Cannondale CAADX 2011 Cassette & Chain

sophidog

folks
Bought the bike in the sales late 2011 and wondering if the supplied 11-25 105 cassette can be swapped for the 12-27 without having to change rear derailleur components or adjust its settings. I'm also looking to keep a spare chain handy and wondered what you think of the KMC X10L chain compared to Shimano's own.
Shared wisdom very much appreciated.

Tom B

davis

I'd have thought the cassette swap would work, but I'm not 100% sure. I'd probably give it a go. Not sure how much difference it'd make (well, it'd make less than 2%).

I only really go for KMC chains now, and that'd be fine. I'd swap it now and then (every ~1000 miles) rather than keeping it "spare" as it evens out wear on the chains

cooldad

Effectively it's only one tooth difference. Will be fine.

sophidog

thanks cooldad, was more worried abouth the larger diameter 27-tooth sprocket as it would effectively take more chain and pull the derailleur further forward; it's mee old legs you see!

cooldad

You may need to resize the chain, but the mech will be fine. Chain should go round big/big without the mech plus a full link. Only likely to be an issue in big/big combos.
KMC chains are better than SHimano IMHO.