cassettes

[LordOpie]

if two cassettes are called "8-speed", is there any functional differences between 'em? And with regards to my 105 rear-derail, is there anything I'd need to do different between two cassettes, say one is 11-25, another is 12-28.

In otherwords, can I use any 8-speed cassette?

[neurostar]

Yea, I think you can use any 8spd cassette.

[Serial Midget]

Are you thinking of switching from an 11-25 to a 12-28? If so you might need to lengthen your chain - shifting will not be as crisp if the chain is too long or short.

I know you are getting into mountain climbs, but unless you have a touring load to contend with, I would just tough it out with your triple and the 11-25 - it will make you a stronger rider. :thumb:

[LordOpie]

Originally posted by Serial Midget
Are you thinking of switching from an 11-25 to a 12-28? If so you might need to lengthen your chain - shifting will not be as crisp if the chain is too long or short.
Thanks!

Originally posted by Serial Midget
I know you are getting into mountain climbs, but unless you have a touring load to contend with, I would just tough it out with your triple and the 11-25 - it will make you a stronger rider. :thumb:
Ha! Exactly.

I'm now able to spin -- albeit in granny on the moderately steep stuff (6-9%), but I'm hammering in the steeper sections and it burns me out. Yesterday, I did a 42 mile ride (Nederland area) with a 10mile segment of ~6%. Granted, I was in granny gear, but I felt I could go all day long. It was a great feeling and I'd like to be able to spin the steeper stuff.

But I'll take your advice and not get an easier cassette.

[Serial Midget]

If you are comfortably able to maintain a spin of 75 - 85 then I would keep what you have. I run an 11-23 with my 39-51 and can handle most highway grades - I switch to my trusty Univega Super Poo for anything with sustained climbs at grades over 8% - it has a 12-27 and 42-53 and non-indexed friction shifting. :)

Keep your training up and by the end of summer you'll begin to think of the granny gear as nothing more than dead weight. :D

[gk02]

a shimano rear road derailler will supposedly not pick up anything larger than a 27, campy long cage rear deraillers will pick up a 29, but I have never tried anything bigger than a 27 with a shimano rear derailler so good luck with a 28.

[LordOpie]

Originally posted by gk02
a shimano rear road derailler will supposedly not pick up anything larger than a 27...

good to know, thanks.

[The Jinx]

LO,

The most important is to know your sweet spot ratio...

I'll never go wrong with 15-16-17-19T....as long as any cogset have this, I'll be safe and happy....and 25T for my big mama climb...

For 9sp...you can opted for Ultegra cogset which have 12-25T. I strongly discourage you from 8sp since you already having 9sp.

Good luck!

Regards
sbw

[The Toninator]

Originally posted by The Jinx
LO,

The most important is to know your sweet spot ratio...

I'll never go wrong with 15-16-17-19T....as long as any cogset have this, I'll be safe and happy....and 25T for my big mama climb...


man i would have laughed at you a short while ago but damnit i'm missing a 16 on my road bike and it is the perfect gear.

[LordOpie]

Originally posted by The Jinx
LO,

The most important is to know your sweet spot ratio...

I'll never go wrong with 15-16-17-19T....as long as any cogset have this, I'll be safe and happy....and 25T for my big mama climb...

For 9sp...you can opted for Ultegra cogset which have 12-25T. I strongly discourage you from 8sp since you already having 9sp.

Good luck!

Regards
sbw

hey bro, thanks! Thing is, my roadie came 8sp.

I believe you when you say you've discovered your sweet gear spot, but in such variable terrain, how can that matter? I mean, on an average ride, the grade changes from -6% to +6% and fluctuates everywhere in between, some rides with spikes at 15+%... so, umm, how would I need specific gears with so much change?

[The Toninator]

fixed gear bro'

[LordOpie]

Originally posted by The Toninator
fixed gear bro' :confused:

[neurostar]

Originally posted by The Toninator
fixed gear bro'

yup yup.

I'm gonna try and build up a fixed this fall. It'll be my road bike for school.

[The Toninator]

Originally posted by LordOpie
:confused:
i was just being silly. you wouldnt need a wide range of gears if you only had one to deal with :)