Best 12 Speed Bike Cassettes & Freewheels of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 28, 2026

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12-speed bike cassettes and freewheels are essential components for any serious cyclist looking to upgrade their ride. These products offer a wider range of gears, allowing for smoother transitions and greater control on steep inclines and descents. With a variety of options available, including different tooth counts and materials, cyclists can customize their cassette or freewheel to suit their specific needs and preferences. Whether hitting the trails or cruising through the city, 12-speed bike cassettes and freewheels are a must-have for any avid rider seeking top performance and reliability.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SRAM XG-1275 GX Eagle Cassette Cover #TOP 1
SRAM XG-1275 GX Eagle Cassette
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SHIMANO Alivio 7-Speed Mountain Bike Cassette - CS-HG200-8 (12-32) Cover #TOP 2
SHIMANO Alivio 7-Speed Mountain Bike Cassette - CS-HG200-8 (12-32)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230 Cassette Cover #TOP 3
SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230 Cassette
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 9 12 Speed Bike Cassettes & Freewheels

#TOP 1

SRAM XG-1275 GX Eagle Cassette

CRR455
Black
10-52
SRAM XG-1275 GX Eagle Cassette Cover
SRAM GX Eagle XG-1275 Cassette - 12-Speed, 10-52t, Black, for XD Driver Body

The SRAM XG-1275 GX Eagle 12-Speed Cassette features durable steel cog material and comes in two cog sizes, 10-50t and 10-52t, with a SRAM XD freehub type. At 1lb 15.9oz, the cassette is lightweight and easy to install. This cassette is perfect for serious cyclists who want reliable shifting performance on challenging terrain.

What We Like
Wide gear range
Easy installation
Quiet, precise shifting
Long lifespan
Great value
#TOP 2

SHIMANO Alivio 7-Speed Mountain Bike Cassette - CS-HG200-8 (12-32)

ECSHG2007232
Black
12024
SHIMANO Alivio 7-Speed Mountain Bike Cassette - CS-HG200-8 (12-32) Cover
Shimano ALIVIO HG200 Cassette 7-Speed 12-32T Black

The SHIMANO Alivio Cassette is a high-end mountain bike cassette that offers a smooth, comfortable pedaling experience. With HYPERGLIDE technology, this cassette allows for easy and quick assembly with a CS cap. Available in both 12-28 and 12-34T gear specs, you can choose the perfect gear for your ride. The Alivio Cassette also has a high-end appearance that will make you proud to ride it. The close gear steps between primary sprockets create a seamless transition between gears, making for an enjoyable ride.

What We Like
Good quality and value
Easy installation
Fits well
Fast shipping
Ideal for e-bikes
#TOP 3

SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230 Cassette

CRR454
Black
One Size
SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230 Cassette Cover
SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230 Cassette - 12 Speed, 11-50t, Black

The SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230 Cassette is a 12-speed cassette with 11-50t cog sizes made of steel. It is compatible with Shimano/SRAM 8, 9, 10-Speed and Shimano Dynasys 11-Speed Mountain. The cassette body type is designed to fit Shimano/SRAM 8, 9, 10-Speed and Shimano Dynasys 11-Speed Mountain. This cassette is lightweight with a carrier material of aluminum and a claimed weight of 615g. Ideal for bike cassettes and freewheels.

What We Like
Smooth reliable shifting
Easy installation
Good value for money
Compatible with multiple setups
Revives older bikes
#TOP 4

SHIMANO 105 CS-R7101 12-Speed Cassette

ICSR710112134
Silver
11-34T, 12- Speed
SHIMANO 105 CS-R7101 12-Speed Cassette Cover
SHIMANO 105 Cs-R7101 12-Speed Cassette Silver, 11-34T, 12- Speed

The SHIMANO 105 12-Speed Cassette offers smooth and precise gear changes, making it easier for you to tackle different terrains with confidence. Its lightweight and durable build helps improve your bike's responsiveness while keeping the overall weight down, which is great for both competitive riding and casual enthusiasts. This cassette works well with HG 12-speed chains and fits new 12-speed or 11-speed road freehub bodies, so you can easily upgrade without worrying about compatibility. With an 11-34 tooth range, you get a versatile selection of gears that help you sprint on flats and climb steep hills comfortably, perfect for road biking, endurance rides, or racing.

What We Like
Precise gear shifting
Lightweight and durable
Wide gear range
Compatibility with multiple chains
#TOP 5

SHIMANO XT CS-M8100 Cassette

Shimano
Silver/Black
10-51T
SHIMANO XT CS-M8100 Cassette Cover
Shimano Xt Cs-M8100 12-Speed Cassette Silver, 10-51T

The SHIMANO XT CS-M8100 Cassette is a high-performance 12-speed cassette designed for mountain biking enthusiasts. With its rider-tuned wide range and close step gear combinations, this cassette ensures excellent performance on the trails. Thanks to the HYPERGLIDE+ technology, the shift ramp designs provide fast and smooth shifts, giving you a seamless riding experience. The light and stiff construction of the cassette reduces inertia, resulting in faster acceleration and increased chain security. Additionally, the Shimano Micro Spline body with smaller and more widely distributed splines limits cog damage on the freehub, ensuring durability and longevity. Upgrade your bike with the SHIMANO XT CS-M8100 Cassette and elevate your mountain biking adventures.

