52/36 and moving to 11-32
helmetberg
Posts: 36
Morning,
Quite possibly been covered multiple times before but sometimes it's easier to post a new thread than read through many a on and off topic reply.
I've recently moved down to Bristol from the flat lands or Cambridge City and there are some distinct differences in the terrain.
I'm currently riding 52/36 and a 11-28 cassette, this in most cases is fine until I get to above 8% and I have to stay out of the saddle regardless of the length. Now I understand that coming from pancake country I don't naturally have the strength to push up these hills in 36 - 28. Hills are definitely getting easier 500km's in but to make things even easier I am thinking of keeping the semi compact and moving to a 11-32 cassette.
Couple of questions:
- Should I change cassette instead of moving to a compact?
- I will need to fit a new 105 long cage derailleur. How many extra links are required to deal with the extra teeth and longer cage?
- Should I suck it up and build my power?
Cheers,
Berg
Quite possibly been covered multiple times before but sometimes it's easier to post a new thread than read through many a on and off topic reply.
I've recently moved down to Bristol from the flat lands or Cambridge City and there are some distinct differences in the terrain.
I'm currently riding 52/36 and a 11-28 cassette, this in most cases is fine until I get to above 8% and I have to stay out of the saddle regardless of the length. Now I understand that coming from pancake country I don't naturally have the strength to push up these hills in 36 - 28. Hills are definitely getting easier 500km's in but to make things even easier I am thinking of keeping the semi compact and moving to a 11-32 cassette.
Couple of questions:
- Should I change cassette instead of moving to a compact?
- I will need to fit a new 105 long cage derailleur. How many extra links are required to deal with the extra teeth and longer cage?
- Should I suck it up and build my power?
Cheers,
Berg
0
Comments
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It is usually more cost effective to change the cassette/RD/chain than swop the crankset, you would need to check what offers are available. Add 2 links to the chain when going to a 32T cog.
5800 compact crankset £82 (Wiggle)
5800 RD GS/Cassette/chain £80 (CRC)
http://si.shimano.com/#seriesList/18 RD-5800 / DM-RD0003-08-ENG.pdf page 9 covers chain length
34 x 28 = 32.8 gear inches
36 x 28 = 34.7 " "
36 x 32 = 30.4 " "0 -
Cheers DJ.
I've ordered a cassette, RD and chain.
KOM's here we come...0 -
Probably should have got the compact and sold your semi... The new cassette has bigger gaps between gears meaning more changes in cadence and a less smooth ride. You will most likely never use the 52-11 combo as that is a massive gear.0
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I think it'll be ok, the bigger gaps (3 tooth jumps) only start appearing high up the cassette and these are mainly used when climbing.
The 11 speed 11-28 and 11-32 run as follows:
11-28 - 11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25-28
11-32 - 11-12-13-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-320
