Originally Posted by
AndyG
Thanks for that JT. Based on those specs it looks like the Shimano Deore LX RD-M531 SGS should work. They describe it as traditional "top normal" (not high normal, but I assume it's the same thing), and it is the rapid fire. I did neglect to get a new chain with the sprocket, so I'll have to add that to the list.
RL - I agree the cassette I bought is overkill for 98% of my needs, but I have two things working against me. One is, I'm old. Two, I want to use the bike to commute to work and I've got one short but very steep hill. I barely made it with stock gearing on a test ride over the weekend, and ended up very sweaty by the top (and that's in riding shorts and wicking shirt). In street clothes, with our morning humidity, it'll be worse and I don't want to stink the place up since I don't have anywhere to change.
Thanks both for taking time to respond.
I totally hear ya, I'm just thinking give something that will fit a shot before buying a derailer and spending more money, you would be surprised how much difference there is even with only 4 teeth, I know because I have had both. I'm young and there are some hills that kick my ass on my 30t front 25t rear, the 28 was MUCH easier when i had it. I changed to the more aggressive gears since most of the riding I do is flatter and I wanted a beefier midrange. Plus probably in about 2 weeks once you get used to it and built up a little (even though you're old hehe!) that hill will probably be nothing to you. JMO...