Can I put a 12-speed cassette on an 8/9/10-speed Shimano HG freehub?
By Crankworthy · Published · Updated
Yes, but only a 12-speed cassette built for HG — one with an 11-tooth smallest cog. Shimano's own 12-speed mountain cassettes and SRAM's XG cassettes need a Micro Spline or XD driver instead.
Why
The dividing line is the smallest cog. A cassette that starts at 11 teeth can be built on the HG spline; one that starts at 10 teeth needs a driver body with a smaller diameter — SRAM XD or Shimano Micro Spline.
Some manufacturers make 12-speed cassettes specifically for HG freehubs so that riders can go 12-speed without changing their wheel. The trade-off is that one small cog: you lose a little top-end speed compared with a 10T cassette.
Going to 12-speed still means the shifter, rear derailleur and chain all change to 12-speed as well — the freehub is only the first gate.
How to check a cassette before buying
- Look at the smallest cog
- 11 teeth: can be an HG cassette. 10 teeth: needs XD or Micro Spline.
- Read the listing
- Our catalog records the freehub each cassette fits in its "Cassette Body Type" field — match it to your hub.
12-speed cassettes that fit an HG freehub
Each of these is recorded in our catalog as fitting a standard HG freehub body.
- SRAM PG-1210 NX Eagle (11-50T)12-speed 11-50T, fits standard HG freehub (no XD driver needed)$79.50Amazon
- SunRace CSMZ903 (11-51T)12-speed 11-51T, HG spline (no XD needed), Shimano/SRAM compatible
Prices were last checked when the catalog was built and can change at any time. Retailer links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.