Bike #2 - Gearing?

[Cycleops]

Thanks for that. I can see this point of view. I hired a Ridley Fenix 7005, which had 50/34 at the front and a 11-28 cassette (I think), whilst in Tenerife earlier in the year and I managed to get up plenty of hills on that.

I think you've answered your own question.

 

[mip]

I think I have.
Now, carbon or alu?

 

[theloafer]

I think I have.
Now, carbon or alu?

hi mip
treat yourself to a carbon mate got myself one of these 2011 great ride and gearing to get me up the hill,s

http://road.cc/content/review/47929-cannondale-synapse-carbon-apex

 

[Peteaud]

Thank you to everyone for the advice. Looks like I'm in the market for a £1000 road bike with compact gearing. Though if it comes with an 11-28 cassette it may soon be swapped out for a 11-32

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/Detail/13roubaix/roubaix/Roubaix

 

[KateK]

I really must get a new bike: mine is 52/42 and 14-28 and weighs 35lbs.... it would be nice not to be grinding uphill in first for the rest of my life. Actually today I was in first on the flat. What lovely May weather we're having.

 

[mip]

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/Detail/13roubaix/roubaix/Roubaix

I like it though I'd expect Tiagra minimum if I were spending this much.

 

[Cycleops]

Thank you to everyone for the advice. Looks like I'm in the market for a £1000 road bike with compact gearing. Though if it comes with an 11-28 cassette it may soon be swapped out for a 11-32

In which case you will probably need to change the RD too.

 

[mip]

In which case you will probably need to change the RD too.

RD?

 

[CopperCyclist]

RD?

Rear derailleur.

Basically the easiest cog Shimano do for road bikes at the back is the 11-28. Anything bigger needs a longer cage derailleur, which with Shimano normally means a mountain bike derailleur.

SRAM long cage road gears will stretch to the 11-32, and so if your new bike has SRAM gears, it's an easier change.

To be honest, I have a compact at the front (50/34) and a 12-25 at the back, but still managed to (slowly!) climb all the hills between Calais and France recently which hit 18% at one point! With an 11-28 you should be fine - my father in law was with me on this gearing, he managed, and he is 60 next month

 

[BSRU]

Rear derailleur.

Basically the easiest cog Shimano do for road bikes at the back is the 11-28. Anything bigger needs a longer cage derailleur, which with Shimano normally means a mountain bike derailleur.

SRAM long cage road gears will stretch to the 11-32, and so if your new bike has SRAM gears, it's an easier change.

To be honest, I have a compact at the front (50/34) and a 12-25 at the back, but still managed to (slowly!) climb all the hills between Calais and France recently which hit 18% at one point! With an 11-28 you should be fine - my father in law was with me on this gearing, he managed, and he is 60 next month

I know the Tiagra will take a 30 on the back.

 

[mip]

Thanks for all the info. Learning fast.

 

[mip]

To be honest, I have a compact at the front (50/34) and a 12-25 at the back, but still managed to (slowly!) climb all the hills between Calais and France recently which hit 18% at one point! With an 11-28 you should be fine - my father in law was with me on this gearing, he managed, and he is 60 next month

Doesn't weight of the rider come into this though? I'm 188cm and 97kg.

 

[Cycleops]

RD?

Sorry, rear derailleur. Your current one will be a short cage type and won't handle the 32t cog. You will need a medium cage design.

 

[CopperCyclist]

Doesn't weight of the rider come into this though? I'm 188cm and 97kg.

Very true, I hadn't considered that! I still think you'll find a 34-32 combo more than easy enough if you can get it though. I base this on assumptions made about your fitness based on the miles you can do!

 

[mip]

The Planet-X Pro Carbon, which is SRAM Rival equipped, is looking attractive but I read that the front end is wobbly. This is more than a little alarming considering my weight. Anyone have experience?