SRAM PG-970 Cassette - 9 Speed - 11-23T - Chrome Silver

PowerGlide II Technology | Shimano HG Compatible | Chrome Plated Steel Cogs | Close-Ratio Road Gearing | Aluminium Lockring | Premium 9-Speed Performance | Made in Taiwan

The SRAM PG-970 represents the pinnacle of 9-speed cassette technology, delivering premium shifting performance at a mid-range price point. As SRAM's top-tier 9-speed cassette, the PG-970 features the company's proven PowerGlide II technology with optimised tooth profiles and precisely engineered shift ramps for quick, positive shifts under load. The 11-23T close-ratio gearing is ideal for road racing, criteriums, time trials, and fast group rides where maintaining optimal cadence is critical. All nine cogs are constructed from heat-treated chrome-plated steel for exceptional durability, while the aluminium lockring saves weight compared to steel alternatives. The chrome silver finish not only looks professional but also provides excellent corrosion resistance for years of reliable service. Compatible with standard Shimano HG freehub bodies, this cassette works seamlessly with Shimano, SRAM, and other compatible 9-speed drivetrains. Whether you're upgrading from a worn cassette, building a performance road bike, or seeking the best shifting quality available in a 9-speed system, the PG-970 delivers race-proven performance that riders have trusted for decades. The tight gear spacing allows precise cadence control across the entire range, making this cassette the choice of serious road cyclists and racers worldwide.

Perfect For These Riders

• Road Racers: Precise cadence control for criteriums and road races
• Time Trialists: Close ratios keep you in your power zone
• Fast Group Riders: Maintain position in the paceline with optimal gearing
• Fitness Cyclists: Smooth shifting for training rides on flat-to-rolling terrain
• Performance Builders: Premium cassette for high-end 9-speed builds
• Weight-Conscious Riders: Aluminium lockring saves grams over budget cassettes

Key Features

• Speeds: 9-speed (9s)
• Gear Range: 11-23T (close-ratio for road racing)
• Cog Sizes: 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23 teeth
• Total Range: 209% (23÷11 = 2.09)
• Technology: PowerGlide II
• Material: Heat-treated chrome-plated steel cogs
• Lockring: Aluminium (weight savings)
• Finish: Chrome silver
• Weight: Approximately 230-240g (lightest in SRAM's 9-speed range)
• Freehub Compatibility: Shimano HG (Hyperglide) 8/9/10-speed
• Chain Compatibility: 9-speed chains (6.6-6.8mm width)
• Spacer: Included (if required for your freehub)
• Manufacture: Taiwan

Specifications

• Brand: SRAM
• Model: PG-970
• Model Code: CS-PG-970-A1
• MPN: 00.0000.200.044
• Speed: 9-speed
• Smallest Cog: 11 teeth
• Largest Cog: 23 teeth
• Cog Progression: 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23t
• Gear Steps: Single-tooth steps in lower gears, two-tooth steps in higher gears
• Total Gear Range: 209% (close-ratio)
• Cog Material: Heat-treated steel
• Cog Finish: Chrome plated silver
• Lockring Material: Aluminium (anodised)
• Cassette Type: Hyperglide compatible (sprocket cluster)
• Mounting Interface: Shimano HG splined freehub body
• Weight: ~230-240g (approximate, lightest 9-speed option)
• Recommended Chain: SRAM PC-951, PC-971, Shimano HG-93, or any compatible 9-speed chain
• UPC: 710845000447

Understanding 11-23T Gearing - Road Racing Range

What does 11-23T mean and who is it for?

• 11T Smallest Cog: Your highest/fastest gear - harder to pedal but provides maximum speed on flats and descents
• 23T Largest Cog: Your lowest/easiest gear - easier to pedal for moderate hills and headwinds
• Close-Ratio Gearing: Mostly single-tooth steps allow incredibly precise cadence control
• Total Range 209%: Relatively narrow range optimised for flat-to-moderate terrain and racing

Ideal riding conditions for 11-23T:

• Road Racing: Criteriums, circuit races, and fast group rides on relatively flat courses
• Time Trials: Maintaining power in optimal cadence zone (85-100 RPM)
• Flat Roads: High-speed riding on flat terrain with tight gear spacing
• Rolling Hills: Gentle terrain with gradients up to 5-7%
• Training Rides: Fast-paced training on predictable terrain
• Track Cycling: Velodrome racing and training (with appropriate chainring)

NOT ideal for:

• Steep Climbing: 23T is insufficient for sustained steep hills (8%+ gradients)
• Loaded Touring: Carrying panniers requires wider range (like 11-32T or 12-27T)
• Mountainous Terrain: Hilly regions need larger bail-out gears
• Mountain Biking: Off-road riding requires much wider gearing
• Casual Riding: Recreational cyclists benefit from wider range and easier climbing gears

How does 11-23T compare to other 9-speed cassettes?

