Cyclocross - Cross Gearing Question

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ridethecliche
09-10-09, 02:04 PM
I'm planning on racing cross this season, and almost have my bike built up.

I'm going to be running 46/38 rings.

I have a 12-26 cassette and an 11-32 cassette.

I was wondering if I'd lose anything by leaving the 11-32 cassette on there because I want to take the bike on mtb rides every now and then. Or should I just switch cassettes for an MTB ride. I have a feeling that I'll need to, right?

Will the 11-32 make me lose out on anything in a cross race?

I was thinking of putting the 12-26 on a different rear wheel for when I feel like riding the bike on the road in crummy weather. So then I'd put a wheel with a 12-26 in there and swap the 46 for a 50 ring.

knobster
09-10-09, 02:22 PM
I wouldn't use the 11-32 for cross. I think the larger jumps between the cogs will make life hard on you during the race.
bitterken
09-10-09, 02:41 PM
12-26 would be my vote. If you think you need something more then that, you're better off running.

Andy_K
09-10-09, 02:44 PM
I wouldn't use the 11-32 for cross. I think the larger jumps between the cogs will make life hard on you during the race.

+1

A lot of people around here seem to disregard this, but I think it's a noticeable effect. I'm using a 13-25 cassette this year because I never hit the 12t cog and I like the idea of having an 19 between 18 and 20 -- two 5.5% jumps in place of one 11%. :thumb:

Maybe it's overkill, but cross is all about efficiency.
ridethecliche
09-10-09, 04:30 PM
Ah got it.

The 11-32 will be a must for the mtb trails though right?
knobster
09-10-09, 04:47 PM
I'd say so. I'm running a 11-34 on another wheelset for mountain bike / rail trails.
isotopesope
09-10-09, 04:49 PM
Ah got it.

The 11-32 will be a must for the mtb trails though right?

that's up to you and your trails. i will occasionally ride my cross bike on trails with my 48/38:12-27. the 38:27 is somewhat easier than my ss 29er ratio of 32:21, so i don't mind too much.
stevage
09-11-09, 12:43 AM
>The 11-32 will be a must for the mtb trails though right?

Up to you. I used my 30:34 a lot on mtb trails, yes. I now have 26:34 and will probably use that too :)