Originally Posted by
ThirdCog
Decided to tinker last night and grabbed chain whip and mega wrench and and FR tool. Removed the 13-28? freewheel cassette that the owner had installed to replace the original 7 speed cassette that was on the BL. The original cassette has a more narrow gear range. Just wanted to try out the original - you ask why, perhaps. Can't a dude tinker around for no reason?
After the fight of removing the cassette, I was able to easily install the original. Of course, it did not result in a huge shift (pun intended) of difference, just don't have a couple of the larger cogs for climbing hills. Placebo effect was that I could hammer the hell out the bike and go faster. This cassette yielded a nearly silent coast/ride also.
Almost want to put the original RD back on, but it's got the rSX brifters up top and I can only imagine what that'd do. I only know enough to be dangerous.
Great...another photo (original cassette installed):
Having extra cassettes,
freewheels for your BL, allows me to tailor a particular bike for expected conditions on an upcoming ride. There are some constraints regarding chain length for you to learn, but for now just don't try a freewheel with a cog larger than 28T. Your long cage RD is a plus for playing with the bike's gearing.
Tinkering is a great tool to gain experience and to enjoy your bike. Check for a bicycle co-op in your area as many offer maintenance classes.
Brad