Choosing cassette -help

[Doyleyburger]

Some of the teeth are worn on my 8 speed cassette so I'm going to replace it. I currently have a SRAM PG850 11/28 which is fine (I don't really know any different), but not entirely sure what to go for in terms of number of teeth.
Am I right in thinking that the higher number of teeth, the better for climbing ????
Can some of you please educate me on this one please.......
I do a lot of climbing but I don't want to compromise my top speed either
Thanks

 

[Peteaud]

The higher the number of teeth on the cassette the lower the gearing.

so a 34 on the front and a 34 on the rear is 1:1

A 34 front and 28 rear = 1.21 : 1


But, you cant just put any cassette on, chain length, rear mech etc must all be within certain limits.

 

[Doyleyburger]

50 x 34 compact
11 x 28
Is my current set up.
So i can't just go out and buy any 8 speed cassette ?
Not looking to add more gears !
Thanks

 

[uclown2002]

50 x 34 compact
11 x 28
Is my current set up.
So i can't just go out and buy any 8 speed cassette ?
Not looking to add more gears !
Thanks

yup

 

[uclown2002]

sram cassettes are popular on CC!

 

[Peteaud]

Your cassette is 11-28.

You might (MIGHT) get away with a 12-30 but then again you might not.

It depends on your bike.

 

[Doyleyburger]

Think to save agro I'll just get exactly the same.
Thanks guys

 

[KneesUp]

The information will be on the derallieur somewhere - here it is on one I've not put back on the bike yet:

This derallieur (an old Altus) can handle a biggest cog of 28 teeth, and has has total capacity of 35 teeth.

The total capacity is (no teeth on biggest sprocket -no. teeth on smallest sprocket)+(no. teeth on largest chain wheel - no. teeth on smallest chain wheel)

Your current set up needs a total capacity of 33 teeth: (28-11)+(50-34)=33

A 12-30 would need a total capacity of 34 teeth, but may still work.