SunRace JuJu: Get More Gold

SunRace JuJu: Get More Gold

WHAT: SunRace JuJu MZ 9-speed Cassette

WHERE: 707-259-6700; sunrace.com

How Much: $110

I like shiny things. When the SunRace JuJu MZ 9-speed cassette arrived in its sparkly black box, I squealed and clapped my hands. When I opened the box and discovered the MZ’s gold-colored Titanium Nitride coating, I did a happy dance. See, this cassette would be replacing the stock LX cassette that arrived on my 2005 Kona Coiler Dee-Lux—and on that bike also came a gold-accented Race Face Evolve DH X-Type bottom bracket and a Marzocchi 66 fork with gold adjuster knobs. In an era where I’m Gonna Git You Sucka-style bling is flaunted on everything from goggles to spoke nipples, I was pleased to be able outfit the rear third of my bike with some complementary flair.

SunRace has been stepping up their cross country and downhill component groups in response to the growing number of riders who simply aren’t satisfied with the stock builds arriving on their rigs. We all ride hard and things—especially within the drivetrain—tend to wear out quickly. SunRace’s JuJu line speaks to competitive riders looking for durable, reasonably-priced components.

Since it’s first name is JuJu, I expected this 11-32T, 275g cassette possess some sort of magical power. Perhaps it could make my bike miraculously levitate over rock gardens or maybe it could mysteriously boost my climbing speed. What actually happened was it saved me 64g when it replaced that LX cassette. I can’t say that I noticed the weight difference, but what I did notice was solid shifting performance, attributed to the MZ’s patented Super Fluid Shifting Ramps—not magic. The MZ saw muddy ride after muddy ride, and dealt with my desperate shifting as I attempted to keep up with way-too-fit boyfriend on trails I’d never previously ridden. After six months of torture, the MZ emerged as flashy as it began. The steel rings showed no abnormal wear, and the aluminum spider kept everything in line.

The MZ is Shimano compatible and though it’s lighter than the LX, it’s quite a bit heavier than an XT cassette. This cassette is SunRace’s pro-level mountain bike offering, which steers it more toward the freeride sect than the cross country crew. Weight really is the biggest downside to the MZ, considering its modest price and steadfast performance. Oh, and if bling’s not your thing, SunRace also offers the MZ in a more traditional Speed Satin silver finish. This JuJu didn’t manage to conjure any mystical experiences, but it did keep me pedaling smoothly while giving my ride the equivalent of a gold-plated grill. ~Jackie Baker