SRAM RED XG‑1290 E1 Rainbow Cassette – 12 Speed

€439,95 EUR

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XG-1290 E1 combines remarkably low weight, electronically optimised shifting and four carefully developed gear ranges, making it a premium performance upgrade for Australian road racing, steep climbing, endurance riding and fast all-road builds.

SRAM RED XG-1290 E1 Rainbow Cassette Features

Four 12-speed ranges spanning race-focused 10-28T through to climbing-friendly 10-36T gearing
One-piece machined steel X-DOME construction delivers high stiffness, low weight and outstanding drivetrain precision
Shift ramps developed specifically for fast, decisive electronic AXS shifting
X-Range progression delivers close cadence steps alongside a useful 10-tooth high gear
Premium Rainbow finish creates a distinctive centrepiece for SRAM RED AXS custom builds

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More Product Details:

Model Family: RED XG-1290 E1

Model ID: CS-XG-1290-E1

Speeds: 12-speed

Available Gear Ranges:

10-28T
10-30T
10-33T
10-36T

Cog Progressions:

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

Driver Body: SRAM XDR

Cassette Technology:

X-DOME
X-Range
XG cassette architecture

Drivetrain Configuration:

Compatible with suitable 1x SRAM AXS road systems
Compatible with suitable 2x SRAM AXS road systems

Chain Compatibility:

SRAM Road Flattop D1
SRAM Road Flattop E1

Construction:

One-piece machined steel sprocket cluster
Aluminium largest sprocket
Premium Rainbow surface finish

Claimed Weight:

180g for the 10-28T version
SRAM does not publish one common weight for all four ratios

Finish: Rainbow / multicolour

X-DOME One-Piece Architecture

The SRAM RED XG-1290 E1 Rainbow Cassette uses SRAM’s X-DOME method, with most of the cassette machined from a single block of hardened steel. This construction removes unnecessary material while maintaining structural stiffness between sprockets, producing an exceptionally light cassette that resists flex during loaded electronic shifts.

The open architecture also helps eject dirt rather than trapping contamination between closely spaced sprockets. That can support cleaner operation during wet rides and on all-road routes, although regular drivetrain cleaning remains essential.

Electronically Optimised Shift Ramps

The sprocket ramps are designed specifically for electronic shifting. Their placement works with SRAM AXS derailleur movement to produce quick, controlled chain transfers, including when the rider makes a gear correction during a hard climb or fast acceleration.

This does not remove the need for correct adjustment. Hanger alignment, chain length, derailleur setup and drivetrain cleanliness still influence noise and shift quality.

X-Range Gearing

X-Range uses a 10-tooth starting sprocket and smaller front chainrings to provide broad overall gearing without relying on traditional 53T or 54T chainrings for most riders. The approach is intended to distribute gear progression more evenly between the front and rear drivetrain.

The practical advantage is the ability to select compact front gearing for climbing while retaining a fast top gear through the 10-tooth sprocket.

Rainbow Finish

The multicolour Rainbow coating gives every cassette a slightly different reflective appearance depending on light and viewing angle. It is a strong visual match for SRAM Rainbow Flattop chains, premium carbon wheelsets and boutique custom builds.

10-28T

The tightest and most race-orientated option, suited to fast riding on flatter or moderately rolling terrain. Its six consecutive sprockets from 10T through to 15T make small cadence corrections particularly easy.

10-30T

A versatile performance-road choice with close small-cog progression and a modestly easier climbing gear. It suits riders who want race-like cadence control without committing to the tighter 10-28T range.

10-33T

A strong all-round selection for mixed Australian terrain. It combines six consecutive sprockets from 10T to 15T with a genuinely useful 33T climbing gear.

10-36T

The widest-range option, suited to steep climbing, all-road riding and riders who prefer higher cadence on long ascents. Its larger jumps are more noticeable than those of the smaller ranges, but the climbing advantage is substantial.

Fit Checklist:

Confirm an XDR freehub is fitted.
Confirm the rear derailleur supports the selected maximum sprocket.
Use a compatible SRAM Road Flattop chain.
Check chain length when changing range.
Inspect rear-derailleur hanger alignment.
Clean the driver-body threads before installation.
Tighten the cassette to SRAM’s specified torque.
Complete AXS micro-adjustment after installation if required.

The SRAM RED XG-1290 E1 Rainbow Cassette is best suited to riders already invested in a premium SRAM AXS road drivetrain who want the lightest, stiffest and most visually distinctive cassette in the range. Australian racers and fast bunch riders will appreciate the close cadence steps of the 10-28T and 10-30T options, while the 10-33T provides a particularly effective balance for rolling roads, long climbs and everyday performance riding.

Product Care

Use only a compatible SRAM Road Flattop chain.
Check chain wear regularly with an appropriate gauge.
Replace an excessively worn chain before it accelerates cassette wear.
Clean with bike-safe drivetrain cleaner and a soft brush.
Avoid prolonged soaking in aggressive solvents.
Lubricate the chain rather than applying lubricant directly to the cassette.
Wipe away excess lubricant to reduce contamination.
Inspect sprockets for hooking, burrs or abnormal wear.
Check cassette security if clicking develops under load.
Confirm hanger alignment if shifting becomes inconsistent.
Recheck AXS micro-adjustment after wheel or cassette changes.
Avoid aggressive cross-chaining where practical.

Warranty Information

SRAM provides warranty coverage for eligible manufacturing defects subject to regional terms, proof of purchase and original-owner requirements. Normal sprocket wear, chain-related wear, finish wear on loaded tooth surfaces, crash damage, incorrect installation, incompatible chains, damaged XDR drivers and poor maintenance are generally excluded. Professional installation is recommended because cassette torque, chain length and derailleur setup materially affect performance.

Road.cc reviewed the complete SRAM RED AXS E1 groupset on 15 May 2024 and awarded it 9/10, describing the group as one of the strongest premium road drivetrains available. The review praised its overall performance, ergonomics, appearance and compatibility, while identifying the price and comparatively bulky rear derailleur as considerations. Although the review evaluated the complete system, the cassette contributes directly to the group’s refined shifting and expanded gear choices.

Bikerumor published an eight-month SRAM RED AXS E1 review on 27 January 2025. The reviewer remained highly positive about the system after extended use and highlighted the drivetrain’s premium performance, broad backward compatibility and low overall weight. This long-term assessment provides more useful context than a brief launch impression because it covers sustained real-world use.

Rider Feedback and Community Sentiment

Rider feedback collected by specialist cycling stores is notably specific. Owners upgrading from SRAM Force report that the SRAM RED XG-1290 E1 Rainbow Cassette runs quieter and shifts more crisply when correctly adjusted. One rider described clean shifting even at more extreme chain angles, while another valued the 10-36T range for sustained mountain climbing. Riders also repeatedly mention the Rainbow finish as a major visual upgrade on premium builds.

Why We Love It at Pedal Passion

We love it because it combines genuine engineering benefits with unmistakable custom-bike character.

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