Wide-range 12-speed road gearing with close steps where you use them most.
The SRAM Force XG-1270 is a 12-speed cassette designed around SRAM's X-Range gearing philosophy. Starting with a 10-tooth smallest sprocket allows SRAM to provide a broad overall range while retaining relatively small jumps through the gears you use most often.
There are four ratios to choose from – 10-28T, 10-30T, 10-33T and 10-36T – so you can match the cassette to your riding, terrain and chainring setup. The closer 10-28T and 10-30T options suit riders who value small changes in cadence, while the 10-33T and 10-36T give you progressively easier climbing gears for hillier roads and longer days.
FULL PIN construction joins the steel cogs using high-strength stainless steel pins, keeping the cassette relatively light while maintaining durability. Nickel chrome plating helps with wear resistance and quiet running.
The XG-1270 requires an XDR driver body and is designed for compatible SRAM 12-speed road drivetrains using a Flattop chain.
Key Features
- 12-speed SRAM Force cassette
- X-Range gearing provides a broad range with useful gear progression
- 10-tooth smallest sprocket
- Available in 10-28T, 10-30T, 10-33T and 10-36T
- At least five one-tooth jumps on the 10-28T, 10-30T and 10-33T options
- FULL PIN construction for a balance of weight and durability
- Nickel chrome plating for durability and quiet running
- Compatible with 1x and 2x drivetrain configurations
- Designed for SRAM Road Flattop chains
- Requires an XDR driver body
Gear Ratios
- 10-28T: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28
- 10-30T: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 27, 30
- 10-33T: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 33
- 10-36T: 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36
Specifications
- Speeds: 12-speed
- Cassette range: 10-28T, 10-30T, 10-33T or 10-36T
- Smallest sprocket: 10T
- Largest sprocket: 28T, 30T, 33T or 36T
- Construction: FULL PIN
- Cog finish: Silver
- Drivetrain configuration: 1x or 2x
- Chain compatibility: SRAM Road Flattop D1 and E1
- Driver body: XDR
Which Ratio Should I Choose?
If you're replacing an existing XG-1270 and you're happy with your gearing, sticking with the same ratio is usually the easiest option.
The 10-28T gives you the closest progression and makes sense for flatter terrain, racing or riders who prefer small cadence changes. The 10-30T adds a little more climbing range without changing the overall feel too much.
For hillier riding, the 10-33T is a really useful all-round option. The 10-36T is where we'd look if climbing is a priority, particularly for longer rides, steep roads or riders who would rather have a genuinely useful low gear than worry about slightly larger jumps between ratios.
Before changing cassette size, check that your rear derailleur is compatible with the largest sprocket you're planning to use.
Why Choose the SRAM Force XG-1270?
The XG-1270 gives you plenty of freedom to tune a SRAM 12-speed road drivetrain around the riding you actually do.
Rather than assuming everyone needs the same cassette, you can choose closer ratios for speed and cadence control or give yourself considerably more climbing range without changing the rest of the drivetrain.
Our Thoughts
For most riders, we'd choose the cassette based on where you ride rather than worrying about which option looks the fastest on paper.
Here in Christchurch, a 10-28T or 10-30T can work nicely if most of your riding is relatively flat. Start heading into the Port Hills regularly and the 10-33T becomes pretty appealing. If you want lower gearing for steep climbs or long days with plenty of elevation, there's nothing wrong with choosing the 10-36T.
Just remember that you can't necessarily fit a bigger cassette to every SRAM rear derailleur. Check compatibility first. We'd much rather sort that out before you buy the cassette than discover it when the bike is already in the workstand.