New cassette - Shimano or SRAM?

hazychris
hazychris Posts: 202
edited April 2009 in Road buying advice
Quick question for those in the know....

Being "not slim" I need all the help I can get up the steeper hills - currently running Ultegra 6600 triple with a 12-27 rear cassette, which is nearing the end of its long life.

Do I buy the same again, or do I go with the wider range SRAM OG-1070 11-28?

The extra 3% or so shorter gearing will certainly not harm me, but will the shifting be as good as with Ultegra?

Thanks for any insight you can offer.

Cheers,
Chris

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    two questions there I think

    the 11-28 definitley gives you more range, and I'm thinking of fitting one for the Marmotte just to squeeze a little bit more than my current 12-27.

    As for SRAM vs Ultegra, I've just fitted a 12-27 OG1070 and it's certainly as good as the 12-27 Ultegra I had on before. Maybe even a tad crisper. Can't comment on longevity yet.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • hazychris
    hazychris Posts: 202
    Thanks maddog - twice the answer I expected :oops:

    Said item now ordered.

    Cheers,
    Chris
  • rickhotrod
    rickhotrod Posts: 181
    In the middle 6 sprockets, an 11-28 (11,12,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,28) cassette is identical to a 6-speed 13-23 (13,15,17,19,21,23) cassette.

    It's better to have a 12-25 cassette with a triple because instead of the 11 and 28 you get a 14 and 16 giving you closer gears in the middle of the cassette.

    11-28 is ideally suited to a 50/34 compact where the rider accepts the compromise of having the 11 and 28 instead of the 14 and 16.
  • hazychris
    hazychris Posts: 202
    Hi rickhotrod - believe me, getting the extra ability to spin a little faster uphill (or even survive!) is worth more to me than close ratios in the middle.

    Example, two weekends ago I couldn't spin quickly or smoothly enough on a 17% to keep the front down and under control (plenty of power but couldn't apply with souplesse due to too slow cadence). However on my MTB (down to 22-34) I can stay smooth (obviously!) and get up most hills, even on rough and loose surfaces.

    Cheers,
    Chris
  • rickhotrod
    rickhotrod Posts: 181
    Chris, glad to hear you are pleased with your choice of cassette. However, it doesn't sound like you need a 10 speed bike.

    I've got an 8 speed triple with a 13-30 cassette. It's just like the 10 speed 11-28 cassette but doesn't have the 11 and 12, and instead of the 25 and 28 it has 26 and 30. A 30/30 bottom gear is great when your legs get tired and turn to jelly!

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