Difference between road and mtb cassettes

PBo
PBo Posts: 2,493
edited October 2010 in The workshop
Is it just the ratios, or weight/durability - or is there some other fundamental difference that means I'd have to replace like with like?

ta

Comments

  • tywin1
    tywin1 Posts: 7
    Road cassettes generally stop at about 27t. MTB ones go up to 34t or more, like with the new XX stuff.

    Replacing a road cassette with an mtb one will give you a wider range of gears, but it usually won't work if the derailler has a short or medium cage.

    Weight-wise, road cassettes are lighter because the cogs are smaller, hence less material.

    Does that help? :)
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    The only fundamental difference is the number of teeth on the gears.

    Road Mechs won't work with MTB cassettes where the largest gear has more than circa 27/28 teeth (depending on model), nothing to do with long/short cage really, they simply can't accomodate the phyiscal size, even if the 'capacity' is correct.

    tywin is right, the lower weight is mostly due to the fact the gears are smaller.

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • gbsahne001
    gbsahne001 Posts: 1,973
    just replaced an MTB cassette on the BSO for a Tiagra 8 speed cassette I had kicking around and the difference is staggering. Smoother changes faster top speed but it also means it's not quite as flexible going off road.

    As it spends most of it's life on road, don't really have a problem with this.
    Winter Hack
    Everyday Commuter

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