Originally Posted by
Ron Damon
Aye, but the question that arises (in my mind, at least) is: Why? Why choose a higher-price 9-28T Capreo cogset with 311% range requiring a proprietary hub carrier with the increased inefficiency and accelerated wear of a 9T cog, when one can choose a less expensive, regular 11-36T cogset with 327% range, no funky or proprietary parts and improved efficiency and reduced wear of a 11T cog? 🤔
For example, this Shimano CS-HG50-10, 11-36T part sells for less than $30.
Similarly, a Shimano CS-HG400-9, 11-36T sells for under $20.
Because on small wheel bikes, to have high enough gear inches with a cassette+derailleur transmission (not an IGH), there are only two choices:
- either use a very big chainring.
- either use a cassette with a 9t or 10t smallest cog.
For instance the equivalent of 52tx9t (7.9m on the Riese&Müller Birdy Touring) with a 11t smallest cog is 64tx11t.
Even if possible without causing problems for the folding, a 64t chainring is not nice to have on a folding bike!
Sometime, people should consider the technical requirements of small wheels bikes instead of only looking at the lowest price!