Originally Posted by
chewyoreo
I currently have a 27-speed road bike - 3 chain rings on the crank, and an 8 speed cassette. Can the cassette be replaced with an 11 speed cassette so I can climb hills easier? However, will I not be able to pedal and ride faster because the smallest cog on an 11-speed cassette is the same size as the smallest cog on an 8-speed cassette? If the modification can be done, besides getting a bigger chain and different shifters, will any other modifications have to be made, too?
Don't bother with more gears...you have plenty now. Just get the widest range 8 speed cassette that your rear derailleur will handle. Your choices will likely be 30 to 34 teeth on the low end. What is the tooth count for the largest sprocket on the current cassette?
Last edited by Delmarva; 02-21-12 at 10:18 PM.