changing cassette road road riding

jas1978

Can I change my rear cassette give a better range for road / trail riding? I have a Giant Talon 1, already switched tyres and pedals got the set up relativly good. But Iwould like a better range of gears.
ta

zanes

Do you want closer ratios (less difference between gears) or a wider range?

jas1978

I guess I should have chosen my words better, closer ratio's is was i'm chasing.

nicklouse

yes you can but it all depends on what you are trying to achieve.

so a closer range. closer to what? for what......

jas1978

basically pull the range down closer to the higher gears on the rear cassette (hope that makes sense)
currently a shimano HG50 11-34
I was thinking of swapping to 11-23 or 11-25

nicklouse

yep no probs. just remember that your chain will need resizing.

jas1978

Resizing the chain? oh even though I'm not going any smaller?

nicklouse

yes you are.

your big rear cog is smaller so you chain should be shorter.

jas1978

Okay not that I mean to question you, but I like to understand.
let me get this right:
current rear cassette smallest 11 teeth largest 34
plan to change to smallest 11 teeth largest 25

am I not still within the original range?

nicklouse

yes everything will work fine but you can use a shorter chain like you could possibly also run a mech with a shorter cage.