SunRace MZ90 12-Speed Cassette Review

Introduction

I recently had the opportunity to test out the SunRace MZ90 12-Speed Cassette on my Specialized Torch II during some challenging trail rides. In this review, I will share my personal experience with the cassette, highlighting its pros and cons, discussing its features and styling, and providing insights into how it performed on the trail.

Firstly, let me start by saying that the SunRace MZ90 12-Speed Cassette is a highly impressive component. Its standout feature is undoubtedly the wide gear range it offers.

With a massive 10-50 tooth spread, this cassette provides ample options for tackling steep climbs and powering through fast descents. This wide range ensures that you can always find the perfect gear to match the terrain, making it suitable for riders who enjoy exploring diverse trails with varying inclines.

One of the major advantages of the MZ90 is its smooth and precise shifting. The gear transitions were seamless, allowing me to shift effortlessly even under heavy pedaling loads. Whether I was shifting up to power through technical climbs or downshifting for speedy descents, the cassette delivered consistent and reliable performance.

Pros

The SunRace MZ90 12-Speed Cassette offers several pros that make it an excellent choice for mountain bikers:

Wide Gear Range: The MZ90 provides a wide 10-50 tooth spread, offering a broad range of gears. This allows riders to tackle steep climbs with ease and maintain speed on fast descents, ensuring versatility across various terrains.

Smooth Shifting: The cassette delivers seamless and precise shifting, even under heavy pedaling loads. Riders can transition between gears effortlessly, experiencing consistent and reliable performance on the trail.

Durability: Constructed with high-quality materials, the MZ90 is designed to withstand the demands of aggressive off-road riding.

Compatibility: The MZ90 is compatible with both Shimano and SRAM drivetrains, making it a versatile choice for riders using either system.

Stylish Design: The cassette features a sleek and modern appearance with a stealthy black finish. It adds a touch of sophistication to any bike setup and complements the aesthetics of various bike models.

Precise Shifting on Technical Sections: The MZ90 excels in providing quick and accurate shifting, especially during technical sections and tight corners. Its responsiveness allows riders to maintain the optimal gear for any situation, enhancing control and maneuverability on the trail.

Cons

Weight: It is slightly heavier compared to some other cassettes on the market. This may be a concern for weight-conscious riders who prioritize minimizing the overall weight of their bike.

Cost: the cassette may be relatively more expensive compared to entry-level or budget-friendly options in the market. Riders on a tight budget might find it slightly pricey compared to other alternatives.

Limited Gear Ratios: While the wide 10-50 tooth spread of the MZ90 provides a broad gear range, some riders who prefer extremely low or high gears for their specific riding style or terrain may find the available ratios slightly limited. However, for most trail riding scenarios, the gear range offered by the MZ90 is more than sufficient.

Brand Perception: SunRace may not have the same brand recognition as some other well-established drivetrain manufacturers. This may lead to some riders being hesitant to choose the MZ90 over more recognizable brands. However, it’s worth noting that SunRace has a solid reputation for producing reliable and high-quality components.

On the trail with SunRace MZ90- 12- Speed Cassette

When I hit the trail with the SunRace MZ90 12-Speed Cassette, I was immediately impressed by its performance. As I started pedaling, I could feel the smoothness of the shifting right away.

The transitions between gears were seamless, allowing me to maintain my momentum without any hiccups. Whether I was tackling a steep climb or flying down a descent, the cassette responded effortlessly to my shifting commands.

One of the standout features of the MZ90 is its wide gear range. With a 10-50 tooth spread, I had a vast array of options to choose from. This came in handy when facing challenging uphill sections, as I could easily find the perfect gear to power through without exerting excessive effort.

Similarly, when I wanted to let loose and descend at high speeds, the cassette provided the necessary gears to keep up with the pace. Durability is always a concern when it comes to mountain biking components, but the SunRace MZ90 proved to be a tough contender.

It shrugged off the impacts of rocks and debris with ease, showing no signs of wear or damage. Even when the trail got muddy and gritty, the cassette continued to function flawlessly, unaffected by the harsh conditions.

On the trail, quick and accurate shifting is crucial, especially when navigating technical sections or tackling tight corners. The MZ90 exceeded my expectations in this regard.

It responded instantaneously to my commands, allowing me to shift gears precisely and effortlessly. This responsiveness was particularly noticeable during rapid gear changes, such as when maneuvering through tight switchbacks.

The cassette never missed a beat, ensuring that I maintained the optimal gear for every situation. During my rides, I also appreciated the overall styling of the SunRace MZ90. Its sleek black finish added a touch of elegance to my bike, and the high-quality construction was evident in its solid appearance.

While it is a bit on the heavier side compared to some other cassettes, I found the added weight to be negligible during actual riding. The durability and performance of the MZ90 far outweighed any concerns I had about its weight.

Compatibility was not an issue at all. The SunRace MZ90 was installed seamlessly on my bike, and it worked flawlessly with my Shimano drivetrain. I experienced no compatibility issues or compatibility hiccups throughout my testing.

Final thoughts

It’s important to keep in mind that these cons are relatively minor and may not be significant drawbacks for many riders. The performance, durability, and reliable shifting offered by the SunRace MZ90 12-Speed Cassette often outweigh these limitations. It’s recommended to consider these cons in light of the overall benefits and make a decision based on personal riding preferences and priorities.

Overall, the SunRace MZ90 12-Speed Cassette offers a wide gear range, smooth shifting, durability, compatibility, and stylish design, making it an excellent choice for mountain bikers seeking reliable and precise shifting performance in diverse trail conditions.

While it may not be the lightest cassette on the market, the added weight is negligible compared to the benefits it offers. Whether you’re an experienced mountain biker or a recreational rider looking to upgrade your drivetrain, the SunRace MZ90 is definitely worth considering. It will undoubtedly enhance your riding experience and help you conquer any trail with confidence.

Anita Velickovska

Anita, an avid cyclist with over a decade of experience, began her journey on two wheels as a means to stay fit and explore her local surroundings. Her passion for the sport quickly grew, transforming her into a devoted and competitive rider.

With a penchant for both on and off-road cycling, Anita constantly seeks out new trails and routes to conquer. Her competitive spirit has led her to participate in numerous races and events, securing a spot on the podium in most of them.