• 11-23T (This Cassette): 209% range - road racing, close ratios, precise cadence
• 12-23T: 192% range - even tighter ratios, track/criterium specialist
• 12-26T: 217% range - versatile road cassette, handles moderate hills
• 11-28T: 255% range - popular touring/sportive choice
• 11-32T: 291% range - MTB/wide-range touring
• 11-34T: 309% range - mountain biking, very steep terrain

The 11-23T cassette is the classic road racing choice for riders who prioritise precise cadence control over climbing ability. The 11T small cog provides a faster top gear than 12T cassettes (important for descents and sprints), while the tight spacing ensures you're always in the optimal gear.

PowerGlide II Technology - Premium Shifting

What makes PowerGlide II special:

• Optimised Tooth Profiles: Each cog's teeth are precision-shaped to guide the chain smoothly during shifts
• Shift Ramps: Strategically placed raised edges help lift the chain to the next cog during upshifts
• Shift Gates: Recessed areas allow the chain to drop cleanly during downshifts
• Material Selection: Heat-treated steel provides perfect balance of strength, longevity, and shifting performance
• Quick Positive Shifting: Shifts happen fast and decisively, even under moderate pedalling load
• Cross-Brand Compatibility: Works flawlessly with Shimano, SRAM, and other 9-speed systems

PG-970 vs lower-tier SRAM cassettes:

• PG-950: Entry-level 9-speed, heavier steel lockring, basic shift features
• PG-970 (This Cassette): Premium 9-speed, aluminium lockring, optimised shift features, lightest weight

The PG-970 represents SRAM's highest-performance 9-speed cassette technology. While budget cassettes simply stack sprockets together, the PG-970 features genuine engineering that delivers measurably better shift quality.

Aluminium Lockring - Weight Savings

Why an aluminium lockring matters:

• Weight Reduction: Aluminium lockring saves approximately 10-15g compared to steel
• Rotational Weight: Weight at the wheel rim has greater impact on acceleration than frame weight
• Corrosion Resistance: Anodised aluminium won't rust like steel can
• Performance Standard: High-end cassettes use aluminium lockrings for weight savings
• Same Strength: Properly torqued aluminium lockrings are just as secure as steel

Aluminium vs steel lockrings:

• Aluminium (PG-970): Lighter, won't rust, premium component
• Steel (Budget Cassettes): Heavier, can rust, lower cost

For performance-oriented riders, every gram counts. The aluminium lockring is one of several details that make the PG-970 the premium choice in 9-speed cassettes.

Chrome-Plated Steel Construction

Why all-steel cogs remain the gold standard:

• Exceptional Durability: Steel cogs wear slowly and evenly, typically lasting 4,000-6,000+ km
• Chrome Plating: Prevents rust and corrosion, critical for wet-weather riding
• Heat Treatment: Hardened steel resists wear from chain contact under power
• Consistent Performance: Steel maintains its shape and shifting performance as it wears
• Value Proposition: Lasts longer than exotic materials at a fraction of the cost

Steel vs exotic materials:

• All-Steel (PG-970): 230-240g, excellent durability, mid-range price
• Steel/Titanium Mix: 200-220g, lighter but costs significantly more, wears faster
• Aluminium Cogs: Not suitable for cassettes (too soft, wears extremely fast)

The PG-970's all-steel construction strikes the perfect balance between weight, durability, and cost. While you could save 30-40 grams with exotic materials, you'd sacrifice longevity and pay triple the price.

9-Speed Drivetrain Advantages

Why 9-speed is still relevant in 2026:

• Durability: Wider chains (6.6-6.8mm) and cog spacing last longer than narrow 11/12-speed systems
• Affordability: Replacement parts cost 30-50% less than modern high-speed drivetrains
• Simplicity: Easier to set up, adjust, and maintain than complex 11/12-speed systems
• Shift Quality: Wider spacing actually improves shift precision and reduces mis-shifts
• Parts Availability: Still widely stocked by shops and online retailers
• Performance: 9 speeds provides all the gearing most riders actually need

9-speed vs modern drivetrains:

• 9-Speed: Durable, affordable, proven, easy to maintain
• 11-Speed: Narrower chain wears faster, costs more, marginal real-world benefit
• 12-Speed: Even narrower/weaker, very expensive, mostly marketing hype for most riders

The cycling industry pushes 11/12-speed systems to sell new bikes, but 9-speed remains the smarter choice for riders who value reliability and economy over marketing claims. Professional mechanics often prefer maintaining 9-speed systems because they're more robust and less finicky.

