Which Cassette For The 2009 Etape?
Hi there
Been watching the forums for a while, felt it was time to get more active... so hello everyone!
I've been riding for a year and have just decided to upgrade to a Pinarello FP3. I'll keep my Specialized Allez for riding to work and will use the Pinarello for the longer rides, the sportives and for staring at on the long dark nights. (It's in the eye of the beholder, I know, but I just love the look of it)
And I've entered the Etape.
A few people have mentioned that I should lay my hands on the biggest cassette I can lay my hands on for climbing Mont Ventoux. Anyone have any experience or advice they can share with me?
I'm going for the Ultegra SL Groupset, so can get the 12-27 (10 speed) cassette fitted when I buy the bike... but is 27 teeth enough and should I be concerned at the "gap" between the three lowest gears - 21, 24, 27...?
:?
Been watching the forums for a while, felt it was time to get more active... so hello everyone!
I've been riding for a year and have just decided to upgrade to a Pinarello FP3. I'll keep my Specialized Allez for riding to work and will use the Pinarello for the longer rides, the sportives and for staring at on the long dark nights. (It's in the eye of the beholder, I know, but I just love the look of it)
And I've entered the Etape.
A few people have mentioned that I should lay my hands on the biggest cassette I can lay my hands on for climbing Mont Ventoux. Anyone have any experience or advice they can share with me?
I'm going for the Ultegra SL Groupset, so can get the 12-27 (10 speed) cassette fitted when I buy the bike... but is 27 teeth enough and should I be concerned at the "gap" between the three lowest gears - 21, 24, 27...?
:?
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Comments
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FatLarry wrote:I'm going for the Ultegra SL Groupset, so can get the 12-27 (10 speed) cassette fitted when I buy the bike... but is 27 teeth enough and should I be concerned at the "gap" between the three lowest gears - 21, 24, 27...?
The 21-24-27 is pretty good, the jumps are fine at that end of the cassette - 21-24-27 is IMO better combo than 21-23-25 as the jumps are too small.0 -
12-23 will be fine mate-- Dirk Hofman Motorhomes --0
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12-27 is fine. I got round in 2007 on that and a compact. It's not that you will necessarily need it if you are in the form of your life, it's just handy for when you suffer the inevitable kilometre or two of darkness in your soul and want to stop.0
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Hello
Thought I'd post as a) I've just bought an FP3 and b) I'm doing the Etape this year.
I'll be taking a 12-27 cassette, ie lowest gear will be 34-27. I reckon this will be fine.
The FP3 is just beeeaaaaauuuuutiful! Mine is sitting in the living room, waiting for the nice weather. Won't be riding it until there is not the slightest hint of mud/ice/rain!
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Depends on how large you are, and what chainset you're running.
Bedoin route up - I managed it in 34-25 no probs back when I was 105kg. If you're not running a compact you might want a 27. As above, just for morale if nothing else
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Thanks to everyone for the replies. A 12 - 27 it is then! I have a bike fitting scheduled for Tuesday evening... how exciting!!!
BMCCbry - what colour did you go for...? I keep changing my mind between the Snow and the White. I like the Red too, but my current steed is red so I figure I should go for something different.
I would have bought the Orange but apparently it isn't available in the UK. Big shame!0 -
I've faced a similar cassette decision for my Guide dogs Tour Challenge and after seeing the profile for Col du Grand Saint Bernard I've opted for the 12-27 and adopted a new approach to climbing which is basically take it slower and steadier...32kms of climbing is a loooooooooooooong way!!!0
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Slow and Steady... that's the big challenge for me, Mr Always Flat Out.
I think training my mind is going to be tougher than training my body!0 -
Larry you've not said whether your going with a compact or standard double on the front.
You need to consider that when deciding on your cassette choice.
I did the etape last year, first time I'd done a proper mountain climb - simplest advice I can give is go at a pace you can sustain for 2 hours and don't be tempted to chase someone else's wheel even if it is only a bit more than you're comfortable with. The climb is too long to do that and you may suffer later on as a consequence. Find your own pace and stick to it. I liked having a low gear because when you're tired on that last climb spinning it in slightly higher cadence rather than grinding slowly makes things that little bit easier.0 -
Good point - I'm going Compact.
I hear what you're saying about slow and steady.
I ran my first marathon last year and found myself in the wrong starting pen - with the sub 3 hour runners. I couldn't help but keep pace with them for the first few miles even though I know I was going way too fast. So I forced myself to stop for a pee, gathered & re-focussed myself and settled into my proper rhythym.
So - whilst I know I have a potentially destructive personailty trait, I was able to find a coping strategy on the marathon and I need to learn to do the same on two wheels!
Appreciate the advice.0 -
Good point - I'm going Compact.
I hear what you're saying about slow and steady.
I ran my first marathon last year and found myself in the wrong starting pen - with the sub 3 hour runners. I couldn't help but keep pace with them for the first few miles even though I know I was going way too fast. So I forced myself to stop for a pee, gathered & re-focussed myself and settled into my proper rhythym.
So - whilst I know I have a potentially destructive personailty trait, I was able to find a coping strategy on the marathon and I need to learn to do the same on two wheels!
Appreciate the advice.0 -
Good point - I'm going Compact.
I hear what you're saying about slow and steady.
I ran my first marathon last year and found myself in the wrong starting pen - with the sub 3 hour runners. I couldn't help but keep pace with them for the first few miles even though I know I was going way too fast. So I forced myself to stop for a pee, gathered & re-focussed myself and settled into my proper rhythym.
So - whilst I know I have a potentially destructive personailty trait, I was able to find a coping strategy on the marathon and I need to learn to do the same on two wheels!
Appreciate the advice.0 -
PS I haven't decided for definite which bike I'll ride for the Etape...but whichever I go for, I will have 34-27 as my bottom gear.
It's WAY better to have more gears than you need than the other way round. And important on a ride like that not to get tired by pushing too big a gear.
Enjoy your bike fitting. Getting a new bike is always very pleasurable! I still haven't ridden my FP3...very frustrating, but I am stroking it regularly.
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I'm a new man... and it does look superb in pink...
But my cycling wardrobe is predominantly red and I can't afford to replace it all!!!0
