Gearing

stock

Evening all

I would like to change the gearing on my bike to a compact (34t) until I build the strength in my legs. The problem is I'm not entirely sure how to go about this. Do I need nothing more than a new small ring or will this involve changing the whole chainset? Will I also need to alter the front mech to compensate for the difference in size of the small ring?

Also, I would like to know if having done this would I undo the difference made if I was to change the cassette to a lower ratio (12-25 > 11-23)

I'm after something a little more forgiving on the hills,but I would also like something a little harsher on the flat, if that makes any sense

The group is Ultegra, 53/39, 12-25

Thanks in advance for any help

tmg

What groupset are you using?

Changing the casette will have an impact so not sure it makes sence to stick a 34 tooth front ring on and then change rear cassette to a 23 with the intent of helping you climb better.

Depending on the BCD you may need to change chainrings and spider, you'll also need to adjust chain length and the front mech as

stock

Ultegra group, 39/53 on the front, 12/25 on the rear

I thought you may say that with regards changing the cassette...the difference will only be very minimal anyway between 12-25 and 11-23, I'd imagine?

Could I not just move farther up the cassette when climbing? or will this lead to excessive wear issue's?

PieterM

Since you state thet it will be a temporary solution until you build the strength in your leg, I would recommend to change your cassette to an 11-28. This should work on your current set-up (although you may have to shorten the chain a bit). This will result in a much wider range of gears with both a higher high gear and a lower low gear.
It is cheaper than moving to a compact which will involve buying a new crankset.

stock

OK, thanks! Sounds like a better option from a few angles

How do I determine how many links to remove?

Thanks

sturmey

Since you state thet it will be a temporary solution until you build the strength in your leg, I would recommend to change your cassette to an 11-28. This should work on your current set-up (although you may have to shorten the chain a bit)

Can't see the logic of shortening the chain, personally.
If anything the chain would need to be longer as his largest rear sprocket is 3 teeth bigger.
FWIW he will probably cope fine by leaving the chain as it is.

rally200

sturmey wrote:

show previous quotes

Since you state thet it will be a temporary solution until you build the strength in your leg, I would recommend to change your cassette to an 11-28. This should work on your current set-up (although you may have to shorten the chain a bit)

Can't see the logic of shortening the chain, personally.
If anything the chain would need to be longer as his largest rear sprocket is 3 teeth bigger.
FWIW he will probably cope fine by leaving the chain as it is.

+1 and 3 teeth is quite a big difference in ratio - well worth trying a new cassette before the (relatively) huge expence of a new crankset.

dileno

How far do you get with a 11-28 cassette? Is it enough for a ride in the Alpes, Dolomites or even the Pyrenees?

Bobbinogs

dileno wrote:

How far do you get with a 11-28 cassette? Is it enough for a ride in the Alpes, Dolomites or even the Pyrenees?

Forgive me for saying this but I think that is a bit like asking how long's a piece of string.

Jibberjim kindly posted this link which shows what the pros used on the Giro, what you will need is another thing altogether (I would need a motorbike btw ):

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/05/ ... lon_118438

dileno

Cheers to that! Seems you get kind of far with a 11-28 cassette. Thanks!