Does SRAM 11 speed cassette need the extra spacer behind the cassette?

Due to availability issues I was using an 11 speed Ultegra 11-28. I replaced it with a SRAM PG-1170.
But this one had play in the cogs until I installed the spacer. Is this normal? The Ultegra didn’t require it. And according to the Garmin instructions this one shouldn’t either. Though the instructions are not perfectly clear.

0 Otto-Destruct over 2 years ago

Tacx/Garmin instructions on cassette installation should be viewed as a starting point only; there is so much variation in drivetrains, you might need to deviate from the manual.

I had to install 1.85mm of spacers behind the cassette to get things aligned.

If it works and there's no obvious interference issue, roll with it.

0 DuaneHebert over 2 years ago in reply to Otto-Destruct

Doesn’t appear to be any major issues except requiring a bit of tweaking on the barrel adjuster between bike and trainer.