my new 11-32 sprocket :) :) :)

[Dave7]

Just changed from 11-28 to 11-32...........this was my first ride on it.
As I'm in Cheshire I don't get the 'serious' hills that some of you get. But even so, at my age, I needed some help..........hence the change.
Just completed a 38 miler and WOW.....what a difference.
I WAS worried about the trade-off (bigger gaps between gears) but had absolutely no problems.

Also. I'm not sure this was due to the sprocket change but I had only been back home 15 minutes when the heavy rain started

 

[Banjo]

Im thinking of a similar change. I can get up the hills but would prefer to not stress my knees unneccessarilly.
Which cassette did you buy in the end?

PS sun came out this afternoon here which may or may not be linked to your new cassette

 

[Buck]

I've got an 11-32 and sometimes the 32 really helps on the steep hills around here.

Sometimes just knowing it's there helps - knowing you've got another easier gear should you need it.

 

[Neiltluck]

I'd have to change my rear mech as well if I went to a 32. The Ultegra short cage mech can only cope with a 28

 

[mwktar]

Just bought a bike with an 11-28 and seriously considered swapping it out for a 11-32

Made it up a few of my usual hills so've decided to gold on to the 28. Would love to try a 32 though just to see what i'm missing!

Often wondered about the lower gear/bigger gap trade off myself

 

[MikeW-71]

I went part way and put on a 12-30 instead of 11-28. I was very glad of it in Yorkshire.

If you're getting up OK on 28, then using 32 will be easier, but slower.

 

[Dave7]

Im thinking of a similar change. I can get up the hills but would prefer to not stress my knees unneccessarilly.
Which cassette did you buy in the end?

PS sun came out this afternoon here which may or may not be linked to your new cassette

As I say, I went for the 11-32. My set-up is all Shimano 105s but (I haven't checked closely) I dont think they do a 105 in 11-32 so it will be the next one down.

 

[Dave7]

I've got an 11-32 and sometimes the 32 really helps on the steep hills around here.

Sometimes just knowing it's there helps - knowing you've got another easier gear should you need it.

Yes..........I've only used it the once but got that exact feeling on some hills. Must be psychological but, as you say, just knowing it is there helps. I never actually got to use the very biggest cog........but did use the 2nd biggest on several occasions.

 

[jack smith]

If you're getting up OK on 28, then using 32 will be easier, but slower.

Not neccaceraly, if a 32 stops you grinding away at a pathetic cadence youll be faster

 

[Dogtrousers]

If you're getting up OK on 28, then using 32 will be easier, but slower.

Unless, of course, you pedal faster.

Statement courtesy of the department of the bleedin obvious.

 

[Dave7]

I'd have to change my rear mech as well if I went to a 32. The Ultegra short cage mech can only cope with a 28

Same for me with 105s..........I needed new mech & new chain. But..........it was really worth it to me. It's the difference between enduring the hills and enjoying them

 

[Dogtrousers]

@jack smith Great minds, think alike, eh? Or fools seldom differ.

 

[Dave7]

Just bought a bike with an 11-28 and seriously considered swapping it out for a 11-32

Made it up a few of my usual hills so've decided to gold on to the 28. Would love to try a 32 though just to see what i'm missing!

Often wondered about the lower gear/bigger gap trade off myself

TBH I was worried about the trade off but IMO it was actually better.........the gaps between gears seemed to be more evenly spaced (again, could be psychological)

 

[MontyVeda]

I've recently gone from 11-28 to 12-32 and I'm loving the extra low gears, but i need to put an 11 tooth gear back on as that one tooth really makes a difference.

 

[jack smith]

Good minds do think alike @Dogtrousers I find slipping into a 32 and sticking with a high cadence much faster than grinding away with a 28 unfortunately I'm currently stuck in a bike with a 39 upfront and 25 rear