Changing cassette ratios on spare wheelset

dubbs2009
dubbs2009 Posts: 310
edited August 2013 in Road general
Hi guys,

I am gonna buy some new wheels for my bike, I'd also like to get a new cassette so I have x2 sets of wheels I can change onto the bike as and when I want...

Can I get a different ratioed cassette and not need to mess around with the gearing index for rear mech?

Current cassette is 12-27 - if I buy a 12-25 for the new wheels - will it work ok without messing around with gearing indexing or is it best to buy the same ratio cassette for the new wheels?

Also is it worth trying to add the cassette myself or taking to bike shop to sort - e.g. how hard is it - quick job for a pro?

Comments

  • poweredbyidris
    poweredbyidris Posts: 848
    Have 11-28 on my road wheels and 11-25 on my turbo wheel - never had any problem with indexing after swapping between them
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    You can have different ratios on different wheels - or even just spare cassettes that you swap out depending on the type of ride you're going to do.
    I have a CX with two wheelsets - one for the road (commute) and the other for offroad - they have significantly different ratios on and there is no problem with swapping between them.
    Different wheels may have different placements of the freehub - so you might have to reset the gearing by a turn or two - I haven't had that problem thankfully!
    Only thing you need to note is that the derailleur is set up for the largest sprocket you have - so in my case its a 32 that's on my CX wheel... not the 23 thats on my roadwheel.

    Cassette removal is easy - you just need a chainwhip and the appropriate tool for the cassette type - cheap enough to buy and you'll need it to give the cassette a proper clean anyway.
  • dubbs2009
    dubbs2009 Posts: 310
    Slowbike wrote:
    Only thing you need to note is that the derailleur is set up for the largest sprocket you have - so in my case its a 32 that's on my CX wheel... not the 23 thats on my roadwheel.

    Thanks - so if I have a 27 on one wheel and 25 on another will that be OK? or will it mess up the gearing - the wheel on the bike at moment is 27 largest sprocket - so newer one will have smaller granny gear...?
    Slowbike wrote:
    Cassette removal is easy - you just need a chainwhip and the appropriate tool for the cassette type - cheap enough to buy and you'll need it to give the cassette a proper clean anyway.

    OK, so an easy job I can do then yeh?
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    dubbs2009 wrote:
    Slowbike wrote:
    Only thing you need to note is that the derailleur is set up for the largest sprocket you have - so in my case its a 32 that's on my CX wheel... not the 23 thats on my roadwheel.

    Thanks - so if I have a 27 on one wheel and 25 on another will that be OK? or will it mess up the gearing - the wheel on the bike at moment is 27 largest sprocket - so newer one will have smaller granny gear...?
    Slowbike wrote:
    Cassette removal is easy - you just need a chainwhip and the appropriate tool for the cassette type - cheap enough to buy and you'll need it to give the cassette a proper clean anyway.

    OK, so an easy job I can do then yeh?


    Er - 25 on the cassette is HARDER than a 27 ... assuming the wheel is the same dimension then the 25-?? cassette will be fine on the current setup.
    Yes - it's an easy job to do.
  • dubbs2009
    dubbs2009 Posts: 310
    Thanks Slowbike - sorry by "smaller" granny gear - yeh I mean harder - I dont need 27 tooth - I dont think, I used to ride 12-26 so having a 27 tooth kinda feels like making life too easy....

    Anyone know what the 2nd gear teeth are on a Miche 12-27?

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