Cassette for my 105 Specialized Allez Elite

jeannot18

Merlin has got some special offer on 105 cassette. I am not at home right now, so I don't know the current ratio setup I have got on my bike.
The model is a Shimano CS-5700 105, would that go on my bike? Also they have different ratio, there are 11-28; 12-25; 11-25 and 12-27, which one should I go for. Sorry about the noob question
Thanks
JC

crankycrank

What year is yours? The 2012-13 Allez Elite lists with a Tiagra groupset and 12-28 10sp cassette. The 5700/105 cassette will work with these models. I didn't see any Elite's with 105 as stock. 11t is a high gear and not for everyone even with a compact chainset but 12t seems to work for most. If you struggle with hills go for the 12-27, if not go for the 12-25. You'll get a little closer ratio gears with the 12-25 which means there is less of a jump in cadence between cogs. If they have any Tiagra cassettes on sale you may as well get one as they have the same shift quality and durability but are less expensive, only slightly heavier and available in 12-28 or 12-30 even.

jeannot18

crankycrank wrote:

What year is yours? The 2012-13 Allez Elite lists with a Tiagra groupset and 12-28 10sp cassette. The 5700/105 cassette will work with these models. I didn't see any Elite's with 105 as stock. 11t is a high gear and not for everyone even with a compact chainset but 12t seems to work for most. If you struggle with hills go for the 12-27, if not go for the 12-25. You'll get a little closer ratio gears with the 12-25 which means there is less of a jump in cadence between cogs. If they have any Tiagra cassettes on sale you may as well get one as they have the same shift quality and durability but are less expensive, only slightly heavier and available in 12-28 or 12-30 even.

Thanks for the info, my Elite was bought second hand 4 years ago, so maybe the previous owner upgraded it to 105. I will check when I get back home, it still going strong but I would not mind buying one when it is on special for when it need replacing
J

crankycrank

Well in that case as long as it's 10sp you can use any Shimano compatible cassette including SRAM models. I just mentioned Tiagra as they are about the best value for the money.

kajjal

If you want plenty of range for steep up hills try a 12-30, if not then as above try a closer ranged cassette which will be smoother to ride.

I bought a 12-30 Tiagra for that reason but rarely use the third gear on up hills let alone the first and second so it depends on your fitness and the terrain you ride on.