50-34 crankset 12-28 Cassette
- Thread starter Cjw1997
- Start date
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Exactly, I class correct gearing, when I can stay seated up an alpine pass at a cadence of 80rpm
nickyboy
Norven Mankey
- Location
- You want hills? We got hills
I wouldn't be recommending the OP to spend more money on a new cassette, having just bought his bike
Just have a go. Worst that can happen is he has to walk a bit. I'm guessing he will be able to ride up it shortly. Most 20% hills are pretty short thankfully
Just have a go. Worst that can happen is he has to walk a bit. I'm guessing he will be able to ride up it shortly. Most 20% hills are pretty short thankfully
neil_merseyside
Guru
- Location
- Wirral
I can't climb well, as I'm a bit heavy, so prefer1:1 or lower, so on one bike I run 26:32 and the other 34:42, so I'd say get a cassette with a lower gear so say a 11-32 he'll be damn near one to one (34:32), and if he's as poor as many of us (I can see you fit types shaking heads and fists!) he might have an easier time, and not give up, as I nearly did - then when he improves he can pop the current cassette back on.
Hi everyone thanks for the replies. I am a beginner cyclist, been riding for about 3 weeks regularly after about a 5 year brea, im not too bad on the flat over the last 3 days i have completed 30 miles each day in approx 2 hours, but struggling going up hills due to being 6”3 an 220lbs. I am planning to lose weight while back exercising. I am thinking of purchasing a shimano tiagra 11-32 or 11-34 casette to help going up hills. And ideas on which would be best? Also can the new casette be fitted to the bike without any other alterations with the current bike also having a tiagra 12-28 casette. Thanks in adavnce 👍🏻
ChrisEyles
Guru
- Location
- Devon
30 miles in around 2hrs is pretty good going already! Don't think you'll struggle too much at all with the hills after a bit more practice/conditioning.
Check the max sprocket size your rear derailleur can accommodate. If it can take a 34t I'd probably go with that, but there's not much in it.
Things to watch 1) you might need to add a couple of links to your chain length (maybe best to fit a new chain at the same time as the cassette), or it might not be long enough if you accidentally shift into the 50/34 combo, which could potentially cause pretty serious damage to the derailleur & chain 2) you may need to adjust the b limit screw on your derailleur to get the to pulley the correct distance from the 34t sprocket when in bottom gear (you tube is your friend).
Are you planning on doing the switch yourself (not too tricky but requires special tools and can take a while the first time you try it)?
Check the max sprocket size your rear derailleur can accommodate. If it can take a 34t I'd probably go with that, but there's not much in it.
Things to watch 1) you might need to add a couple of links to your chain length (maybe best to fit a new chain at the same time as the cassette), or it might not be long enough if you accidentally shift into the 50/34 combo, which could potentially cause pretty serious damage to the derailleur & chain 2) you may need to adjust the b limit screw on your derailleur to get the to pulley the correct distance from the 34t sprocket when in bottom gear (you tube is your friend).
Are you planning on doing the switch yourself (not too tricky but requires special tools and can take a while the first time you try it)?
my bike is a a merida scultura 300 and checking on the spec on their website it states the rear is a GS mid/long range which can accommodate a 34t. Yes i will do the swap myself with the aid of youtube haha
Ajax Bay
Guru
- Location
- East Devon
As several others have asked, identify the climb for us. Having just got back on the bike I recommend you don't fiddle around with the setup until you've ridden it a bit. You can't fit a chainring any smaller than 34t. And you could go out and get a cassette with a larger sprocket, and fit a new chain at the same time (an inch link longer) but I expect you haven't got the tools for that. And it'd only be for a few yards on that hill - with your build you'll have plenty of (maybe short term) power, and getting up it is partly 'in the mind'.
PaulSB
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
If you're prime objective is to lose weight don't worry too much about climbing hills - unless your local geography demands it.
Get a rough idea of your fat burning zone and ride as often as possible at that point for two hours. You'll be surprised at the change. You might not actually lose weight but you'll shed fat and build muscle.
Don't forget to check your diet.
Ajax Bay
Guru
- Location
- East Devon
Read the whole thread. Commute - hill 20%.
PaulSB
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
I did. The post I quoted said "I am planning to lose weight while back exercising." To my mind this implied more than commuting for which the current set up is fine. It's only a short climb.
ChrisEyles
Guru
- Location
- Devon
Good for you
if you don't already have them, you'll need a chain whip, cassette lock ring removal tool (and big spanner to grip it with) and a chain breaker. You may find as you ride more that you don't need the lower gear as much as you thought you would. However I'd much rather carry around a lower gear and have it available when occasionally needed than not. And you can always swap the cassette out for a different one later down the line.