Chain Compatibility and Recommendations

Compatible chains for the PG-970 cassette:

• SRAM PC-951: High-performance 9-speed chain, hollow pins, nickel-plated
• SRAM PC-971: Premium 9-speed chain, PowerLink included, smooth operation
• Shimano HG-93: Shimano's premium 9-speed chain, excellent durability
• Shimano CN-6701: Ultegra-level 9-speed chain (if still available)
• KMC X9: Aftermarket option, excellent value and durability, includes Missing Link
• KMC X9SL: Lightweight 9-speed chain for racing applications

Chain replacement interval:

• Road Riding: Replace chain every 2,500-3,500 km to prevent cassette wear
• Wet/Dirty Conditions: Replace every 2,000-3,000 km due to accelerated wear
• Chain Checker Tool: Replace when chain stretch reaches 0.75% (or 0.5% for maximum cassette life)

Regular chain replacement is the secret to cassette longevity. A $25 chain replacement every 3,000 km prevents a $55 cassette replacement. Use a chain checker tool to monitor wear and replace before the chain damages your expensive cassette.

Shimano HG (Hyperglide) Compatibility

Understanding HG freehub compatibility:

• HG Standard: Shimano's splined freehub design, industry standard since the 1990s
• Cross-Brand Compatible: SRAM, Shimano, Campagnolo (9-speed only), and most other 9-speed cassettes share HG interface
• Universal Fitment: If your bike currently has an 8, 9, or 10-speed cassette, this will fit
• Easy Installation: Standard cassette lockring tool and chain whip required

Important compatibility notes:

• Works With: Shimano HG freehub bodies (8/9/10-speed standard)
• Does NOT Work With: SRAM XD/XDR drivers, Campagnolo 10+ speed freehubs, old 7-speed freewheels
• Shifter Requirement: Requires 9-speed shifters (SRAM, Shimano, or compatible)
• Derailleur Requirement: Works with 8/9/10-speed rear derailleurs (same cable pull ratio)

If your bike currently has a 9-speed cassette, this is a direct replacement. If upgrading from 8-speed, you'll also need 9-speed shifters. If upgrading from 7-speed freewheel, you'll need a complete wheelset with HG freehub body.

When to Replace Your Cassette

Signs you need a new cassette:

• Chain Skipping: Chain jumps or slips under power, especially on worn cogs
• Poor Shifting: Slow, inconsistent shifts even after proper derailleur adjustment
• Shark Tooth Wear: Cog teeth develop hooked or pointed profiles (visible wear pattern)
• New Chain Skips: Installing a fresh chain causes skipping (cassette is worn to old chain)
• Noise: Grinding, clicking, or rough sounds from drivetrain under load
• Difficulty Shifting: Chain won't move cleanly between gears

Expected cassette lifespan:

• With Regular Chain Replacement: 6,000-10,000 km (replace chain every 2,500-3,500 km)
• Without Chain Replacement: 3,000-5,000 km (worn chains destroy cassettes quickly)
• Wet/Dirty Conditions: Expect 20-30% shorter lifespan due to accelerated wear

The most-used cogs (typically 15-17-19T for most riders) wear fastest. You'll often see shark-tooth wear on your favourite gears while the extremes (11T and 23T) still look new. This is normal wear pattern.

Installation Requirements

Tools needed to install this cassette:

• Cassette Lockring Tool: Shimano HG compatible (Park Tool FR-5 or equivalent)
• Chain Whip: Holds cassette stationary while loosening/tightening lockring
• Adjustable Wrench: Typically 1" (24mm) to turn the lockring tool
• Torque Wrench (Recommended): To tighten lockring to spec (30-50 Nm / 22-37 ft-lb)

Installation steps (overview):

• Remove Wheel: Take rear wheel off bike
• Remove Old Cassette: Use chain whip and lockring tool to unscrew lockring, slide cassette off
• Clean Freehub: Wipe freehub body splines clean before installing new cassette
• Install New Cassette: Slide cogs onto freehub (note alignment spline), add spacer if needed
• Install Lockring: Thread on aluminium lockring, tighten firmly (30-50 Nm)
• Reinstall Wheel: Reinstall wheel, check derailleur adjustment

Aluminium lockring torque note: Aluminium lockrings require proper torque - too tight and you'll strip the threads, too loose and the cassette will make noise or slip. Use a torque wrench for best results.

If you're not confident with drivetrain work, have a bike shop install it. Most shops charge $15-$25 AUD labour for cassette installation.

