Review: OneUp Components 47T + 18T Sprocket for Shimano 11 Speed

We’ve been happily running Shimano’s XT 1×11 drive train for sometime. We’ve also spent time trying the SRAM alternative; although the range doesn’t match SRAM Eagle, we’ve gotten along with a 42t low, and the 46t when it became available.

When OneUp Components sent over their 47T sprocket and 18T, I was looking forward to bolting it on. The BC based company has been steadily releasing products that enhance the riding experience of existing components, and we’ve been pleased with the performance of all of their gear to date.

It still goes to 11

The 47T hop up kit offers one gear lower than the 46 low on the 11-46 cassette, but the real value proposition is in how it adjusts the range as you shift through the lower gears. Designed to complement the Shimano M700/8000 11-42T, the kit also includes an 18 tooth cog.

Via OneUp Components:

The 45T upgrade increases the stock Shimano 11 speed 11-40 cassette range by 12.5%. The 45T provides more total cassette range, it’s not just an easier granny gear. Adding the OneUp 45T sprocket lets you increase your 1×11 front chainring from a 30 to 34T without losing any low range. Eliminate dropped chains forever with our true Narrow Wide chainring design.

The OneUp 45T tunes the cassette progression into two distinct zones optimized for climbing and descending.

Climbing (21-45T) 13-15% cassette progression. Smaller jumps to maintain an optimum even climbing cadence.
Descending (11-18T) 15-20% cassette progression. Larger jumps to reduce double tap shifting and provide faster burst acceleration when mainly pumping not spinning down trails.

Specs

• Cassette progression: 11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-37-42-47 (11-42T)
• Sprocket material: 7075-T6 Aluminum (47T), Nickel plated hardened steel (18T)
• Sprocket weight: 68g more than stock 11-42 cassette
• Compatibility: For SLX/XT M7000/M8000 11-42T cassettes. 11 Speed only. Standard freehub driver.
• Cassette range improvement: 12%

Installation

OneUp provides easy to follow instructions on their website, and if you’ve installed a cassette and adjusted a derailleur, configuring their sprockets into the mix is a simple task. The 11 speed Shimano XT derailleur easily takes the larger cog and the only adjustment required is a few turns of the B-Screw.

Installation starts by mounting the 47T cog, then reinstalling the cassette as normal on top of it. The stock 17T and 19T cogs are left out, replaced with the 18T cog and an alloy spacer.

I turned the B-Screw adjustment a few times and that was it. Note: I did start with a new chain as well, sized to accommodate the additional wrap.

On the trail

Riding with the hopped up OneUp kit feels completely natural, and like any good component you forget it’s there and simply focus on the ride. The additional low gear is nice, especially as utilized on my 6″ travel Santa Cruz Nomad.

Downshifts are quick and the smooth shifting through the range of gears when grunting up technical root and rock filled climbs is appreciated. The transition from the 42T to the 47T feels like any other shift without that big “jump” feeling. I don’t find myself aware that there is a jump up — it simply feels like a natural progression as opposed to a large change to a bailout gear.

Chainline issues on my setup have been non-existent, and with several hundred miles logged, durability is looking good. Like everything I’ve run from the gang at OneUp, the gear just works and performs as promised.

For riders that have to have an Eagle-matching 50T low, OneUp also offers a 50T upgrade. Our preference is for the 47T kit — not only is installation simpler, but the downshifting at speed while on the gas is flawless. If you’re currently running the Shimano 11-42t or switching from the 11-46t, we think you’ll find that OneUp once again offers an excellent option that improves the ride.

The OneUp Components 47T sprocket + 18T Shimano 1×11 kit runs $90. Check it out at OneUpComponents.com