jamesdak 

Ok, putting some light weight wheels on my 2011 Madone 5.9 and figured at the same time I might as well free up some weight on the cassette. This is a Shimano compact double setup that currently has a Shimano 105 12-27 10-speed cassette on it. But I can't find a weight on the cassette. What is the lightest compatible cassette I can run yet still get several 1000 miles out of? thanks.

Another option is finding out if I can run a 11-28 on this bike. I've got bad knees but want to do a long event this fall that will include over 10,000 ft of climbing. Wonder if the 11-28 will help the knees a bit.

botto 

save your weight somewhere else.

jamesdak 

Well I'm buying a cassette either way so why not save a bit of weight if it can be done without significant loss of durability?

merlinextraligh

A Dura Ace cassette will save you about 60 grams, but it will cost north of $200, and will not last as long as 105,or Ultegra, due to the Ti cogs.

In my experience, they still last for several chains, but not as long as all steel cassettes.

SpongeDad

I generally put Ultegra chains and cassettes on my otherwise DA bike. The incremental grams (45g for the Ultegra cassette) are less than carrying an extra few gels.

Unlike the pros, I'll assume you don't have a car following you around if there are any durability problems - I snapped a chain this weekend and I'm no power sprinter. Had to wait in the cold while my wife came to pick me up.

Now, if you want to put something on it that you'll enjoy compared to what you might have received as stock - try some good tires (Mich Pro 3 or Continental 4000S) or Swisstop yellow brake pads. (Not sure if there are weight savings for either.)

jamesdak 

All ready running and loving the Conti 4000s tires. Am upgrading the brakes also as the stock pads on the Tiagra brakes leave a bit to be desired. I'm not really a weight weenie but with continous knee problems I will save weight when I can do it logically.

merlinextraligh

^ I think the point is that Durace at $299, versus 105 for $45 is not the most cost effective way to say 60 grams. We are talking 2 ounces. I doubt your knees will notice the difference.

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/co...settes.22.html

FrankBattle 

.. this

FrankBattle 

I bet you are >2 ounces lighter after your daily ritual ..

jamesdak 

Oh I totally agree, but if there is an Ultegra or SRAM compatible option the is a fair amount lighter for around the same price of the 105 than I'll go for it.

jamesdak 

Anyone's thoughts on the second part of the OP? Can I change out to a 11-28 such as Ultegra CS-6700 Cassette 10-speed 11-28? This sells for under $70. Would it work with the current RD and such?

merlinextraligh

Going to Ultegra from 105 saves approximately 15 grams, and the cost goes from $45 to $99, so I'm not sure that meets your criteria.

merlinextraligh

The 105 Derailluer IIRC isn't spec'd to handle the 28, but in practice it will.

jamesdak 

It's actually an Ultregra RD, the bike came with the mixed components.

urbanknight

+1 I have a 105 10 speed rear derailleur and replaced the stock 12-27 with an 11-28 on. The catch is that I had to fool around with the chain length (shorten it slightly, believe it or not) in order to keep the 28 cog from rubbing the pulley. It's still not too short to survive should I shift into the 50/28, although I avoid that combination anyway). Not all bikes will need that adjustment, though.

By the way, the NEW (2011) 105 is spec'd for a 28.

urbanknight

iirc both of those derailleurs have the same cog capacities, so you should still be ok.

merlinextraligh

yeah I realized that after I posted, the 5600 is specd for 27, and the 5700 for 28.

I think the same thing is true for the 6600, 6700.

Looigi

SRAM Red is the lightest 11-28 cassette, I believe. I have one. They're compatible with Shimano. And bonus, they're now available in black!

back4more

I changed my cassette a couple weeks ago and thought the same thing - if I was changing anyway might as well shave weight if possible. I went with the SRAM Red - didn't see any lighter out there - but be prepared to spend a couple bucks - light doesn't come cheap.

ravenmore

Sram Red is the lightest and probably most durable of the lightweight cassettes. I usually run 105 as its the best blend of cost/weight/performance. Red would save you what, ~50-60 grams over 105?

kleinboogie

Red is definitely louder so I went with a Force cassette as a steep, or just tired, climbing cassette (11-28), quiet as a mouse...that doesn't squeak. It's heavier but the quiet is worth it. It's also close to the axle so there's minimal rotational weight. No idea if the 11-28 will fit but you'll probably have to adjust your RD and hopefully you've got enough slack in your chain. GL

Scrabbler

I use an Ultegra 6700 11-28 cassette with an Ultegra 6600 RD and 53/39 crank. Did not need to change chain length. Works great.

back4more

I changed from an Ultegra cassette to a Red and have not noticed it to be excessively noisey. Shifts good and is not loud - I had heard it would be louder due to being hollow but have not noticed animals running when I ride or people staring when I ride by.

ravenmore

I think it depends on your hub a little bit as well. I think a Chris King for example might be quite a bit louder.

urbanknight

^ I imagine he's talking about drivetrain noise (while pedaling) and not coasting noise.