Which cassette is best for gravel riding? Choosing the right range for the terrain and power.

Many custom bike designers start with choosing a cassette. Not because it's the most important decision, but because it determines the bike's feel—how it feels underfoot, how it reacts on climbs, and how often you need to shift on flats. The cassette's range—the ratio of the smallest to the largest cog—is a key parameter that defines your riding style.

⚙️ 1×11 or 1×12 - simplicity with machine power

For longer bikepacking trips or routes requiring lightness and reliability, the classic GRX 400/600 (1x11, 11–42T cassette) or GRX RX820/827 (1x12, 11–51T) seems like a natural choice. This is a basic setup, where a range of ~380% (in 1x11) or ~460% (in 1x12) makes it realistic to ride routes requiring significant distance and elevation gain. The advantage is the lack of a front derailleur—fewer adjustments, lighter weight, and easier operation.

https://bike.shimano.com/pl-PL/home.html

🌿 2×11 / 2×12 — control, rhythm and sporty elegance

If you're the type who likes to feel the difference between gears, maintain your cadence as your body changes rhythm, and primarily rides on trails where speed stability is key, a 2x11 or 2x12 system still has plenty to offer. Shimano GRX RX600 (2x11) and RX825 Di2 (2x12) groupsets allow for precise and smooth shifting, minimizing jumps between gears. Synchronized Shift in Di2 is a bonus, matching the rear gear ratio to the front shift—as if you had an automatic shifter at your feet.

Check out more information: 1x vs 2x drivetrain in gravel – which is better for Polish gravel roads?

https://bike.shimano.com/pl-PL/home.html

🔧 Mullet: 1× + ultra wide range on the back

If you want the best of both worlds, the mullet setup feels like being a drivetrain architect. Road dropbar levers + MTB derailleur + wide cassette (10-50/51T) = ~460-500% range. For example, Rival/Force AXS + Eagle AXS or GRX Di2 + XT Di2 are enthusiast-proven setups. Off-road, you shift like you would on an MTB, while maintaining the comfort and ergonomics of a road bike up front.

https://www.sram.com/en/sram

⚠️ What to watch out for?

• More challenging 1×11/12 mechanical setups – cable pitch incompatibility, cage length, possible issues with setting the ideal chainline.
• Sometimes the frame doesn't have room for a large derailleur/sprocket gap.
• Price — cassettes above 11–42 cost several hundred złoty plus. But for those who cover many kilometers without front-mounted assistance, it's a worthwhile choice.

https://bike.shimano.com/pl-PL/home.html

🏁 Summary

• 1×11 (electronic or mechanical) – simplicity, reliability and sufficient range.
• 1×12 (GRX, SRAM XPLR) – the perfect compromise between range and weight.
• 2×12 (GRX Di2) – precision and smoothness between gears.
• Mullet (1× + wide MTB cassette) – the best of all worlds, but requires good fit and technical knowledge.

CHECK IT OUT AND DIVE INTO THE GRAVEL WORLD: What gravel drivetrain will be best in 2025? Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo groupset overview.