28T on a compact chainset

[insurin]

I have a Carerra Virtuoso bike

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_272635_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#dtab

It has a compact chainset (Prowheel Gloria 50-36 compact chainset with cartridge bottom bracket) and an 11-25t cassette on the back. I need to get up some steepish hills with my panniers filled up.

I cannot change this bike at the minute. I need to know if I can get a 28t cassette on the back whether its 11-28 or 12-28. I am not fussed about whether its 11,12,13 etc but I need to be able to get up the hills.
Or alternatively, Can I swap the granny cog or smaller cog at the front to an even smaller one or even both

 

[PpPete]

The Halfords spec sheet doesnt say exactly which Shimano mechs that model has but most Shimano rear mechs are rated up to at least an 11-27 cassette - and you can usually "push the envelope" a little.

You can probabaly get away with changing the inner front ring to a 34 too.

Don't forget new cassette means new chain too.

 

[Steve Austin]

yep, you'll easily be able to fit a 12/28 with no problems.

 

[insurin]

This is great news guys. Just as a sidenote if the mileage was low on the chain. Say between 50-100, could I not get away with just swapping the cassette out and keeping the current chain. Money is a real issue at the minute.

I also have a Specialized Tricross which has alexrims wheels and 32mm tyres, I bought some prolite wheels with 25mm tyres for commuting to work and the exact same cassette and the chain only works nicely with one cassette so I get the idea about chains and cassettes but was thnking because the mileage was low, I might get away with it.

 

[4F]

yes you could keep the chain

 

[Banjo]

If its a 10 speed ,Chain reaction have got Shimano 105 10 speed cassettes on offer at the moment for £33 . Donrt forget to access chainreaction through the cyclechat shop link so cyclechat gets a bit of commision.

 

[insurin]

If its a 10 speed ,Chain reaction have got Shimano 105 10 speed cassettes on offer at the moment for £33 . Donrt forget to access chainreaction through the cyclechat shop link so cyclechat gets a bit of commision.

above has been noted. Unfortunately it is only 8 speed but I have had the email recently about 70% off chainsets, some very attractive prices.

 

[Mark_Robson]

above has been noted. Unfortunately it is only 8 speed but I have had the email recently about 70% off chainsets, some very attractive prices.

I have a Virtuoso as well, a 12/28 cassette will be fine and you wont need to change the chain either.
BTW all the components are fine with a 9 speed chain which reduces the need to trim. Just something to bare in mind if you decide that you want to change the chain.

 

[insurin]

I have a Virtuoso as well, a 12/28 cassette will be fine and you wont need to change the chain either.
BTW all the components are fine with a 9 speed chain which reduces the need to trim. Just something to bare in mind if you decide that you want to change the chain.

Mark_Robson, do you have the blue and black one (08) I think.
How can I reduce the stretch over my top tube. Compared to the Tricross where I'm like a kite, on the Carerra I seem to be very stretched. I have flipped the stem which does appear to be fairly long. Can I just buy a shorter stem? I do prefer the comfort of the Tricross to be fair.
This forum is fantastic. Really helpful. Thanks

 

[2Loose]

A shorter stem is a fairly cheap and easy way to reduce any stretched posture, but is your saddle able to go any further forward? That is cheaper and even 1cm forward would make quite a large difference to your posture.

 

[Tony Martin]

I have a Carerra Virtuoso bike

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_272635_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#dtab

It has a compact chainset (Prowheel Gloria 50-36 compact chainset with cartridge bottom bracket) and an 11-25t cassette on the back. I need to get up some steepish hills with my panniers filled up.

I cannot change this bike at the minute. I need to know if I can get a 28t cassette on the back whether its 11-28 or 12-28. I am not fussed about whether its 11,12,13 etc but I need to be able to get up the hills.
Or alternatively, Can I swap the granny cog or smaller cog at the front to an even smaller one or even both

I recently tried to fit a 12-28 cassette to my bike which was equipped with a Shimano Ultegra SL dérailleur and it wouldn't fit. Like you I wanted a climbing set-up so I purchased a triple chain set up front. The problem with a 28 cassette is it catches the dérailleur jockey wheel. I couldn't get a Shimano solution, so my local dealer made me up a 13-27 cassette using Miche components. Works a treat with the rest of the Shimano kit. Cost 45 quid.
Hope this helps.

 

[Mark_Robson]

Mark_Robson, do you have the blue and black one (08) I think.
How can I reduce the stretch over my top tube. Compared to the Tricross where I'm like a kite, on the Carerra I seem to be very stretched. I have flipped the stem which does appear to be fairly long. Can I just buy a shorter stem? I do prefer the comfort of the Tricross to be fair.
This forum is fantastic. Really helpful. Thanks

I have the red model which I believe is the 07 model. I'm 5' 9" and I find that the medium suits my dimensions. As already stated you can try moving the seat forward or replacing the stem to see if that makes a difference.

 

[insurin]

I will try the saddle first ( seeings as that costs nothing) then get a shorter stem.

I have just spoken to my lbs and told him what bike it is. He reckons he can get me a 30t on the back. We will have to wait and see about that. I will find a cheap one off ebay first and see if he can fit it. I will report back.

 

[insurin]

just another one to throw in the mix.

These compact chainsets, could I take off the 36 ring and swap it for a 34 or do you have to swap the pair (50-36).

 

[PpPete]

Insurin - AFAIK you can just swop the 36 for a 34 ring

I recently tried to fit a 12-28 cassette to my bike which was equipped with a Shimano Ultegra SL dérailleur and it wouldn't fit. Like you I wanted a climbing set-up so I purchased a triple chain set up front. The problem with a 28 cassette is it catches the dérailleur jockey wheel. I couldn't get a Shimano solution, so my local dealer made me up a 13-27 cassette using Miche components. Works a treat with the rest of the Shimano kit. Cost 45 quid.
Hope this helps.

Baffled by this.... My Ultegra rear mech copes fine with a 12-30 cassette AND a triple front with a 24T range. Shimano says this WAAAYYYY outside the range, but it works for me. Your jockey wheel catching on cassette sounds like either B screw adjustment to me, or your chain is wrong length. TBH mine's too short because it won't run big/big. Not that I'd want it to, but sometimes on a long ride you make a mistake.