Bike Forums

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   Bicycle Mechanics (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/)
-   -   mega range cassette to Capreo switch? (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/210577-mega-range-cassette-capreo-switch.html)

dalmore 07-13-06 12:52 AM

mega range cassette to Capreo switch?
 
What issues will I encounter if I switch from a wheelset with a 11-32 cassette to a wheelset with a Capreo 9-26 cassette? Is it just a matter of a derailer adjustment? Or will chain length need to be adjusted?

I'm thinking about a road wheelset for my hardtail that uses the capreo and a mountain set that uses the 11-32. I foresee making the switch maybe 1 or 2 times a month. I plan to get a light wheelset for the road since my hardtail is pretty light at about 22 pounds with mountain wheels and tires. So if the capreo swap is easy I can raise the gearing for the road at the same time.

Another option is to swap to 700 cc rim for the roadset but I have v-brakes meaning I'd need to move them each time I switch. Do the adaptors for this 700-26 brake swap work as well as advertised?

DieselDan 07-13-06 06:49 AM

Read up: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/k7.html#capreo

dalmore 07-13-06 07:37 AM

Thanks for the reference DieselDan but that doesn't address the question I was trying to ask. I'm guessing I wasn't clear. :)

I will have two wheels sets. 1 wheelset will have the 11-32 cassette and regular hub. The second wheelset will have the Capreo cassette and hub assembly.

What I'm trying to determine is whether I can just take one wheel off the bike and put the other wheel on the bike and maybe adjust the rear derailer. Or whether that process will require me to change the chain length or something even more involved.

HillRider 07-13-06 07:51 AM

The switch from a 32 to a 26 tooth large cog will allow you to remove 3 "half-links" but you can only remove them in groups of 2 so that's the best you can do. If you avoid the smallest two cogs in the Capreo cassette while in the middle or granny ring, the chain doesn't have to be changed at all.

However, what's the purpose of the change? The Capreo is intended for small wheel (20") bikes like Bike Fridays to get an adequately high top gear with out using absurdly large chainrings. Assuming your current bike is an MTB with a 44T big chainring, the Capreo will give a 127" top gear which is extremely high. Is your current 104" high gear not enough?

dalmore 07-13-06 08:28 AM


Originally Posted by HillRider
The switch from a 32 to a 26 tooth large cog will allow you to remove 3 "half-links" but you can only remove them in groups of 2 so that's the best you can do. If you avoid the smallest two cogs in the Capreo cassette while in the middle or granny ring, the chain doesn't have to be changed at all.

However, what's the purpose of the change? The Capreo is intended for small wheel (20") bikes like Bike Fridays to get an adequately high top gear with out using absurdly large chainrings. Assuming your current bike is an MTB with a 44T big chainring, the Capreo will give a 127" top gear which is extremely high. Is your current 104" high gear not enough?

Thanks - Yes, the idea is to raise the gearing. I'm calculating the gearing a little different using a 26x1.25 road tire - I'd go from a 98 which is a little low for my taste to a 120 which is a little high.

If I forego the capreo and go with 700 cc wheels for the road setup - I'd get about a 107 with the 11 tooth - maybe that's the way I should look to go - I'll just have to deal with the brake adaptor then ...

I was just thinking that since I'm going to be ordering wheels and a cassette anyway maybe the capreo will give me what I need without the brake adaptor - well what I want. :) As for need - I could just go slower and be happy at 98 inches on top ...

HillRider 07-13-06 10:13 AM

A cheaper change, if your crank will accept them, is to fit a larger big chainring. It sounds like your current ring is 42T. If you can get a 46T that would raise your top gear to about 108".


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:42 AM.


Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.