Rear cassette swap

Cbetts83
Cbetts83 Posts: 39
edited February 2017 in Workshop
Near non-existent knowledge when it comes to gearing, so please bear with me.

Been out on afew rides recently and hit some quite steep hills. I was wondering if I was able to swap out the rear cassette for something bigger to help a little with steep climbs. I'm fairly new to road cycling so it may just be me, not being fit enough.

My bike has:

Claris 8 spd shifters
FSA Tempo 50/34 crank
Claris FD-2400
Sora RD-3500
12-26 rear cassette

Comments

  • keezx
    keezx Posts: 1,323
    Swapping to a 12-30 will help you up.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    You've already got a compact chainset with a 34t inner chainring so you can't go any smaller at the front without the expense of a triple. At the back you should be able to fit a 28t cassette with your Sora rear mech, maybe bigger.
  • svetty
    svetty Posts: 1,904
    Getting stronger and fitter is a help on hills. You could certainly try a 28 tooth cassette.....
    FFS! Harden up and grow a pair :D
  • Don't forget that you will need a new (longer) chain.
  • Cheers guys. Just had a look on tredz, and they do a Shimano Cs-hg50 8 speed cassette in a 11-28 & 11-30 and according to the details for the 3500 RD it can take a 14-32 maximum cassette.
  • Yes 32 will be fine, my daughter's bike has sora and she's running a 32.