11-36 cassette on an Ultegra Cyclocross bike

[PTaylor73]

I just upgraded my 2012 Stevens Vapor disc (10-speed Ultegra) cyclocross bike (with dual-action shifters on drop bars) for easier cycling uphill with a Shimano Cass Deore Xt 10SPD M771 11-36, a Shimano XT RDM771SGS Rear Derailleur (9-speed MTB to work with the 10-speed Ultegra shifter), and a new KMC X10-SL 10 Speed Chain.

It works! the hardest bit: (not really, just squash it with pliers and it breaks off): removing the crimp off the end of the cable to fit the new derailleur (I super glued the end of the cable to prevent it fraying). I didn't shorten the new chain at all. I left the washer underneath the cassette in place.

I've also changed my front chainrings from 36 to 34, and from 46 to (52 I think).

Amazingly, I didn't have to adjust anything other than the in-line adjuster, to centre the chain to the cassette teeth (a quick one-off adjustment).

Edited by PTaylor73 on Friday 28th August 20:41

Edited by PTaylor73 on Friday 28th August 20:45

[PTaylor73]

I just looked, it is 52T, Stronglight 5-Arm/110PCD Chain Ring.

You've just got to keep your eyes open for potholes

MPH at 90 rpm:

[PTaylor73]

I see that the chain actually falls off the side of the bottom wheel of the derailleur when on the 34T front and the four smallest cassette teeth, maybe because the chain is too slack. I dislike cross chaining, so I hadn't tried this until now, for me it won't be a problem. The chain starts to rub very slightly on the 52T chainring when in the 5th smallest cassette ring.

I cycled up a hill last night that I'd of always walked up before, albeit with a short stop near the top.

[PTaylor73]

52 to 36 does work, but with rubbing on the front derailleur when on the two largest cassette rings.

[PTaylor73]

[PTaylor73]

Just saw the Hope Expander Sprocket.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Hope+T-Rex+Expan...

It will give 11-40 instead of 11-36. The 17t in the cassette is removed, so you get both 36t and 40t.

Will also change the front 52t back to 46t -- it may be that I can shorten the chain a little as well.

Pics when I do it...

[PTaylor73]

Thanks, will see if I need the RoadLink on this 10-speed?

It appears you get a new B screw included for if it needs adjusting too far (saw its wise to nutlock this screw to avoid it moving position)

Watched the vid, knees are something I also think about. One of those little hidden motors would help as well :-)

[PTaylor73]

I visit the coast a lot, so you get some hills like

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.3500625,-3.58119...

But I'm rubbish at climbing hills tbh

[PTaylor73]

Done! And on an Oxydrive CST HT...