Cassette size

James1823

I've been riding an 11-23 (front 53/39) cassette since getting my new bike. I'm finding it slightly hard going on the hills. My old bike was a 52/39 and has a 12-26 and was about right for hills.

I've decided I'm going to change the cassette but can't decide between a 12-25 and a 12-27. What do people think? My old bike is slightly heavier and made of steel, and the new one is pretty light and made of carbon. I'm wondering if I can get away with one less gear on the carbon due to the weight saving, or if it makes little real difference. Also, I'm going to be doing some sportives over the summer, and they seem to recommend a 27 at least.

redddraggon

none of the above

11-25

portuguese mike

none of the above: 13 - 26 (53/39 chainrings)

aracer

I'd definitely recommend a 27 for sportives to go with a 39 - mine always seems to get a reasonable amount of use. Don't really see there's much in the way of disadvantage to that over a 12-25 either, as it's only the biggest two sprockets which are different, so you still have the same useful set of close gears over most of the cassette, and by the time you get down to the 21, going to 24 rather than 23 isn't an issue (never been a big fan of 12-25 cassettes for that reason).

Lagavulin

12-25 on current standard double (53/39).

Probably opt for the same on the new bike (50/34 Compact) as I find myself looking for another gear at times :oops:.

James1823

Cheers for the replies. I'm thinking of going for the 12-27. But had a couple of thoughts. Will my derailleur be OK, or will I need one with a larger arm? Also, can SRAM cassettes be fitted to a Shimano freewheel. They do an 11-26, which would be ideal, as I appreciate the 11 on long descents and the occasional sprint on the flat.

fizz

12- 25 but am probably going to change it to a 12 - 27 before i do the Tour of Wessex ni May as I struggled up a couple of the climbs last year. ( Ok I had to walk up one... )

a_n_t

11-23, but its ok with the 50-34.

method

James1823 wrote:

Cheers for the replies. I'm thinking of going for the 12-27. But had a couple of thoughts. Will my derailleur be OK, or will I need one with a larger arm? Also, can SRAM cassettes be fitted to a Shimano freewheel. They do an 11-26, which would be ideal, as I appreciate the 11 on long descents and the occasional sprint on the flat.

I don't think they can.

wheeler585

11-25 ideal for racing with 36/50 ideal for racing in my mind anyway!!

aracer

James1823 wrote:

Cheers for the replies. I'm thinking of going for the 12-27. But had a couple of thoughts. Will my derailleur be OK, or will I need one with a larger arm? Also, can SRAM cassettes be fitted to a Shimano freewheel. They do an 11-26, which would be ideal, as I appreciate the 11 on long descents and the occasional sprint on the flat.

Yes to both - current rear mech should be fine (I've used a short cage with 53/39 and 12-27), and SRAM cassette will fit. Not that convinced of the need for an 11 with a 53 though - if you spin out 53-12 then tucking and coasting is normally faster for ordinary mortals not sprinting flat out - and it means you lose an intermediate gear which I'd reckon to be more useful.

method

Sorry i was thinking of sram red, they don't fit.

JWSurrey

13-29!! With a 34tooth chainring.
Or close on 30 inches in old money.

nmcgann

None of the above. 12-23 9-speed on all my bikes.

Neil

Tom Butcher

Normally have an 11 or 12-23 on my race wheels - just because I can use them for racing or fast training rides in the Peak with that - just for racing I'd probably go for a 21 bottom sprocket. For training wheels 25 bottom and I have just bought a 29 with a medium cage mech to fit for very hilly sportives.