Cassette choice for new bike (with compact)

MrZ

Hi
Am in process of buying new bike with a compact. From what i've researched i'm happy with this choice as i do lots of hilly peak district riding and have entered the etape - and although i'm reasonably fit I'm tall and heavy (15 stone+)

The query is around cassette to team this with. On the options list for the bike is only a 12-25 or 12-27 Dura Ace cassette, no other choices.

I'm therefore thinking get the 12-27 in case i need it for the etape and then buy a cheaper 11-23 or 11-25 from elsewhere for less hilly riding. Do you think this is overkill though and i should just get the 12-25 and use that for all scenarios as its an expensive cassette?

I'm thinking its only the bottom two cogs that are different but feel like i'm being over cautious with compact too. If an 11-23 or 11-25 was available with bike i'd go for that straight off


cheers

inseine

I'd definitely go for the 27 if it's for the etape. You wont regret it and you can live with it for a while and then get another cheaper cassette if you feel you need it.
I've just bought a SRAM with a 28

rdt

I've ridden a compact 50/34 with 12-27 up the big Alpine climbs. I thought I'd rarely use the 27 but found I was using it all the time. It's the length of the climbs, particularly if you plug a few of them together into a long, long day. Climbing relentlessly for an hour or two hours takes its toll and is easier if your cadence isn't too low; at least, that's what I found. I go up faster with a lower gear (up to a point).

If I was going out to the Alps or Pyrenees, I'd stick an 11-28 on (or even a triple if it was feasible). When you're half way up the Tourmalet spinning past some guy who's grinding away in some too-big gear, suffering horribly, you'll be well glad of the higher cadence offered by a nice low gear.

Mccaria

I am tall and not quite as heavy. Personally I find there is not that much difference between a 25 and a 27 with a 34 upfront (I have wheels with both set-up). However there is little downside from going with the 27.

Did last year's Etape with a 34x27 gear and used it very sparingly, but it was nice to know it was there if needed.

sampras38

rdt wrote:

I've ridden a compact 50/34 with 12-27 up the big Alpine climbs. I thought I'd rarely use the 27 but found I was using it all the time. It's the length of the climbs, particularly if you plug a few of them together into a long, long day. Climbing relentlessly for an hour or two hours takes its toll and is easier if your cadence isn't too low; at least, that's what I found. I go up faster with a lower gear (up to a point).

If I was going out to the Alps or Pyrenees, I'd stick an 11-28 on (or even a triple if it was feasible). When you're half way up the Tourmalet spinning past some guy who's grinding away in some too-big gear, suffering horribly, you'll be well glad of the higher cadence offered by a nice low gear.

I'll second this. I was in the Alps this summer and was relieved to have a 12-27 + compact, pretty much for the reasons above. Most of the climbs we did, i.e. Joux Plane, Colombiere etc, we did 2 or 3 on the same ride.

MrZ

great, thanks for putting my mind at rest. I can always chuck another cassette on if find its overkill for my normal riding as as someone said, i figure there isnt too much downside with the 27

cheers

a_n_t

i've been riding 11-23 all summer with a compact and it's been fine on the peak district hills.

MrZ

a_n_t wrote:

i've been riding 11-23 all summer with a compact and it's been fine on the peak district hills.

I'm sure it may well be but point is i havent got the choice of this cassette with my bike, otherwise i would get it and consider buying a cheaper 12-27 just for use in the etape.

My original post can be phrased "is a 12-25 a redundant choice in my scenario and with only the option of that or a 12-27 with the bike"?. ie if there's little downside to a 12-27 over a 12-25 i may as well get that and then separately buy an 11-23 for non etape/general riding/triathlons. ie. is 12-25 too "middle of the road" with a compact?

cheers

rake

i use a 12- 25 and cant imagine a hill that would need any lower.im 6ft .ive used it up where you struggle to walk its that steep. but yes 27 probably doesnt do harm.

blackhands

You could always fit an MTB cassette for the etape - it will be 9 speed but will give you much lower gears if you need them.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=31059

MikeWW

blackhands wrote:

You could always fit an MTB cassette for the etape - it will be 9 speed but will give you much lower gears if you need them.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=31059

Not sure. Anything above 28 and you will need a high rise mech

rake

MrZ wrote:

a_n_t wrote:

i've been riding 11-23 all summer with a compact and it's been fine on the peak district hills.

I'm sure it may well be but point is i havent got the choice of this cassette with my bike, otherwise i would get it and consider buying a cheaper 12-27 just for use in the etape.

My original post can be phrased "is a 12-25 a redundant choice in my scenario and with only the option of that or a 12-27 with the bike"?. ie if there's little downside to a 12-27 over a 12-25 i may as well get that and then separately buy an 11-23 for non etape/general riding/triathlons. ie. is 12-25 too "middle of the road" with a compact?

cheers

he wasnt suggesting get a 11-23 he merely pointed out that 23 bottom cog was low enough for the pd. both your options are even lower suggesting you shouldnt have a problem with either.