Replace cassette/freewheel for lower gears

Mettan

Is it possible to replace a cassette/freewheel on say a Road bike with a Double, to a larger cassette/freewheel to create lower gears? I'm thinking along the lines of replacing a 13-28T cassette for an 11-34T - is that possible to is it too large a jump? - is there any other bits that'd need replacing with such a "large" change?

Thanks

ash68

Hi Mettan,don't know all the answers to your questions. Others will be more clued up than me, but I think you would need a long cage rear mech, to take that wide a cassette, probably change the lengh of your chain as well .I presume your using a standard double chainset i.e. 39/52 or similar. Could be worth looking into the price of a compact chainset i.e.34/50. Suppose it depends on what your using at the moment ,what condition it's in and how much you intend to spend.What's on the bike at the moment? Sora?105?Campag?

Mettan

HI Ash - I'm basically in the process of looking for a budget road bike with low enough gears for general riding but particularly Sportives - budget triples and compacts tend to cost more than budget doubles - just looking at a double with 39x28 as its lowest gear I'm not too confident I'd be able to handle it on a hill after say 50 or 60 miles without putting too much strain on my knees - so, am just thinking about the potential of replacing the cassette/freewheel on a double with an 11-34T or similar to create some lower gears still.

John.T

If you are using Shimano you will need an MTB rear mech to run that cassette. Also a longer chain.

ash68

Can see where your coming from Mettan, I did a couple of sportives this year and too be honest was glad of my triple on some of the hills. I prefer to spin rather than slog up them.Found I was passing riders on doubles who were struggling to keep the pedals turning.IMO, If your buying new I would go for a triple or compact from the start.Don't know what your budget is, but may be worth a look at www.edinburghbicycle.com.They do a Revolution Continental Race for £375 with a compact 36/50 and a 12/23 cassette( which could be changed for slightly wider range) with sora sti's. Also a Giant scr3 for £465 triple chainset 30/40/52 and a 12/26 cassette again with sora stii's. Would think any decent bike shop would alter gearing/cassette to suit your needs eally. Hope this is of some help and not just waffle. Cheers.

LeighB

Have a look at Wiggle, Giant SCR4 compact chainset 36-50 with 12-26 cassette for £305.
I have one of these and have had no problems. Also I have done most of the hard climbs in the Lake District on this gearing and it was ok.

Mettan

Thanks guys - I'll probably just plump for something with a reasonably low gear (atleast 39x28), try it out for a month or two, then if need be make the cassette/chain/rear mech change to get a lower gear.