Noob rear cassette question

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Leightonr

Member
I have a road bike (2010 Specialized Secteur) that I have just bought a new rear wheel for so I can easily switch between road and turbo trainer use. So I need to buy a rear cassette. The current road wheel (Alex 500) has a Shimano HG 50 8 speed 13/26 cassette fitted. The wheel bought for the turbo trainer is a Shimano 501 and when I go to order I can see that I can buy the Shimano HG 50 8 speed cassette as 12-21, 12-23, 12-25, 13-23 or 13-26. If I buy anything other than another 13-26 for the turbo trainer will there be any issues regarding chain length or gearing ratios or could I buy any of these configurations and happily switch between my road wheel and the wheel for the turbo trainer. Thanks
 
You will get away with any of them, as you already have the cassette with the largest cog (the 26) so won't need to lengthen your chain.
 

festival

Über Member
You may need a small adjustment to ensure the upper jockey wheel clears the 21 or 23 cog if you go for that ratio.
Using a closer gear ratio on the turbo may be of benefit to you depending on the level of training done on it.
"Getting away with any of them" may not be ideal if you ever use it on the road if the chain is too long.
 
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