Cassette advice

dan1502

I might be buying some new wheels for my 29er and am considering changing the cassette at the same time. It's currently a 11-32 LX cassette. I'm wondering whether an 11-34 might be better? I know little about these things but am thinking that this would give me slightly lower gearing which to my mind might be a good thing given the larger wheels increase the gearing. Any thoughts?

diy

There is a small compromise is smoothness but hardly noticeable, just make sure your rear mech can take the range. If its long cage it should be fine if medium cage it might not reach.

I don't ride a 29er, but found going 8spd 11-32 to 9spd 11-34 made a big difference on my climbing ability.

Able to settle in to a steep 25-30% climb and concentrate on the track rather than worrying about keeping the back wheel turning.

LjStronge

It does weight more but that only matters if your a weight weenie - I love 34T's and curse the day I got rid of mine.

Got a new one myself coming.

XT 34T

The Rookie

If I were running 29's I'd certainly consider going 11-34 over 11-32, even then your lowest gearing will be taller than a 26 using a 32T

Simon

konadawg

34 is "a good thing".

But don't 29ers have smaller front ends too?

dan1502

My fronts are 44 32 22.

Thanks guys. It's a long mech so should be fine. Am I likely to need a longer chain? And is it ok mixing and matching Shimano and SRAM etc?

MountainMonster

You will be mixing them. If I remember correctly, you just can't use Shimano shifters with a SRAM derailleur, or likewise.

cooldad

Rear mech and rear shifters are incompatible. Everything else is fine.

dan1502

I just found a decent deal on SRAM PG990 cassettes and thought I might get one instead of Shimano.

konadawg

Casettes are OK, as previous, it is simply rear derailleurs that need to have same-brand shifters everything else is OK.

Oh and if you run Shimano RD - use Shimano cables and nothing else, not even something "superior". At least that is what I have found results in 100% shifting.

cavegiant

They also make a 36 as well if you want really low gearing, they target thsi at the 29er market.

You need to be careful what rear cassette you have as the 34/36 can produce a lot of torque.

you can also drop to a 20t on the front even if 4 hole, but it isn't so cheap as Ti only.
Actiontec make a ring.

I ride a 29er and would never go back to 32. Until they make a 36 is SLX or XT I am sticking 34.
I can't afford the actiontec ring.

dan1502

Thanks, I have to admit one of the reasons I like the SRAM is that it's got green bits which suits my bike. I care more about function than form but can't resist sometimes.

dan1502

I just checked and my wife's Big Kahuna (2009) has 34, mine has 32. At least I won't be at an unfair advantage when I change mine!

dan1502

Just been looking at the 36t and though it does seem well worth while, there are some concerns over strength and weight so I think I'll wait. I might go for the 34t in the meantime though. If I do, will I need to increase the chain length or should I be able to get away with it? Also, should I change the chain at the same time? Mine's about 7 months old in which time I've done about 7 serious rides (including a gritty peak district ride).

diy

I would do chain and cassette together unless your chain is mint.

dan1502

Ok, can you recommend a decent chain? What length do I need? Is it the same as my current one or a little longer? Also, if I were to change the chainset at some point in future would that also necessitate a chain change? I've never bought a chain before.

Northwind

The 36T deore cassette is comically heavy. They seem to have decided against doing an 11-36 XT cassette, could be to do with trying to convince people that 11-36 is a 10-speed selling point methinks

The Rookie

Dan, get the KCMC cjains, best VFM you'll get at any price point, and compatable with SRAM powerlink, if your current chain is sized spot on you'll need an extra pair (on inner, one outer) of links, but as most chains are too long, probably not. Follow chain sizing advice on parktools/sheldonbrown or in Shimano tech docs (all arrive at the same length chain!).

Simon

diy

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=8332
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=9760

dan1502

I ended up ordering:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=40176

and a KMC X9L gold chain which I managed to get for £21 posted from an ebay shop. I'd rather it was silver to be honest but it has the titanium nitride finish apparently!

I've read the chain sizing advice on Park Tools before and my current chain is fine on the 32T. I just wondered if you had to order a different length chain but I guess not.

Thanks guys.