MTB cassette on a road bike?

fylo
fylo Posts: 15
edited January 2011 in Workshop
Hi,

This is more than likely a dumb question, but can I just whack an MTB shimano cassette onto my shimano road wheel?

I'm doing the Marmotte this year and am not going to be able to do as much training as I'd like so was thinkinking about getting an 11/34 Deore or similar to help twiddle me through the hairpins. I know it won't have much range on the flat but don't think this is too important for this one ride. Getting it right on the climbs will be the main thing.

Is this a good idea? Will I need some additional fettling to make it work?

Comments

  • moonshine
    moonshine Posts: 1,022
    it depends on your rear mech... i don't think it will work tho.
    many road mechs will only take a max of a 28t rear sprocket...
    are you using a standard or compact chainset? if you are on a standard, try & change to a compact setup...
  • fylo
    fylo Posts: 15
    I'm using a compact with a long cage ultegra rear.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The big sprocket will foul the top jockey on the rear mech - maximum sprocket is 28. on Shimano road mechs You'll need to fit an MTB mech to make it work / train harder / take drugs! :wink:
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • fylo
    fylo Posts: 15
    More training? Boo! Hiss!

    I've already got a 28 on the back. So is that the biggest road gear commonly available? I didn't even realise what a wuss I was being!

    Oh well, maybe I'll put my road cleats on my MTB shoes instead... that way I'll be more comfortable as I walk up Alpe D'Huez. :oops:
  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,719
    Just fit a 9 speed Shimano MTB mech as well, that will work fine.
  • spagforth
    spagforth Posts: 17
    No worries with what you are doing. I have done the same to try and get round 'The Fred' without getting off and walking. I have successfully put a 11 -34 MTB cassette on a Mavic Aksium, ( don't forget the washer that goes on the back of casettes on Mavics). I have Shimano ultegra shifters and you need to fit a Deore 9 speed long rear mech and of course a new longer chain to accomodate everything. It may seem strange putting a 9 speed shifter on a 10 speed cassette but Shimano altered the pull ration on the later 10 speed mt shifter. It works!

    Good luck and don't worry about the clever dicks who comment on having a Christmas tree cassette on the back. Its what works for you that matters and its a hell of alot cheaper than going for a triple set up. Like you I have only done this for exceptional climbs.

    Cheers Spagforth
  • niblue
    niblue Posts: 1,387
    I've fitted an 11:32 cassette to a road bike previously, using a MTB mech as others have described. Worked fine for me and certainly eased the progression from being a mountain biker to using a road bike.
  • swagman
    swagman Posts: 115
    Ultegra long cage with 11-32 casette works fine on mine.
    Fit the cassette first and try.

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