Originally Posted by
Bacciagalupe
In looking for a replacement, I wanted a 12-28, but already can't find that, so I had to go for an 11-28 instead.
I don't think there ever was a Shimano 9 speed 12-28! On the other hand, the 11-28 is quite recent.
Originally Posted by
Bacciagalupe
So, since I'm just going to chew through the cassettes anyway: Does it make sense to pick up a couple of extra 9-speed 11-28's?
Right now the supply of high end 7 speed cassettes is drying up. I sense that high end 8 speed cassettes are about to disappear (they already have in road bike ratios!), though mid level 8 speed MTB is here to stay for a while because Shimano just refreshed those.
You have a few years before the HG61 and HG80 11-28 disappear, though as an uncommon ratio they might be hard to find. I suggest waiting for end of season sales to stock up.