11-32 or 11-34?

ging004
ging004 Posts: 13
edited February 2011 in MTB buying advice
Hi

Just about to replace my rear cassette to upgrade my worn current one.

Currently have a 11-32, but what is the difference between this and a 11-34

Mainly do off road, and get involved in Gorrick events as much as i can.

what do each cassette offer

Comments

  • canada16
    canada16 Posts: 2,360
    Just weight and 2 gears I think, but I am no expert.

    I just bought a PG970 for 18.00 from CRC 11-32, and I have a 11-34 right now, so going to save a few LBS.
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  • Deputy Dawg
    Deputy Dawg Posts: 428
    2 teeth on the largest sprocket (& possibly a slight difference on others too). Plus a bit of weight of cause.

    If your finding you can climb ok on the 11-32 you currently have you probably don't need the larger cog.
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  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    11-34 has slightly bigger gaps in the lower half of the block, and an easier bottom gear. 11-32 has the opposite. Personally I'd always go for 11-34, I see no real reason not to.
  • ging004
    ging004 Posts: 13
    thank you for the replies

    so 34 teeth just makes the climbing easier? or does it make a difference in other gears too.

    dont have no probs climbing at the mo, so should i stick with a 11-32 or would a 34 give me something different?
  • blister pus
    blister pus Posts: 5,610
    if you do lots of hills and steep climbs then 11-34 it is. If you're fine as you are then save the weight.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    There are slightly bigger jumps between the top 4-5 gears.
  • diy
    diy Posts: 6,473
    For me the difference was topping out at 25-27% climbs with a 32, vs. 28-32% with a 34. I find the 34 just gives you that little bit more cadence when climbing to keep the traction smooth and let you concentrate on spreading your weight rather than pedaling.
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  • Danlube
    Danlube Posts: 454
    I have just gone from a 11-32 to a 11-34. 11-34 just simply gives you more torque to climb with, good for hilly areas. 11-32 is good for farely flat areas.
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  • Clark3y
    Clark3y Posts: 129
    The only ratio they have in common in the 11t

    Option 2 11-32T (ar-group)
    Sprocket Sizes 11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32

    Option 3 11-34T (au-group)
    Sprocket Sizes 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34
  • 02gf74
    02gf74 Posts: 1,171
    I thought I hasd 11-34 on my lightweight build bike so bought same in XTR. When I removed the old cassette, I was quite annoyed to find it 11-32 GGGRrrrrrrrr :twisted:

    so I guess it is not a big deal - possibly as this is a lighter bike than one of my full sus, the higer gearing may have been unnoticed due to having less weight to carry.

    If you are currently on 11-32 and can push that uphill and are still young, under 40, then stick to same else go for 11-34.

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