Will this cassette change work?
Discussion
Currently running 11/28 cassette, with 50/34 chainring, and shimano 2300 rear derailleur.
Having got an entry in prudential 100, and fearing leith and box hills 7% gradients, I'm pondering on changing to a 12/32 cassette, but not sure if it fit or if I need to change the derailleur as well.
Having got an entry in prudential 100, and fearing leith and box hills 7% gradients, I'm pondering on changing to a 12/32 cassette, but not sure if it fit or if I need to change the derailleur as well.
I'd suggest you'll be OK on 34 x 28 too. I've done Leith and Box on 39 x 25 (not very nice on my knees) and on a 34 x 25 (not too bad all told), but I'm now on a 34 x 28 and whilst it doesn't make things "easy" it's well suited to those climbs. The only caveat though, is that I'm never going to be accused of "flying up" any hills. I'm a "seated spinner" rather than a natural climber.
If you want to go up (down?) to a 32 tooth gear then I'm pretty sure you'll need a longer derailleur cage.
If you want to go up (down?) to a 32 tooth gear then I'm pretty sure you'll need a longer derailleur cage.
rs4al said:
mondeoman said:
Local hill to me is 6% apparently, and only about 200yds, but that kills on 34/28, hence the question.
Seated spinning, can't do the stand-up any more.
Have you not done any training for the 100 miles ? Seated spinning, can't do the stand-up any more.
If a hill of 200yds@6% hurts you going to have a 'fun' ride !
Leith Hill is the biggest challenge on RL100 because its a bit steeper in places than 'untrained' cyclists are used to, narrow, crappy road surface and if you get into traffic the whole thing grinds to a halt as people unclip and walk up. Box Hill is much easier.
That said, its mostly short steep sections which flatten off to give you a bit of a rest so its not a full-on grind all the way up.
i am absolutely terrible at climbing because i'm big and heavy and have large sprinter's legs....i'm knackered after a 1min effort....but I can get up Leith Hill.
Pacing is key, just take it steady and smooth and try to find a wheel to follow that's going at your speed.
For 99.99% of people 34-28 gear will be enough unless you really haven't done any training at all in preparation. I really wouldn't bother with the faff of changing derailleur for a 11-32 cassette....instead get out and do some similar hills this week to build some confidence!
Also note that pretty much everyone goes quicker and harder on the day than they expect because of the adrenaline and thrill. Good luck!
That said, its mostly short steep sections which flatten off to give you a bit of a rest so its not a full-on grind all the way up.
i am absolutely terrible at climbing because i'm big and heavy and have large sprinter's legs....i'm knackered after a 1min effort....but I can get up Leith Hill.
Pacing is key, just take it steady and smooth and try to find a wheel to follow that's going at your speed.
For 99.99% of people 34-28 gear will be enough unless you really haven't done any training at all in preparation. I really wouldn't bother with the faff of changing derailleur for a 11-32 cassette....instead get out and do some similar hills this week to build some confidence!
Also note that pretty much everyone goes quicker and harder on the day than they expect because of the adrenaline and thrill. Good luck!
Zigster said:
Likewise, I'm no mountain goat but can comfortably manage this on 34/28.
Cob Lane
(I couldn't figure out how to embed despite the helpful instructions on Veloviewer.)
You'll be fine on the hills you mention. The 100 miles is more likely to be a problem than a few short hills.
Liar. Bet you have hooves and everything!Cob Lane
(I couldn't figure out how to embed despite the helpful instructions on Veloviewer.)
You'll be fine on the hills you mention. The 100 miles is more likely to be a problem than a few short hills.
rs4al said:
mondeoman said:
Local hill to me is 6% apparently, and only about 200yds, but that kills on 34/28, hence the question.
Seated spinning, can't do the stand-up any more.
Have you not done any training for the 100 miles ? Seated spinning, can't do the stand-up any more.
If a hill of 200yds@6% hurts you going to have a 'fun' ride !
mondeoman said:
Done a few 45 milers, plus regular gym stuff, I'll get through,one way or another. Checked on velocity viewer, local hill peaks at 8%, after a 2k approach at 3%.
Remember to pace yourself on the hills, just spin up in your lowest gear and not grind up, think Chris froome style. Also remember to feed and drink, drink and eat twice what you did on your 45 miles. If I was you I would go out and ride your local hill four times in a row this week at least twice, it will really help. Good luck !
Drink plenty of electrolytes to ward off cramp and eat to give yourself energy.
Then as others say take it at your own pace.
Hare and tortoise, amazing how people whizz past coming up to a hill only to get cramp half way up (and have to walk) as you ease past at a snails pace.
Good luck.
Then as others say take it at your own pace.
Hare and tortoise, amazing how people whizz past coming up to a hill only to get cramp half way up (and have to walk) as you ease past at a snails pace.
Good luck.
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