Get rid of the 11-tooth cog?
 

I'm leaning toward replacing my 11-28 cassette with a 12-27 cassette. I hardly ever use the smallest gear, and when I do (downhill), even then I usually use it for about 30 seconds and then realize the next cog would be more comfortable anyway.

In fact, It seems utterly ridiculous to me that nearly every road bike comes with an small 11 tooth cog. Even with a 50 tooth chain-ring, a 90 rpm cadence would have you going well over 30 miles per hour, and most mere mortals can't sustain anywhere near that kind of power for any length of time. It seems like that should be a special option for racers, rather than the standard.

I'm pretty sure I would be fine with a 12, or even 13, as the smallest cog. Any faster than that and I generally stop pedaling and just coast down the hill.

Rant ended.

Nah ... switch to 48-38 chainrings.

This is not the first thread on the topic, and most people seem to agree, very few non-racing need an 11-tooth cog---except those who like to bomb down shallow inclines at 40 mph, after which point it is generally more efficient to tuck and roll. 12-27 probably offers an extra couple usable gears for most riders.

I rthink most non-racers would support the move (as would most racers, I assume--after all, no one sensible would tell you to keep something extraneous on your bike.)

What's funny with threads on this topic is most people agree. Then a few people say they use their 11s all the time, which I'm sure is a real exaggeration or they have a cadence of 50. Other posters shut up for fear of not being strong enough riders by comparison.

That was no rant! Seemed perfectly calm and rational ;)
I'll probably get a 12/27 cassette for my new race bike. That will go with a 53/39 front, though. Downhills on the local circuit are short enough, but as a matter of comfort, I need the 11 with the compact on the gran fondo bike.

I agree. I have a 12 - 27 cassette and seldom use the 12 tooth.

I've posted the same thing in the past. I would love to have both the 16 and 18 tooth cogs.

I was convinced after my first time at the velodrome that I was pushing too big a gear on my road bike. 53x12 is more than enough for me unless I am doing long descents, which I never do.

I like 12-27. I'm annoyed that Shimano seems to have discontinued the 12-30 in 10 speed. I stocked up so I should be good for awhile.

I'm guessing you're still rocking 10 speed. If so, the 12-27 would be fine. As I said in another thread: the great thing about 11 speed is running an 11-25 cassette with a bonus 27 tooth cog.

I use my 11 all the time blazing up steep grades at 90rpm. Ok I dont actually have an 11, but if I did I'm sure that would be the case, lol.

I used to climb, seated, using my 11-tooth cog and 54-tooth chainring, but I got tired too easily because I would spin at 150 rpm. Then I woke up.

Now everybody will be afraid to post.

I was positive that I used my 11 on fast group rides and to get up to speed on descents.

Then I checked and found it was 12-25.

That's why I have an 11T on my cassette-- the options with both a 16T and an 18T are severely limited in 10sp for whatever reason.

I run an 11-32 and frankly use the 11T all the time... but I'm also using a 48/36 crankset. On those long -1% grades, I'm in the 11T almost the entire time.

No, do not get 48-38 chainrings. Yes, get a 12-27.

I never use the 11-tooth cog on my typical rides, but I like having it as the top gear. It pushes the 13 and 14 closer to the middle of the cassette, and I like using those in combination with the small chain ring to avoid front shifting when I know I'll need a lower gear soon. I would be perfectly fine if the 11 and 12 were replaced with spacers, but having a 13-28 10-speed cassette would not work for me.

Are you riding Shimano? If so, why not go with the 12x28?: https://www.coloradocyclist.com/shim...GMkaAnP28P8HAQ

Yes. Get the 12-27!

Everyone wants the same gear as a pro racer so they can go as fast...but not everyone can spin 50x11 at 120rpm+, let alone 53x11. Just 25-30 years ago the pros used 53x13 and high cadence, which is right about your 50x12. It's plenty gear if you can spin.

Most beginning riders would be better served with a 12-27 or 12-30 paired with a compact. Sadly, good 12 and 13 cassettes are hard to find. All the SRAM 11 speed stuff starts with 11, and in Shimano 11 you have to go to DA to get 12-28. Campy still has good selection of 12 and 13, but I don't have any campy wheels.

I have spun out 53x12 on a long descent, but I would rather have the 16t than the 11t on that bike.
I do use an 11t with a 46 big ring and that works well.

Get the gearing that works best for you, your abilities, and your goals. That's about all there is to it.

I thought this was answered in one of the million threads on the subject before - if you use it, keep it. If not, get rid of it. There doesn't need to be another debate on it.

11-19 9-speed over here because I am that strong.

Can't wait to get one of those SRAM 10T cassettes because sometimes I spin out on the flats.

12-25 cassettes have both, and 39x25 should allow you to climb every mountain near Houston.

I just remembered, Gevenalle also makes a doodad to remove your 11T cog, if you really dislike it. Then you'd have a 9sp 12-28, if that's your inclination.

Gevenalle HOUP

Personally, the notion of intentionally making a 10sp into 9sp or 11sp into 10sp makes me giggle.

I need the 28 and there don't seem to be 12-28s out there so I'll be sticking with my 11-28.

Probably not going to get this one to 20 pages, but I tried.

What? Damn I need to stock up as well. This cassette is my go to on my cross bike.