KingswayRider
Über Member
- Location
- Gloucester
I'm looking at building up a new gravel bike with capacity for bigger tyres (40mm currently, would like to run up to 50mm). My current thinking is a gravel bike that can, with a swap of wheels, stand in as a winter road bike. Current road bike has Ultegra Di2 12 speed (but absolutely no room for any sort of front mudguard)
So, with current road bike in mind, I want a 12spd setup. I also want to keep a double up front - more versatility & better gearing on smooth sections with less cadence change. However, I know from the difference between my road & gravel bikes when braking, that I want servo wave, so that currently only leaves Ultegra/Dura Ace Di2 for shifters/disc calipers (GRX800 series has servo wave, but currently only 11spd Di2 or mechanical 12spd)
Now comes the sticky bit...I'd like a better low range than 46/30 & 11-34. I know it's low compared to a road bike & on fireroads it's not so much an issue, but many trails that can be ridden on the gravel bike have steep climbs more suited to mtb gearing.
Has anyone fitted a wider range cassette? I'd like to fit an 11-40 cassette. I can see that Shimano details 12spd Di2 as max 34T for Ultegra & 36T for 105 rear derailleurs. However, it's common knowledge that Shimano are always conservative with advised max.
So, with current road bike in mind, I want a 12spd setup. I also want to keep a double up front - more versatility & better gearing on smooth sections with less cadence change. However, I know from the difference between my road & gravel bikes when braking, that I want servo wave, so that currently only leaves Ultegra/Dura Ace Di2 for shifters/disc calipers (GRX800 series has servo wave, but currently only 11spd Di2 or mechanical 12spd)
Now comes the sticky bit...I'd like a better low range than 46/30 & 11-34. I know it's low compared to a road bike & on fireroads it's not so much an issue, but many trails that can be ridden on the gravel bike have steep climbs more suited to mtb gearing.
Has anyone fitted a wider range cassette? I'd like to fit an 11-40 cassette. I can see that Shimano details 12spd Di2 as max 34T for Ultegra & 36T for 105 rear derailleurs. However, it's common knowledge that Shimano are always conservative with advised max.