
( Brand: Shimano ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: DX-MX66 ), ( Part Type: Cassette Hub ), ( Compatible Brand: For Shimano ), ( Number Of Spoke Holes: 36 Hole ), ( Color: Black ), ( Compatible Bike Type: Bmx Bike Racing, Bmx Bike ), ( Set Includes: Hubs ), ( Material: Aluminum ), ( Number Of Speeds: 1 Speed )
The **Shimano DX-MX66** is a high-performance, durable cassette and hub system meticulously engineered for serious BMX riders, racers, and mid-school enthusiasts who demand precision, reliability, and speed. Designed with Shimano s signature engineering excellence, this system combines a **mid-drive cassette** with a **racing hub** to deliver an optimal power transfer, ensuring seamless shifting and enhanced control whether you're carving through tight turns, launching off ramps, or competing in high-stakes races. The **DX-MX66 cassette** features a **6-speed design**, offering a wide range of gear ratios to accommodate everything from explosive acceleration to efficient climbing, making it ideal for riders who need versatility without sacrificing performance. Each cog is crafted from high-quality steel, precision-machined for smooth engagement and longevity, while the **hollow axle hub** is built to withstand the rigors of aggressive riding, featuring reinforced bearings and a robust spindle that minimizes wobble and maximizes durability. The **racing hub** is further optimized with a **sealed cartridge bearing system**, reducing maintenance needs while ensuring consistent performance under heavy loads. Whether you're a seasoned racer pushing the limits or a mid-school rider looking to refine your technique, the **Shimano DX-MX66** delivers the strength, responsiveness, and precision required to dominate the track and elevate your riding experience. Built to endure the demands of competitive BMX, this system is a testament to Shimano s commitment to innovation, ensuring that every pedal stroke translates into power and control.
The Shimano DX-MX66 cassette, combined with a racing hub (such as the DT Swiss X1300 or similar) and a mid-school BMX setup, offers a balance of performance and affordability. Below is a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros of the Shimano DX-MX66 Cassette with Racing Hub and Mid-School BMX Setup**
1. **Performance-Oriented Components**
The DX-MX66 cassette is a high-quality, 11-speed cassette designed for endurance and smooth shifting. It is built with durable materials, including a steel spline hub and heat-treated sprockets, which reduces wear and improves longevity compared to lower-tier cassettes. This makes it suitable for riders who push their bikes hard, whether in racing, street riding, or park sessions.
2. **Reliable Shifting**
Shimano s 11-speed drivetrain is known for its precision and consistency. The MX66 cassette pairs well with Shimano s Deore or SLX shifters and derailleurs, offering smooth gear transitions even under heavy loads. This is particularly useful for riders who frequently switch between high-speed cruising and technical maneuvers.
3. **Durability and Strength**
The cassette is built to withstand the stresses of BMX riding, including jumps, grinds, and high-speed impacts. The steel construction resists bending and warping better than aluminum alternatives, making it a robust choice for mid-school BMX setups where durability is key. The racing hub (e.g., DT Swiss X1300) also provides a sturdy platform with sealed bearings, reducing maintenance needs and improving reliability.
4. **Compatibility with Mid-School BMX Frames**
Mid-school BMX frames are designed for riders aged 12 16 (or roughly 5 0 5 8 ), offering a balance between maneuverability and stability. The Shimano DX-MX66 cassette fits standard BMX rear hubs (typically 135mm or 142mm axle spacing) and works seamlessly with mid-school frames. This setup allows riders to upgrade their drivetrain without needing a full bike overhaul.
5. **Cost-Effective Upgrade**
Compared to higher-end cassettes like the Shimano XTR or SRAM NX, the MX66 offers a significant performance boost at a lower cost. For riders who want to improve their gearing without investing in a full professional-level setup, this cassette provides excellent value. It strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it accessible for serious riders who may not yet be ready for premium components.
6. **Versatility for Different Riding Styles**
The MX66 cassette s gear range (typically 10-46T or 11-46T) is versatile for BMX riding, offering a mix of climbing capability and top-end speed. This makes it suitable for street riding, vert jumps, and technical park sessions, where a wide range of gears can be beneficial.
7. **Maintenance-Friendly**
Shimano components are widely available and easy to maintain. Spare parts, tools, and service knowledge are abundant, which is advantageous for riders or parents who may need to perform basic upkeep or repairs. The cassette s design also allows for easy cleaning and chain maintenance, which is crucial for prolonging the life of the drivetrain.
8. **Professional-Grade Build Quality**
The MX66 cassette is used in professional cycling and BMX racing, indicating its reliability in high-performance settings. This build quality translates to better performance and durability in BMX applications, where components are often subjected to more extreme conditions than road cycling.
