Shimano ultegra gears

[Stockie]

hi guys some help please.
Currently have an 11/28 rear cassette on my road bike. Most of my riding is around the Peak District which as the name implies is quite hilly with some good climbs, for me anyway.

I can manage a lot of the ones I currently do but have recently been thinking about changing to a 11/32 cassette to make life a little easier.

Have any of you made this move and did you find much difference or was it a waste.

Really appreciate any advice.

 

[HLaB]

You'll probably need a new cage too.

 

[MiK1138]

I run a 11/28 on My roadie and 11/32 on my hybrid, it certainly makes a difference, don't tend to spend a lot of time on the 32 but it is handy if i have been forced to slow down by traffic/walkers/sheep(you did say you where in peaks)

 

[Stockie]

Thanks for the help guys. The more I think about it I will probably look at putting it on my n2 bike afrer talking to guy at LBS to see if it would need a rear mech as well.

As I say I can manage most of hills with a bit of effort but I'm doing a ride in memory of a couple of nurses who tragically passed away quite you at local hospital where I work. The route is 100 miles and includes a lot of the hills around here so thought I would try to enjoy rather than have to slog it.

 

[Lee_M]

I have a 28 on my summer bike and a 32 on my winter (its heavier!), you also probably don't need an 11 so you can change the ratios generally and have smaller jumps that way, after all unless you're in a race do you really need to pedal downhill :-)

 

[T4tomo]

10 speed you could get a 12-30 casette but for some reason Shimano 11 speed start all their wider range cassettes at 11-.
I'm pretty sure most people wanting the lower ratios would happily sacrifice the 11 cog for a 'one less tooth' jump further up.

As said above once your upto about 40mph freewheeling is always fine, whereas I've heard anyone say I just got too many low gears, when a big incline approaches late in ride.

 

[iluvmybike]

I have an 11-32t on my 11spd road bike and it made a big difference on the climbs for me as I'm not getting any younger and lack a bit of leg power. Needed a longer rear derailleur cage but well worth it if you do lots of hilly rides

 

[adamhearn]

Mountain bike range cassettes like the 10 speed Shimano XT M771 and SLX HG81 are available in 11-32t configuration (the latter being a little cheaper/heavier).

If you're after a road part the Ultegra 6700 range included a 12-30t cassette but they may be more costly/difficult to source cheaply.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Moving from 28 to 32 teeth will be noticeable. Check the capacity of the drivetrain on your bike will cope with an 11-32 cassette, and whatever chainset you have, you may need a bigger RD.

 

[steverob]

I did exactly that on my Ultegra road bike earlier this year; went from 11-28 to 11-32 and haven't regretted it. Did need to get a bigger new rear cage, but at least now I have that extra gear that I can use on the toughest climbs in my area - there were only a few that defeated me with my old gearing, but now I can get up them all, albeit at a snail's pace at times!

 

[mcshroom]

You will probably need a new chain as well.

 

[Sea of vapours]

I'll endorse all the positive views on moving to a 32 above. Additionally, in the event that you do need a new rear derailleur, and given that you're talking Ultegra, consider a long cage R8000 since then you have the additional option of running a 34 largest sprocket. I've just done this and for me the spacing on the 11-34 is better throughout than the 11-32 cassettes as it loses several of the high gears (11,13,15,17,19 rather than 11,12,13,14,16).

 

[Stockie]

Thanks for all the brilliant help guys. Just been into shop and have told the guy to do the changes. Will let you know how I get on with it on ride on the 10th.

 

[Stockie]

Hi guys. Quick update, got a new ultegra long cage R8000 fitted and it's brill. Used it on my ride Sunday and managed 105 miles and 9456 feet of climbing around Derbyshire peaks so well pleased. Best bit me and 5 mates have managed to raise over £4000 for air ambulance and local bluebell children's hospice so good result all round.

Once again thanks for all the great advice.

 

[alicat]

That's a great distance for the Peak District.