Road Cycling - Magic 16---Newbie Question

Hi All,
I've read somewhere that Shimano does not offer the magic 16T cog on their 12-25 and 12-27 cassettes.

However, they do offer it on the 12-23(?).

What's the deal with magic 16 anyway?

Have you ever been riding in the 53/17 thinking you're spinning just a little too fast and you dump it into the 53/15 only to think, this gear is a bit too large? That's when the 16 is nice.

It's not something you really notice until you don't have the option. I personally really like the magic 16 for long solo rides. That being said, I can live without it if need be, as in a pack I'd normally push a 15 or 14 anyway unless the speed really picks up.

Yeah, I see what you're saying and completely understand that it's a cadence thing.

I like riding mostly hills and some flats and already have an Ultegra 12-27. I find that I'm usually in the 2nd or 3rd largest cog for hills. It's nice to have the largest one as a bailout gear.

That being said, I'm now thinking about getting the Ultegra 12-23 cassette just for the 16t cog, but I'm not sure if my fitness level is up to par for sit down climbs---I definitely know I'd be standing.

What are my possible options?
-Stand on hilll climbs with a 12-23?
-or retrofit a 12-25 or 12-27 and add a 16t cog and remove one of the existing ones?
-or something else I don't yet realize...?

Any info to enlighten me would be taken to heart.

A couple of options for you are

1 - http://www.branfordbike.com/cassette/cog17.html They sell individual cogs and could help you put together a cassette to meet your needs with the parts you already have along with some that they sell. Calling them would be easiest.

2 - Shimano still makes a 13-25 cassette in the 105 level which dumps the 12 and adds a 16. This still gives you the 25 for bailout. http://www.jensonusa.com has these in stock for 28 bucks.


Good luck

Your Ultegra 12/27 is;
12,13,14,15,17,19,21,24,27

You say you rarely ride in the 27 cog, if that's the case than I'd say go for it, the difference between the 23 and the 24 isn't HUGE.

The other option is to get a smaller small ring on the crank, pick up a 38t ring, in gear inches

39x23 = 44.6 gear inches
39x24 = 42.7 gi
39x27 = 38 gi

38x23 = 43.4 gi
38x24 = 41.6 gi
38x27 = 37 gi

Or get a custom cassette like others have mentioned.

Andrew

yep. i think i'll just go for the 12-23. thanks for everyone's feedback!

Yes, they do. 12-21. I kind of miss my 16 since I was using 12-21. Since I need more climbing gear, I switched to 11-23. Is just strange going from 17 down to 15. I guess the 15 can make me to ride harder.

Funny you mentioned it....

I have a pretty new Ultegra 12x27, and a brand new Ultegra 11x23.

I'm using the larger cassette now and definitely use/prefer the 27 tooth cog more than the 12 (not sure EVER used).

So I've just ordered a 13T top cog, and 2 16s from the aforementioned Branfordbike. On the 12x27 I'll replace the 12 and 13 with the new 13 top cog, and add in the new 16. On the 11x23 I'll use the old 12 top cog and replace the 11 and 12, then add a 16 there as well.

I am very much looking forward to the Magic 16. And will use my 13x27 for early season, super hilly and/or long rides. I expect to use my 12/23 for most purposes.