View Single Post
Old 10-30-17 | 06:14 AM
  #15  
cny-bikeman
Mechanic/Tourist
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 12
From: Syracuse, NY

Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.

Originally Posted by camper8
I then just have to choose which one, 11/23, 11/25, 11/28, 12/23, 12/25 or 12/30... that's where I get a bit confused. The terrain is pretty flat here, only one short sharp hill (12% climb over 1/2 a mile) and another more gradual one, other than that it's just the wind I'm fighting! So I just need to figure out what cassette I need to pick....
What cassette you get for racing wheels depends on what racing you will do - crits, road race or time trials, and the terrain for each. You are not going to want to be shifting a compact between chainwheels much in a race (personally I would not race on one) so don't go too tight. Besides, with 10 cogs you have some room to go larger. Keep in mind that for decades racers managed to go fast with 5 cogs in the rear and downtube shifters. To retain some hill climbing ability and still keep the gears close I would think an 11/28 or 12/30 would be fine, but if you only race flat crits you could go tighter. Again, it depends on your fitness level.

Last edited by cny-bikeman; 10-30-17 at 06:25 AM.
cny-bikeman is offline  
Reply