Rear cassette

Davis_XI
Davis_XI Posts: 151
edited May 2014 in Road general
Just wondering if to get a brand new Ultegra 10 speed rear cassette or second hand Dura Ace? I know it depends on the age and condition of the second hand cassette but was just interested how much better they were or was it a weight thing? Is it worth the risk of going second hand?

Thanks

Comments

  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    Just get the ultegra. Very little difference between them.
  • mfin
    mfin Posts: 6,729
    If you do stretch to dura ace then http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-dura-ace-7900-10-speed-cassette-45995.html quite cheap there.

    Although, if not, by Ultegra and buy new, very cheap http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-ultegra-6700-10-speed-cassette-48521.html
  • mfin
    mfin Posts: 6,729
    mfin wrote:
    If you do stretch to dura ace then http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-dura-ace-7900-10-speed-cassette-45995.html quite cheap there.

    Although, if not, by Ultegra and buy new, very cheap http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-ultegra-6700-10-speed-cassette-48521.html

    Weight saving is not a lot, 40g-ish depending on ratios, not worth throwing money at really unless you want to keep a DuraAce or Red groupset up to a high level and keep the weight as low as possible.
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    Cassettes are a consumable so I wouldn't buy once second hand anyway. Just get it new, if £35 is too much for the new Ultegra then I would go 105 or Tiagra.
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    Just get new and also a new chain to remove the risk of any problems from previous wear.
  • Davis_XI
    Davis_XI Posts: 151
    I think I will go new. From what I've read there isn't much between the Ultegra and the 105? The reason I'm swapping is because I've got a 12t -30t 105 cassette on my bike at the moment which a friend has suggested I should change for something smaller.
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    I doubt you have a 12-30 105 cassette as they don't make them in that ratio ;). They do for Tiagra and Ultegra but not 105.

    Why do you want to swap for something smaller anyway, what are *you* hoping to achieve from that (forget your friend, we are your only friends now haha ;) )
  • Davis_XI
    Davis_XI Posts: 151
    Thats interesting. I presumed that the rest of the my setup was 105 so presumed it would be the same.
  • Davis_XI
    Davis_XI Posts: 151
    You will have to forgive my ignorance but if you don't ask...

    If i had a smaller cassette I would have more range in the gears i actually use. :oops:
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    Davis_XI wrote:
    You will have to forgive my ignorance but if you don't ask...

    Cool, no such thing as a stupid question. It should have the groupset type stamped on the cogs somewhere. Chances are you have a Tiagra cassette. It's common to downspec things like the cassette, especially since it's hard to see what groupset it is just from looking at it!
    If i had a smaller cassette I would have more range in the gears i actually use. :oops:

    What your friend meant was that you would have a smaller difference between your gears which helps you keep a smoother cadence, but tbh if you don't know why you're changing your cassette, or you don't find that sections of it are never used, then leave it alone.
  • ai_1
    ai_1 Posts: 3,060
    Davis_XI wrote:
    You will have to forgive my ignorance but if you don't ask...

    If i had a smaller cassette I would have more range in the gears i actually use. :oops:
    If you never need the 30 tooth sprocket then going with a smaller cassette will decrease the gaps between gears.
    As far as I'm aware there's no significant functional difference between the different models of 10 speed cassettes (Tiagra, 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace). I think the only thing justifying the higher prices as you move up the range is more exotic materials and construction to keep the weight low. Perhaps there's some improvement in surface finish and longevity too but I wouldn't be sure.
  • sloppyschleckonds
    sloppyschleckonds Posts: 8,019
    What's a 'rear cassette'?
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    It's common to find an otherwise 105 equipped bike with a Tiagra cassette, so I'm guessing that's what you have.

    I'm sticking with 105 chains and cassettes on mine because that's where I think the sweet spot is in terms of cost vs performance / weight.

    Unless you're constantly looking for a cog you don't have, or you never use the biggest cogs when climbing, I'd stick with what you currently have.

    My preference is for a 12-25 cassette, but that's paired with a triple chainset, so I still have low climbing gears but no big gaps.
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    It also depends on which gears you use the most. 11-25 would be no use to me but 12-30 is fine but I have to put up with the gaps between the gears.
  • Davis_XI
    Davis_XI Posts: 151
    Guessing it would improve the smoothness of the gear change having a smaller cassette?
  • dj58
    dj58 Posts: 2,223
    If you have a 12/30T cassette and you want a closer ration set then as suggested you could try a 105 12/27T or any in the range. http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techd ... 703168.pdf
    If you have the tools to do the change yourself then get the best price and try it. Only you can decide what gearing is best for you.

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