New cassette question
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Denver
Posts: 619
Bikes: Road and Mountain
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
New cassette question
I rode up Lookout Mountain (Golden, CO) the other day and I noticed that I was running out of gears on a couple of the steeper spots with my 11-23, compact crank. I plan to do a lot of hill climbing this year - Mt. Evans, Lookout for training, Flagstaff, etc. I'm choosing between:
11,12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,26
11,12,13,14,15,17,19,22,25,28
My main question is about Mt. Evans and I haven't ridden up it yet. Would the latter choice be overkill? Given I ride a compact crank it seems kind of granny, but like I said I don't have a lot of experience on these climbs.
11,12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,26
11,12,13,14,15,17,19,22,25,28
My main question is about Mt. Evans and I haven't ridden up it yet. Would the latter choice be overkill? Given I ride a compact crank it seems kind of granny, but like I said I don't have a lot of experience on these climbs.
#2
Crankenstein
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Spokane
Posts: 4,038
Bikes: Novara Randonee (TankerBelle)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Go for the 28!!!!!
I can GUARANTEE that you'll need it at some point in the mountains. (I've got a 32 on mine!)
Then again... it depends what type of riding you do... you can power up the climbs in a higher gear for a few miles.... but try doing 30 miles of climbing... you'll be VERY glad of that lower gear!
I can GUARANTEE that you'll need it at some point in the mountains. (I've got a 32 on mine!)
Then again... it depends what type of riding you do... you can power up the climbs in a higher gear for a few miles.... but try doing 30 miles of climbing... you'll be VERY glad of that lower gear!
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Denver Colorado
Posts: 97
Bikes: Surly steam roller, bear knukle,big block, fbm sword, litespeed swobo sanches
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
12-25
12- 25 with a compact 50-34 works for me on Mt Evans.
good luck.
good luck.
#5
Crankenstein
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Spokane
Posts: 4,038
Bikes: Novara Randonee (TankerBelle)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Yeah, but you're crazier than I am.
Seriously, though:
I'd go for the lower gear... not like you're losing anything if you've still got the same 11 tooth high.
Seriously, though:
but like I said I don't have a lot of experience on these climbs.
#6
Mountain Goat
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 2,244
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 3 Carbon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The thing about Mt. Evans is it is not steep, at least not above Echo Lake. The ride in from Idaho Springs has some steep climbs though. My standard for all our Colorado climbs is 50/34 with a 12-27 cassette.
#7
Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am in the same boat as far as rides go. Currently have a 53/39 crank, 12/25 cassette and can get by, but find myself out of the saddle more than I like.
Planning on installing a 50/34 compact crank, 12/27 cassette in the next month in preparation for the summer.
Planning on installing a 50/34 compact crank, 12/27 cassette in the next month in preparation for the summer.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Denver
Posts: 928
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts