signalnc

Hi--I am currently using a 53/39 with an 11-23 cassette. I need to get an easier gear for climbs. Should I change out the cassette or change the chainrings? thanks

Doug64

Hi,

One option is to change out the casette. IMO that is where there is more bang, in this case gear changes, for the buck. I've set up several road bikes (most had triples, but would work OK on a double) with an 11-34 cassette, Shimano Deore RD (this has relatively short cage and does not look too dorky). A new chain will probably also be needed.

Just going with the biggest road cassette, you will probably top out at an 11-27. This is not much gain for the price. You maight gain a little going to a compact crankset, but again there is a small gain for the price. The mountain bike components work well and shift as smooth as my "road" components.

z415

I would change rings. Search the forums - there were quite a few threads on this a little bit ago.

operator

Define easier gears before we start recommending ****? I would've said rear cassette and possible new derailleur if you like say 11-34.

signalnc

looking at a gear ratio chart I was thinking either an 11-25---maybe a 12-17-----or to either the smallest chainring being a 36

thompsw

How often do you use that 11 ? I use a 12-27 as my standard cassette both on my lightweight bike with 53/39 chainrings and on my rando bike with a compact crankset.

signalnc

I have been using the 11 with the 39 alot only because the front deraileur is malfunctioning. It keeps throwing the chain off when going from the small ring to the big ring. I had a tune-up done at a LBS to fix that problem but it only lasted 2 weeks before it started throwing it off again. So I guess if I get the FD fixed I won't really need the 11 as much.

pmt

You can easily fit an 11-28, either a SRAM or a DuraAce 7900, assuming you're not on Campagnolo and that you use a ten-speed rear. Either would be fine. You may have to adjust the B screw on the derailleur.

DaveSSS 

9 or 10 speed was not mentioned, nor was the brand of drivetrain. An 11-34 is a 9 speed MTB cassette that requires a long cage RD.

If the bike is 10 speed, a 12-27 Shimano cassette is usually a good option. Assuming you have a Shimano drivetrain. A 39/27 is LOT lower than a 39/23. Not many riders need a 53/11 top gear.

HillRider

If your current crank has the standard road bolt circle diameter of 130 mm (or 135 mm for Campy), your 39T small chainring is the smallest generally available and a 38T is the smallest that will fit. So going to smaller chainrings will mean a new crank and possibly a new bottom bracket which will be an expensive change.

A 12x27 cassette is much cheaper and will give you a significanty lower gear.

BTW, get the front derailleur shifting properly. There is no reason it shouldn't and your bike shop should make it operate correctly or find a better shop. Or, learn to do it yourself. When you can use the 53T chainring, an 11T cog should be unnecessary.

signalnc

thanks---I'll go with the 12/27 or 12/25 cassette. I am using shimano 10 speed.

thorsteno

Check out Harris Cyclery for the cassette. i just bought the "century special" which is 13-30 for my 9 spd Ultegra drivetrain. Haven't installed it yet as it arrived yesterday.

Al1943

Good choice.