Bicycle Mechanics - What size casette should I run for a real hilly ride?

I havent looked to see what ratio my casette is on my litespeed, but if there is a standard that comes with road bikes at the purchase, well than that would be it. Im trying to find out if I should put a different casette in for a ride that Im doing in the next month. Very long climbs, its 100 miles of mostly all climbs (Horribly Hilly Hundred). Im in solid biking shape, but since its not a race, would I be more comfortable with a easier climbing combination? I run a double not triple. Thanks /

Hello Nikos.

Love the hat.

It seems like many road bikes came with 11 - 21 or 12 -21 cassettes up until 9 speed came out and then it seems like many came with 12 - 23 or 11 - 23. Just my perception.

I recently installed a 12 - 26 on my bike, replacing an 11 - 21 that I've used for years, hills and all. The 26 T is much better for long climbs. I've added a climb into my training that the UCI rated as category 3 for the Tour De Georgia.

I think I may be in a similar situation as you. Next month, I'm doing the Cherohala Challenge that claims 9,000 ft of climbing in the Smokies. I'm a fairly good climber, but not yet race worthy. I run a double (53/39) and have no plans to go to a triple.

Good luck.

I've never met a climb a 12-25 would not tame. Ive ridden all over the southern Appalachians and ground my way up some grades of 15-20%.

A 39/25 is a good gear for climbing for conditioned cyclists, a 39/27 is better if you feel you may be in questionable shape for the climbs.

I havent looked to see what ratio my casette is on my litespeed, but if there is a standard that comes with road bikes at the purchase, well than that would be it. Im trying to find out if I should put a different casette in for a ride that Im doing in the next month. Very long climbs, its 100 miles of mostly all climbs (Horribly Hilly Hundred). Im in solid biking shape, but since its not a race, would I be more comfortable with a easier climbing combination? I run a double not triple. Thanks /
I've got a 12-27 on my ride and I use every bit of it on some of these Mountains around here. I don't like to get out of the saddle on climbs and I find too that recovery rides when you live in the mountains are almost impossible with out a low gear. I do wish I had an 11 though. I'm doing a century next weekend called Mountains of Misery and its got 13K ft of climbing so the 27 will come in handy esp on the final 5 mile 10-15% climb. I'd go with a 27 but thats just my op.

Unless the pitch goes above 10%, I'm comfy in a 42-23. Unlike jfmckenna, I actually enjoy getting out of the saddle (mostly to break up the pace). I usually gear down (harder) one gear and use my body weight to help move the pedals.

-mark

Oy, Madison reprazent!

I forget what my current roadie has. My old Trek had a 13-24 and 40/52. I think I remember using the 24 maybe once, ever. The 40+21 seemed to handle most everything.

Keep in mind that depending on how much use your old cassette/chain have gotten, you might want to replace the chain if/when you replace the cassette.

Good luck!

I've got the 12-25 cassette as well.

If you haven't seen it already, you should check out the course description on the Hilly Hundreds website. The organizers are saying; "We recommend a minimum of a 27 tooth rear cassette. Many successful completers of the HHH have used a rear MTB derailleur with a 32 or 34 tooth, or a triple crank." It looks like the 200 k ride has a 10,700 foot elevation gain, and the 100 k ride has about half that. http://www.horriblyhilly.com/course.html

You may have read this already...

http://www.silentsports.net/horribly_hilly_hundreds.html

I've never ridden HHH, but have ridden in the area (training on the Ironman Wisconsin bike course). I used 39x53 and 12-25 and while that was good enough for 40-50 miles, I struggled on the longer rides I did. And the Ironman course doesn't even hit the worst climbs of HHH! So I personally would go with at least a 12-27.

Ah! to be in the shape you young guys are!
30/42/52 14-34 for me.

12-27

You won't regret having a 12-27.

Yeah, tall gears are nice for the mountains.

However, when I'm mostly riding the rolling hills around here I appreciate the tightness of the 12-21 and I'll go back to that after I complete the Cherohala Challenge next month.

Yeah, tall gears are nice for the mountains.

However, when I'm mostly riding the rolling hills around here I appreciate the tightness of the 12-21 and I'll go back to that after I complete the Cherohala Challenge next month.

Amen ... for those of you with triples, I see no reason not to buy a really tight cassette. One of the major advantages is the "stepwise" shifting. For example, on an up or downshift, I can absolutely anticipate the new resistance level.

13-23 is perfect in this regard.


-mark

Nikos, since you live in Madison, have you ridden the course? I drove out to Blue Mounds State Park about a month ago and drove the course in my car (it was raining). I only cycled about 20 miles, but they were tough. I don't think I will be able to do the last hill into the park after riding 100 miles. I am planning on riding Wisconsin Hell Week, the week before HHH, and my legs may be dead by Saturday, but I am signed up.

Nikos, since you live in Madison, have you ridden the course? I drove out to Blue Mounds State Park about a month ago and drove the course in my car (it was raining). I only cycled about 20 miles, but they were tough. I don't think I will be able to do the last hill into the park after riding 100 miles. I am planning on riding Wisconsin Hell Week, the week before HHH, and my legs may be dead by Saturday, but I am signed up.

I have done a back to back 100 miler from Madison out near Spring Green last season, both days hitting the 3 mile climb up to the State Park. I can do the ride, however Im running a double this year instead of the triple I had last year. Are you riding with others, my buddy backed out and I have no one really to connect with for the ride. 100 miles on my own doesnt sound all that fun!

Nikos, how did your ride go? I couldn't get the time off work. I trained someone, and they split to another shift. The other backup got sick, so my week vacation was cancelled. Hope you had good weather. Debbie

Nikos, how did your ride go? I couldn't get the time off work. I trained someone, and they split to another shift. The other backup got sick, so my week vacation was cancelled. Hope you had good weather. Debbie

Ended up that I couldnt find coverage for my kids. My wife had to work a day shift at the hospital! I called up a buddy who jumped at the opportunity, but didnt have many miles in. So Ill find out from him how it went, but it must have been a long day for him.

I'd switch to a 12-25 or 12-26, but try it before the ride because you'll certainly need to add some chain and your short cage rear derailleur may struggle with the larger cog. Keep in mind that a lot of strong riders use compact cranks/chainwheels (Like FSA's 34/50) and there's a lot of difference between a 39 & a 34 inner chainwheel. Good luck!