kevlar_heart 

Hi all:

I've searched the Forum on the subject of using an 11 x 32 10 speed cassette with an Ultegra 6700 mech and I'm getting confusing input...so let's confuse me some more

Some folks say one can fit a 10 speed 11 x 32 cassette with no problem (maybe chain length?) and adjust the B tension screw

Others say the Wolf Tooth RoadLink is needed....but I don't really know how that works

I'd like to use an 11 x 32 cassette while my endurance and climbing are improving. Shimano 10-speed compatible cassettes can be had for under USD 30.00. I already have (and use) the Ultegra 11-28 on two sets of wheels, but I am finding myself running out of gears on some climbs....yeah I know HTFU and all that...I am just trying to bridge the gap between my current fitness level (improving) and my mid-late season fitness level.

Thanks for your input -- sorry if this has been covered in detail where I couldn't find it....a link would be great.

trailangel

I am running 12-32 with 6700A RD short cage (SS)and it works. But I only have a 10 tooth difference on my front 2x chainrings. So that is just a 30 tooth max I have.
With a 34/50 double in front I think you would need a Medium Cage RD (GS).
I also have a 30mm hanger... a bit longer than normal and it helps. Chain length is important as well.. also B screw turned in somewhat.

Davet

I've used a 32t cassette with a 6700 short-cage derailleur on at least 5 different bikes with great success.

There's a very good chance that you can run the 32t cassette with your existing components but you won't know for sure until you try. I would suggest a chain long enough to run in the big/big combo and the B-screw all the way in when 1st trying this out.

shelbyfv

I vote for "try it and see." The reason you have not found a definitive answer is that it depends on your frame. The components will/can work, depending on the frame. When you have the cassette installed with a properly sized chain, check that there is clearance between the largest cog and the pulley. If you need just a little more, a longer B screw may work. Unlikely that a 32t would need more than that, but further options are Roadlink or mtb derailleur.

kevlar_heart 

Thanks for the feedback. For the investment of about USD 50.00 and an hour or so of my time, I can give this a shot. Reading other posts and other forums it's a consensus that Shimano is fairly conservative in its specs and that the 6700 can handle the shifting. I'm guessing I'll need 4-5 more links in the chain. to reach big/big configuration (something I rarely use anyway....but let's do it right)

I'll give it a shot and take some pix and let y'all know.

I have some new wheels and a new 11-28 Ultegra cassette coming, so I'll pop the 11-32 on the old wheels and see what happens. As I said in the OP, I'm looking to have a spinner gear as my conditioning gets better. In the long run, the 11-28 should suit me fine.

Ride on folks

kevlar_heart 

Got a SRAM 11 x 32 10-speed cassette and mounted it on my new Ultegra wheel. After some trial and error I was able to index the gears using the same chain and the already-mounted small cage Ultegra 6700 derailleur. I should think the medium cage (GS) would make things easier and not put as much strain on the mech, but it's kinda cool to get it working.

Put the new set up through a couple of trials. First ride was simply awful with gear jumps and pops...people along the ride route that day got an earful. After carefully dialing in the new rear cassette, the second, nearly 50 mile ride was really good. The extra big cog and wider range on the cassette makes for easier climbing. I find the 11 x 32 cassette allows me more time on the big ring, obviously avoiding the 32t cog for fear of ripping the RD off the bike. I put the bike up some steep grades and did some hard stand up pedalling -- no skips, jumps or other scary things. I could stay seated and spin up hills using the small ring and the 32t cog...it's better than standing still but not by much.

Gotta say the biggest difference in the ride wasn't the gears, it was the new wheelset replacing the Shimano R500's with Ultegra WH6800s

Some images with chain on big cog...

Thanks for the feedback

IrishBrewer

Probably goes without saying but it's not the best to be cross chaining all that much. I do it on occasion but try to keep it at a minimum as it causes more wear on the drivetrain and robs you of some watts. Based on your description, I'm assuming your pic is going from big cog to big ring. Good to see that it still shifts ok like that. Did you have to add any links to the chain or is that the same length chain you used with a max cog of 28?

Davet

One of the keys to be able to successfully use the 32t cog is sizing the chain to run on the big/big combo, so links need to be added. I'm not advocating using that combo but If one shifts to that, they won't break their bike.

IrishBrewer

Totally agree. That's why I asked about the chain. No good mechanic would set a bike up with a possible chain combo that would tear things apart (or even run poorly) so that's pretty much a given. Just pointing out that it's somewhat detrimental to ride with severe crosschaining.

kevlar_heart 

I agree with not wanting to cross chain. As a rule, I usually flip to the small ring in a higher gear before working my way to this large cog.

Interestingly, the chain (approx 500 miles) fit well without needing to swap out for a longer one. I have a 10 speed chain just in case.

Note: Pix are small ring/big cog combo. Bike will shift big/big, but it's not something I would do intentionally.

trailangel

Show a pic of the Big/Big combo. I am betting you need the Medium cage RD if you are running 50/34 rings in front.

kevlar_heart 

Here are the pix. As you can see, the RD is at its absolute limit...no way would I ride this configuration. If I come across a GS RD that dfell off a truck, I'll swap it out. The GS will handle both this configuration and the 11 x 28.

DSC_1071.jpg

DSC_1072.jpg

Davet

Your chain is too short. If you increase the chain length by at least one link, you'll be fine. You don't need a GS derailleur.

I just finished building my 7th bike that uses a 6700 short cage rear derailleur, 32t cassette and a 34/50 crank. In all cases I sized the chain for the big/big combo and the only adjustment necessary beyond that was setting the B-screw so the upper jockey wouldn't bump the 32t cog.

kevlar_heart 

Good call... I was just so happy to have it reach. I have another 10 speed chain here, so I'll size it accordingly, install it and snap some pix.

Many thanks

trailangel

Adding a link might cause the upper RD jockey wheel to hit the 32 cog when in the small ring in front, even with adjusting the B screw.
I have found this calculator to be accurate in these situations.
https://www.machinehead-software.co.u...engthcalc.html

kevlar_heart 

Using that calculator my chain would be 67 links long...I think not.

So now I'm confused

Davet

The upper jockey wheel WILL NOT bump the small cog when you're in the small small combo if you add only one link to what you have now.

Cut your new chain 2 links or even 3 links longer than what you have now. Install and test in the big/big combo and in the small/small combo. If the chain in rubbing the rear derailleur in small/small that means the chain is too long, merely shorten the chain by 1 link and retest it.