Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
1. If your rear hub now is a 7-speed cassette (not freewheel) it'll fit. A new lockring will come with the 11 tooth cassette. You have to use it.
2. How old is your chain? I'm a believer of buying a new chain to go with a new cassette.
3. I wouldn't worry about the 11 tooth cog wearing out too soon. In fact, I doubt you'll ever wear it out because your 16 or 17 will die first. 53/11 is a huge gear so you'll need stronger legs to turn it.
1) Cool, thanks. I was worrying about the gap between each sprocket in the cassette may be different, i guess not.=)
2) My chain currently is at about 1/2 of it's life, still looks fantastic. 12 1/16" per 12 chain.
3) I'm usually so lazy to use low gear to start, so at about 80% of the time, I'm using 53/13 to start. I think having a 17% increase in strength may be still sufficient for my riding. I seldom uses gears in the middle unless i know i don't have enough power to get over the hill.