Sram Shimano MTB Cassette compatibility — 11 speed

If you ask Sram or Shimano, they will tell you that their 11 speed MTB cassettes are not compatible with one another. I’ve seen this comment echoed all over the internet. It’s not correct.

The Shimano XT M8000 is a great way to run Sram’s 1x GX system with a rear wheel that may not be convertible to Sram’s XD hub driver. Or if you want to add some additional bailout range to your current 1x setup.

On many wheels, changing the free hub body is surprisingly easy. Just watch out so those pawl springs don’t get away!

It was great to see Sram release the GX version of their 12 speed eagle system. But running the XT M8000 11–46 cassette gives your Sram 1x11 system a lot of legs too.

If you’re running a 1x system, you should have a long cage derailleur already. But you’ll definitely want one to get up on that 46t cog.