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### **Cons of the Shimano DX-MX66 Cassette with Racing Hub and Mid-School BMX Setup**
1. **Weight**
While the MX66 cassette is durable, it is heavier than some lighter alternatives (e.g., SRAM s NX or XX1 cassettes). For BMX riders who prioritize weight savings particularly in freestyle or vert riding this added weight may not be ideal. However, the difference is often negligible compared to the benefits of durability and shifting performance.
2. **Cost Relative to Entry-Level Options**
The MX66 cassette is more expensive than basic BMX cassettes (e.g., Shimano Altus or entry-level SRAM cassettes). While it offers significant upgrades, riders on a tight budget may opt for cheaper alternatives that still provide adequate performance for casual or beginner-level riding.
3. **Potential Overkill for Casual Riders**
If the rider is not heavily committed to BMX or does not push the bike to its limits, the MX66 cassette may feel like an unnecessary upgrade. For very casual riders or those who primarily use the bike for tricks and light riding, a simpler cassette (e.g., Shimano Tourney or Altus) might suffice without sacrificing too much performance.
4. **Chain Wear**
The MX66 cassette s durability comes at the cost of slightly faster chain wear compared to some lighter cassettes. This is because the steel construction is harder on chains over time. Riders will need to invest in high-quality chains (e.g., Shimano CN-HG95 or SRAM Z40) and replace them more frequently to maintain optimal performance.
5. **Limited Customization**
The gearing options for the MX66 cassette are fixed (e.g., 10-46T or 11-46T), and riders cannot easily swap sprockets for a more tailored setup. While this is not a major drawback, it may limit fine-tuning for specific riding conditions compared to modular cassettes (e.g., SRAM s XX1 or XXe systems).
6. **Compatibility with Non-Shimano Components**
While the MX66 cassette works well with Shimano shifters and derailleurs, mixing Shimano components with non-Shimano parts (e.g., SRAM derailleurs) can sometimes lead to compatibility issues or inconsistent shifting. Riders who prefer a mixed drivetrain setup may need to test compatibility carefully.
7. **Hub Limitations**
While racing hubs like the DT Swiss X1300 are durable, they are not specifically designed for BMX s unique demands (e.g., high-speed impacts, grinds). Over time, the bearings or axle may wear out faster than in a road bike setup, requiring occasional maintenance or replacement.
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### **Conclusion**
The Shimano DX-MX66 cassette paired with a racing hub and a mid-school BMX setup is an excellent choice for riders who want to upgrade their performance without investing in a full professional-level drivetrain. The cassette s durability, reliable shifting, and compatibility with mid-school frames make it a strong option for serious BMX riders who engage in racing, street riding, or park sessions. The trade-offs such as weight and cost are outweighed by the long-term benefits of smoother gearing, reduced maintenance issues, and the ability to handle high-stress riding conditions.
For riders who prioritize performance, longevity, and a balance between cost and quality, the MX66 cassette is a highly recommended upgrade. However, casual riders or those on a tight budget may find that more affordable alternatives meet their needs without the extra investment.
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### **Recommendation**
If you are a mid-school BMX rider looking to enhance your bike s performance for racing, street riding, or technical sessions, the **Shimano DX-MX66 cassette paired with a high-quality racing hub (e.g., DT Swiss X1300 or similar) is a strong recommendation**. This setup will provide:
- Smoother, more reliable shifting than entry-level cassettes.
- Increased durability to withstand the demands of BMX riding.
- A professional-grade feel that improves overall ride quality.
**For best results:**- Pair the cassette with a compatible Shimano Deore or SLX shifter and derailleur for optimal performance.
- Use a high-quality chain (e.g., Shimano CN-HG95) to minimize wear on the cassette.
- Ensure the racing hub is properly maintained, with bearings greased and checked regularly.
- Consider the gearing range (e.g., 10-46T or 11-46T) based on your riding style higher small sprocket for climbing, lower large sprocket for speed.
If budget is a concern, the MX66 is still a worthwhile investment, but riders who are very casual or only ride occasionally may find that a simpler cassette (e.g., Shimano Altus or Tourney) is sufficient. Ultimately, the MX66 cassette is one of the best mid-range options for BMX riders seeking a significant upgrade without going all-out for professional components.
10mm fits 3/8 dropouts. 4 NOS Shimano axle nuts, never wrenched. Hubs are ready to be laced. 4 wannabe aftermarket axle nuts with serrated washer, used.
Cones and lockouts still able to pass for servicing. Bearings have been serviced, run smooth, with no play. Shimano DX MX66 Racing Hubs Mid-School. Front axle threads have wear where they were seated in the dropouts pictured.
Very clean, complete, and sound. Logos look nicer than most used but are imperfect.