Help needed for climbing set up
09-30-08, 10:55 AM
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Nerdy Fred
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Help needed for climbing set up
Greetings all. I'm a newb cyclist, and I've reached the point after a couple months that I'm going to try and tackle some very painful climbs in a couple weeks. Its a group ride, and being a newb I'm curious should I get a 12-27 cassette over the one I'm currently using 12-25 ? Would this make a big difference?
09-30-08, 11:06 AM
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The additional 2 teeth will make a difference.
What chainrings are you running up front?
What chainrings are you running up front?
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09-30-08, 11:10 AM
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if you have a regular double and a short cage rear der. try to get a 38 front chainring and a 12-27 cassette. After that you may need a med/long cage rear der.
09-30-08, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by medcat4077
53/39 in front
09-30-08, 11:17 AM
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Nerdy Fred
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Do they make an Ultegra sl 52/38 ?
Also thanks for all the advice
Also thanks for all the advice
09-30-08, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by medcat4077
Do they make an Ultegra sl 52/38 ?
Also thanks for all the advice
Also thanks for all the advice
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Ten tenths.
Ten tenths.
09-30-08, 11:23 AM
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You can buy any standard 130mm BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter) chainrings for your Ultegra SL crankset.
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09-30-08, 11:32 AM
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FSA chainrings are good. I prefer the Super Road chainrings but they don't make a 38t in 130mm BCD 
Salsa makes good chainrings, too.
Salsa makes good chainrings, too.
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09-30-08, 11:44 AM
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Hmmm now I have a lot to think about.
One last question on this topic. How hard would it be to switch my standard double to a compact double ?
One last question on this topic. How hard would it be to switch my standard double to a compact double ?
09-30-08, 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by medcat4077
Hmmm now I have a lot to think about.
One last question on this topic. How hard would it be to switch my standard double to a compact double ?
One last question on this topic. How hard would it be to switch my standard double to a compact double ?
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09-30-08, 11:48 AM
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I was running a 53/39 & 12-23 combo which is fine for flat and rollers but I started doing climbs and needed a little more gear so I went to a 12-27 I did consider a 12-25 but figured if the situation came up that I needed the gears I would have it, the difference in the 12-25 and 12-27 was only on the low end (larger) of the gears ratio the range I use on flats and rollers was the same so I went to the larger gears, I just don't use them on flat and roller rides in the end I have the same ratios I use with the extra gears for those climbs which suites me fine for now as I get stronger I will most likely go back to my old gearing or go to a 12-25 just incase but for now I need the 27 sometimes.
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It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
09-30-08, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by JTGraphics
I was running a 53/39 & 12-23 combo which is fine for flat and rollers but I started doing climbs and needed a little more gear so I went to a 12-27 I did consider a 12-25 but figured if the situation came up that I needed the gears I would have it, the difference in the 12-25 and 12-27 was only on the low end (larger) of the gears ratio the range I use on flats and rollers was the same so I went to the larger gears, I just don't use them on flat and roller rides in the end I have the same ratios I use with the extra gears for those climbs which suites me fine for now as I get stronger I will most likely go back to my old gearing or go to a 12-25 just incase but for now I need the 27 sometimes.
09-30-08, 11:58 AM
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nub 2 nub
get at least the 12-27 if you got some$ 34-50 on the front, yeah you can get it all Ultegra.
get at least the 12-27 if you got some$ 34-50 on the front, yeah you can get it all Ultegra.
09-30-08, 11:58 AM
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sheldonbrown.com/gears is a calculator you'll find very interesting.
09-30-08, 12:01 PM
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Well it did enough for me so in my case yes, if you end up needing more you may then need to go the the chain rings for more help. 1 tooth up front is like 2-3 in the rear can't remember exactly in the back, motorcycle racing days been awhile.
Edit: I checked my records and 1 tooth change up front is equlivent to 3 in the rear just for the record.
Edit: I checked my records and 1 tooth change up front is equlivent to 3 in the rear just for the record.
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It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
Last edited by JTGraphics; 09-30-08 at 12:37 PM.
