Switching between 11-25 & 11-32 Sram

Sevenfold
Sevenfold Posts: 86
edited December 2011 in Workshop
I have bought some new wheels & an 11-32 cassette, medium cage rear derailleur & chain for sportives where I struggle with the steepness of many climbs (Cotswolds & the like) but only want to use the wheels for 'best' as in my normal daily commuting & weekend rides, I find the compact with 11-25 no problem. Is there any problem with chain length set correctly for 11-32 when switching between the 11-25 & 11-32 if the b-screw is adjusted to give cassette clearance in line with Sram guidelines? I do not want to keep buying new Powerlinks every time I swap wheels as I understand that they are a one-time use only. Are there any other (KMC for example) links that are re-usable if I need to swap the chains over as well. The 11-25 has about 2500 miles on it.

Thanks

David

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Massive difference between a 25 and a 32 sprocket; I can't imagine a single chain length would suit both.
    KMC 10 speed links are reusable. I'd have a chain for each cassette, then you can have the length just right for each, and you won't get problems with differential wear between chain and cassette.
  • albothegreat
    albothegreat Posts: 36
    Agreed, there is no way that the same chain is going to be suitable for a 25 and a 32. You can re-use the links also.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Hang on a minute; I'm probably showing my ignorance of SRAM stuff, and a complete logic bypass.
    If the chain is OK for the 11-32 with that mech, it would surely be OK for the 11-25. There is presumably a 25 sprocket or similar in the 11-32 cassette.

    But with the 11-25 cassette the chain would be longer than it really needs to be

    And I stand by my 2 chains, 2 cassettes suggestion.
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    And I stand by my 2 chains, 2 cassettes suggestion

    +1

    Your 11-25 chain+cassette has miles already on it too, which makes this idea even stronger.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • mamba80
    mamba80 Posts: 5,032
    My GF uses the same setup 11-32 for road riding and a 12- 25 for Turbo (also used on road as well) i ve set it up with a MTB rear mech and there is no problems what so ever, there is only a 2 link difference in chain length.
    just look at the differences a mtb setup over comes?
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    If the chain is the correct length for the 11/32 then it will work fine with the 11/25.
    Different amount of wear between the 2 cassettes is another matter entirely. KMC links are reusable.
    My Fleet.
  • Sevenfold
    Sevenfold Posts: 86
    Cheers all for the posts - I suspect it will be a 'suck it & see'. Is there any issue with using KMC links with a Sram chain - Sram say to only use a Powerlock or is this just protectionism...?
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The chain length would only be a problem when running small ring - small sprocket which is a gear combo to be avoided anyway - the rear mech cage could foul the chain on the cassette which gets very noisy - persist and you'll wreck the drivetrain.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    Monty Dog wrote:
    The chain length would only be a problem when running small ring - small sprocket which is a gear combo to be avoided anyway - the rear mech cage could foul the chain on the cassette which gets very noisy - persist and you'll wreck the drivetrain.
    No it won't He is already running an 11 sprocket so this will be the same. As long as he uses a rear mech that has enough capacity he will have no problem.
    As long as the B screw is set for the 32 it will not need changing. Fine tuning may improve shifting a little but should not be necessary.
    My Fleet.
  • Lookyhere
    Lookyhere Posts: 987
    You will be absolutely fine :)
    I would suggest a long cage mtb mech, as has been said there is only a 2 link difference.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    Lookyhere wrote:
    You will be absolutely fine :)
    I would suggest a long cage mtb mech, as has been said there is only a 2 link difference.
    The OP appears to be using SRAM so he can not use an MTB mech. Both Shimano and SRAM MTB stuff uses a different cable pull ratio. He will need a SRAM Apex mech.
    My Fleet.

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