used to the 16T sprocket in between the 15T and 17T sprockets, I am not willing to give it up for a wider gear range. Of course, one day if I need extra low gearing, the 11-34T cassette will come in useful.
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