Gear Calculations and Cadence

How to use the 11-23T range effectively:

• 11T Cog (Highest Gear): Descents and high-speed flats (45+ km/h with typical chainrings)
• 12-14T Cogs: Fast cruising and paceline riding (35-45 km/h)
• 15-17T Cogs: Moderate pace riding and slight inclines (28-35 km/h)
• 19-21T Cogs: Climbing moderate hills and headwinds (22-28 km/h)
• 23T Cog (Lowest Gear): Steepest climbs you can handle with this cassette (15-22 km/h)

Example gear ratios with common chainrings:

• With 53T Big Ring: 53÷11 = 4.82 ratio (high), 53÷23 = 2.30 ratio (low)
• With 39T Small Ring: 39÷11 = 3.55 ratio (high), 39÷23 = 1.70 ratio (low)
• With 50T Big Ring: 50÷11 = 4.55 ratio (high), 50÷23 = 2.17 ratio (low)
• With 34T Small Ring: 34÷11 = 3.09 ratio (high), 34÷23 = 1.48 ratio (low)

Typical road double chainrings (53/39T racing or 50/34T compact) paired with this 11-23T cassette give you excellent gearing for flat-to-rolling terrain. The 11T cog provides a fast top gear for sprints and descents, while the tight spacing ensures you're always in the optimal gear for maintaining cadence.

SRAM PG Series Hierarchy

SRAM's 9-speed cassette lineup:

• PG-950: Entry-level, all-steel construction including lockring, basic shift features, heaviest
• PG-970 (This Cassette): Premium, aluminium lockring, optimised shift features, lightest weight, best performance

The PG-970 sits at the top of SRAM's 9-speed range, representing their best shifting technology and lightest weight. For riders who care about performance, the PG-970 is worth the modest price premium over the PG-950.

PG-970 vs Shimano Equivalents

How does the PG-970 compare to Shimano 9-speed cassettes?

• SRAM PG-970: Lightweight, aluminium lockring, excellent value, proven reliability
• Shimano Ultegra CS-6500: Similar weight and quality, discontinued, hard to find
• Shimano 105 CS-5500: Comparable performance, steel lockring (heavier), still available
• Shimano Tiagra CS-4500: Budget option, heavier, basic shift features

The PG-970 competes directly with Shimano's Ultegra-level cassettes in terms of weight and performance, but typically costs less. Many riders actually prefer SRAM's PowerGlide shifting feel over Shimano's Hyperglide.

About SRAM

SRAM is an American bicycle component manufacturer founded in 1987 in Chicago, Illinois. The company name comes from the initials of its founders: Scott, Ray, And Sam. SRAM revolutionised cycling with innovations like Grip Shift (1988), the first successful 1x mountain bike drivetrains, and wireless electronic shifting (eTap). The PowerGlide cassette technology found in the PG-970 has been refined over decades to deliver reliable, precise shifting. SRAM also owns RockShox suspension, Avid/SRAM brakes, Truvativ cranks, Quarq power meters, and Zipp wheels, making them one of the largest cycling component manufacturers globally. The PG-970 represents SRAM's commitment to providing premium performance at accessible price points.

What's Included

• 1x SRAM PG-970 Cassette (9-speed, 11-23T, chrome silver)
• 9x Steel cogs (11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23 teeth)
• 1x Aluminium lockring (anodised, lightweight)
• 1x Spacer (if required for your freehub)

NOT Included: Cassette lockring tool, chain whip, chain, or installation labour (all sold separately). This is a cassette only.

Compatibility Summary

✓ WORKS WITH:

• Shimano HG freehub bodies (8/9/10-speed standard)
• 9-speed shifters (Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo 9-speed, or compatible)
• 8/9/10-speed rear derailleurs (same cable pull ratio)
• 9-speed chains (6.6-6.8mm width)
• Road bikes, touring bikes, cyclocross bikes, fitness bikes
• Flat-to-rolling terrain riding and road racing

✗ DOES NOT WORK WITH:

• SRAM XD/XDR freehub bodies (11/12-speed MTB specific)
• Campagnolo 10+ speed freehubs (different spline pattern)
• Old 7-speed threaded freewheels (completely different system)
• 11-speed or 12-speed drivetrains (different spacing and width)
• Very steep or mountainous terrain (need wider range like 11-28T or 12-27T)
• Loaded touring with panniers (need 11-32T or similar wide-range cassette)

Condition

Brand New: Factory-fresh SRAM PG-970 cassette. Never installed, never used. Chrome plating is perfect with no corrosion or wear. All cog teeth are sharp and unworn. Aluminium lockring is pristine. Spacer included. Ready to install and deliver premium 9-speed shifting performance.