Tri Turtle

I currently have a 11x25 rear cassette and 52/36 crankset with ultegra 6700 components. I want to change to a 11x32 cassette. I don't know if I need to change my rear derailleur and if I do I was thinking about the Ultegra 6800 or a Dura Ace derailleur. Do I also need to get a new chain? I did the Assault on Marion last year, looking to do Assault on Mitchell. But can't do it with current setup.

Thanks for your comments!

seau grateau

Most likely yes to both. You could get a bundle like this: https://www.excelsports.com/upgrade_...groupType=road

edit - Didn't realize 6700 was a 10-speed group, so yeah don't buy this.

Stormsedge

I'd say probably a longer rear derailer, and, definitely a new chain due to longer distance when you go new big cog to big ring to set it up.

markjenn

If you stay 10-speed, you likely have several options for a cassette with a wider range, although to get to 11-32 you may have to downgrade from Ultegra or go with someone like SRAM. You do need to confirm your current derailleur has sufficient capacity and is able to handle the bigger low gear - 32 may be getting close to the limits. Need to know the spec on your RD. You probably will also need to lengthen your chain which potentially can be done by adding links, but most would just view this as a good opportunity to replace the chain.

10-speed to 11-speed upgrades generally require a new cassette, chain, RD, and shifter. At this point, may make sense just to get a completely new groupset and in the process you probably want to go with compact-double 50/34 gearing in front to further lower your gears.

- Mark

Maelochs

For about $400 you could get a 5800 105 groups with new everything, then buy yourself something vintage and put the old gear on that and have two very different, very excellent bikes.

You'd need the GS derailleur.

SSRI

I was able to set up a 50x34 front with 11x32 rear with a 7900 rear derrailleur. I was able to shift the entire range
Big - Big to Small - Small. Depending how your current chain is set up you might be able to get away with your current chain. Otherwise it will be a new chain with new cassette.
Doing this on the cheap will be under 40 bucks. I picked up some nashbar microshift 11*32 cassette for around 15 bucks.

kevlar_heart 

I was able to use a SRAM 11 x 32 on an Ultegra 10-speed SS derailleur. Shifting was fine, but could have used the geometry of the GS. Got plenty of input from Forum members! At the time I couldn't find a Shimano 10-speed 11 x 32 Ultegra cassette. I believe they make a 105 though. The SRAM plowed through 700 + miles with no issues (just try not to go big/big...which you should do anyway) -- selling the bike and I reinstalled the original 11 x 28.

Link to discussion:

Ultegra 6700 Derailleur and 11 x 32 cassette

Esthetic

I fit an 12-30T on my 53/39 ultegra 6700 10 spd with the short cage.

Also fit an 11-32T with a 52/36 DA 9000 and its short cage RD (the 11-25 wasnt cutting it for the climbs we do in NJ).

Adjust the B-Screw to allow greater clearance. In both cases enough chain length, cog clearance and safe tension on the stretched gears.

Its entirely up to the hanger design on the bike in most cases. While a 34T is likely out of the question being the extremity, don't automatically assume a 30T/32T wont work, might be surprised...If the cross chain feels too tight for comfort, you may just need another link added the chain. The most vital parts being that there's clearance between the RD jockey wheel and the largest cog in the cassette and the derailleur is not completely curled forward.

Dean V

Yes you need another derailleur. 9 speed Shimano mtb deraileur will work (10sp mtb won't). Then you can run the 11-32 or even an 11-36.

redlude97

no you do not necessarily need a new RD. I've done it on many short cage shimano road RDs including 6700. I'd start with a cassette and chain.