Terrapin Ben

I'm buying a new 9 spd cassette. what's the difference between 11-32 and 11-34. I use a long cage derailleur. are there any inherent advantages or disadvantages with either cassette? Thanks in advance. happy trails!

mlh122

i don't know that much about cassette numbers, but I think the 11 is the number of teeth on the smallest (hardest) cog, so those two are the same. the 32/34 is the number for the biggest (easiest) cog. and the more teeth the easier the gear. so the 11-34 has a slightly "easier" lowest gear. if that makes sense. someone correct me if i'm wrong please

Terrapin Ben

interesting. your input is much appreciated. what can people tell me about gear ratios. i want to go fast.

Svr

Two teeth on the largest cog is the most obvious difference, but the progression of teeth are also different.

11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34

11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32

Most people choose by the size of the largest cog.

mlh122

for a little explanation on the calculations (and a neat speed calculator) see:

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gain.html

but basically, the bigger the front chainring, the harder/faster it goes. the smaller the chainring up front, the slower/easier it goes.

the reverse is true for the cassette, the smaller the rear cog, the faster/harder it goes. and the bigger the rear cog, the slower/easier it goes. some of the speeds overlap, bikes don't have as many speeds as they advertise.

Terrapin Ben

thanks a lot smittyben. that was the exactly the kind of advice i was looking for. happy trails all!