What size is my cassette

npowell28

Hi,

How do i establish what size my current 9 speed cassette is. Need to know so that i don't go and buy one the same size. I'm guessing i just count the teeth(sorry if thats not the proper term) on the smallest and largest cog.

Thanks in advance

ScaldedCat

Yup, if your cassette is clean enough (and if it's not you should be ashamed ) you will be able to see numbers stamped on the individual sprockets.

npowell28

It's spotless, cleaned it yesterday. Ok just needed to know as i need to make life a bit easier on the hills until i get a bit stronger.

Next question - Is there much difference between ultegra 9 speed and the shimano HG range, apart from price of course.

Garz

Small amount of weight difference and slightly less wearing involved really.

npowell28

My current cassette is 12-25. Will there be much difference between that a 12-27???

fizz

npowell28 wrote:

My current cassette is 12-25. Will there be much difference between that a 12-27???

Not a huge amount, no. Climbing will be a little easier, but if you are struggling on a 25 you'll probably find you will still stuggle on a 27.

IMHO.

npowell28

So would it be more beneficial to go to a triple on the front instead. My current set up is a compact. Can i add another chain ring to that or do i have to fit a whole new one? Sorry for sounding thick.

I don't struggle on all hills just the ones over 12%.

ratsbeyfus

You'd need a new crankset, probably a new long-cage rear derailler possibly a new chain and maybe a new front shifter.

npowell28

Hmmm best get down the gym and work them legs a bit more then!!!

Thanks guys

paul.k

we all struggle on hills over 12% ,its just more of a struggle for some than others

secretsqizz

http://www.youtube.com/user/Matthames#p/u/3/96HtocXvh1U
this geezer up a lot less than 12%

Ben6899

secretsqizz wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Matthames#p/u/3/96HtocXvh1U
this geezer up a lot less than 12%

Are his brake blocks rubbing?

secretsqizz

Towing a trailer with 12 crates of ale ..

I hope

Flasheart

He doesn't seem to be that quick on a bike in any of his videos, or is just me :?

nochekmate

A compact and a 12-27 set-up ought to be enough for all but the steepest of hill sections as long as you are reasonably fit (certainly 12% inclines should not cause too much trouble on that gearing)

fizz

npowell28 wrote:

So would it be more beneficial to go to a triple on the front instead. My current set up is a compact. Can i add another chain ring to that or do i have to fit a whole new one? Sorry for sounding thick.

I don't struggle on all hills just the ones over 12%.

Depends...

If you want to go triple you'd have to ditch your compact and start again, you might find oyu need a new rear mech to. Depends what you currently have fitted and it can work out expensive that way.

What size is the inner ring on your compact 36 or 34 ? If its 36 you could change it quite cheaply for a 34 and gear it down a little that way. Or you could go down the 12 - 17 route or do both.

Whats your current fitness like, are you new to cycling ? Everybody struggles on hills when they ramp up. But I managed to get up a climb that has a section of 25% gradient in it with a 34 x 27 the other week, OK it wasnt easy, but I did get up it.