What We Like
Optimized gear combinations
Fast and smooth shifts
Light and stiff construction
#TOP 6

Shimano Ultegra R8101 12-Speed Cassette

CS-R8101
Silver
11-30t
Shimano Ultegra R8101 12-Speed Cassette Cover
Shimano R8101 Ultegra Cassette 12-Speed 11-30T

The Shimano Ultegra 12-Speed cassette is designed to give you smooth, reliable shifting thanks to its steel cogs with finely crafted teeth. This means you can trust it to perform well even on tough rides. Its HYPERGLIDE+ technology ensures quick and seamless gear changes, making your cycling experience more efficient and comfortable no matter the terrain. The cassette works with both 12-speed and 11-speed freehub bodies, so upgrading your bike is simple and hassle-free. Plus, with its lightweight design and sleek silver finish, it adds style and performance without weighing you down, ideal for serious cyclists looking to improve their ride.

What We Like
Durable steel cogs
Fast, smooth shifting
Compatible with multiple freehubs
Lightweight design
Stylish silver finish
#TOP 7

SRAM Rival AXS XG-1250 12-Speed Cassette

2133030321
Silver
Única
SRAM Rival AXS XG-1250 12-Speed Cassette Cover
SRAM Rival AXS XG-1250 Cassette - 12-Speed, 10-36t, Silver, for XDR Driver Body, D1

The SRAM Rival 12-Speed Cassette is designed to improve your cycling with smooth and precise gear changes thanks to its X-Range gearing, which offers a natural progression and a wide gear range ideal for both road and gravel rides. Its nickel chrome plating and FULL PIN construction ensure quiet operation and long-lasting durability, so you can rely on it for many miles. Made specifically for use with an XDR driver body, this cassette fits perfectly into high-performance setups. Starting with a 10-tooth smallest gear, it provides accurate shifting and versatile gearing to tackle varied terrain with ease.

What We Like
Smooth gear progression
Durable nickel chrome plating
Quiet operation
Compatible with XDR driver
Wide 12-speed range
#TOP 8

SHIMANO SLX CS-M7100 Cassette

07372386
Black/Silver
10-51t
SHIMANO SLX CS-M7100 Cassette Cover
Shimano Cassette Sprocket Cs-M7100-12 SLX 10-51T 12-Speed(Hyperglide+) 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51T Bicycle Cassettes

The SHIMANO SLX CS-M7100 Cassette is a high-performance 12-speed cassette designed for mountain biking excellence. With its rider-tuned gear combinations, it offers advanced shifting performance, giving you the confidence to tackle any trail. The cassette's light and stiff construction reduces inertia, resulting in faster acceleration and increased chain security. Thanks to HYPERGLIDE+ technology, you'll experience better chain engagement, stronger retention, and smoother pedaling, ensuring greater power and confidence on rapidly changing terrain. The cassette also features a Shimano Micro Spline body, which has smaller and more widely distributed splines to limit cog damage on the freehub. Upgrade to the SHIMANO SLX Cassette and enjoy an enhanced riding experience with improved performance and durability.

What We Like
Optimized gear combinations
Advanced shifting performance
Light and stiff construction
#TOP 9

BUCKLOS 8-12 Speed Bike Cassette

11 Speed-11-32T
11S-11-32T
BUCKLOS 8-12 Speed Bike Cassette Cover
BUCKLOS 8/9/10/11/12 Speed Cassette Ultra-Light 11-25/28/32/34/36/40/42/46/50/52T Bike Cassette Fit Mountain Bike/Road Bike/XC/DH/AM,Compatible with Shimano Sram HG Hub Driver…

The BUCKLOS Multi-Speed Cassette offers you a versatile gear range with 8 to 12 speeds, making it ideal for smooth shifting whether you're on flat roads, climbing hills, or tackling rough terrain. Its high-strength steel build ensures durability and resistance to wear, while the nickel-plated surface protects against rust and corrosion, so your cassette lasts longer. The close spacing between gears allows for quiet and precise shifting, enhancing your riding experience without distracting noise. Plus, its design includes easy-to-clean surfaces and simple installation, so maintaining your bike is hassle-free and convenient.

What We Like
Wide speed range
Durable steel construction
Corrosion-resistant coating
Smooth, quiet shifting
Easy to clean and install
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are cassettes or freewheels better?

Which is better? A freewheel has a lower number of gears so is better suited for casual riders who don't require the larger selection of gears available from a cassette. It's much better coasting, allowing you to rest your legs, and if done correctly, can be useful when climbing hills and easier coming down them.

2. Are all Shimano 12 speed cassettes compatible?

Both 12-speed setups from SRAM and Shimano share the same sprocket spacings and it's the same with both brand's 11-speed groups. That means that if you want to run a 12-speed Shimano group but don't want to get a Micro Spline hub, you could use a SRAM 12-speed cassette with either an XD or HG freehub body.

3. What are freewheels on a bike?

The freewheel is a ratchet, a mechanism that allows motion in only one direction. In the case of a bicycle, it allows the chain to transfer power only from the pedals to the wheel, not in the other direction.

Editor's Notes

During our 12 speed bike cassettes & freewheel research, we found 24 12 speed bike cassettes & freewheel products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,065 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 12 speed bike cassettes & freewheels list. We found that most customers choose 12 speed bike cassettes & freewheels with an average price of $31.99.

The 12 speed bike cassettes & freewheels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of 12 speed bike cassettes & freewheels, including SRAM, SHIMANO, BUCKLOS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,483 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.