Easier gears

[GrahamS]

Hello

I’ve had my first road bike, a cheapy Halfords Carrera TDF, for a few months now. Nearly up to 1,000 miles on it.

I am finding that the 12-26T cassette paired with a 52/38T standard double chainset is not my friend on a couple of the larger hills around me. I am lucky enough to live in the South Downs and there are a few long 10% climbs near me. My first thought was to man up but that doesn’t seem to be working as hoped…. I can’t quite manage a whole mile stood up straining!

What would you guys recommend as most cost effective way to get some easier gearing? It’s a cheap bike so don’t want to spend too much on it.

Thank you!

Graham

 

[Globalti]

I don't know why they would fit that chainset to an entry-level bike; compact gears have done as much as carbon fibre to make road cycling easier for novices.

Swop it for a "compact" with 50/34 chainrings and you'll be able to climb anything. You could also go for a 12-30 cassette but might find that exceeds the capacity of the derailleur. If it's already a long-cage derailleur you'll be fine.

 

[Biker Joe]

A Shimano Sora 50/34 chainset will cost around £56:00 at http://www.tweekscycles.com/ at the moment. Then you would need the bottom bracket. If you give them a ring they should help you out.

 

[solidthegreat]

Or buy a 34 chainring and put it on instead of the 38, will have to buy the right ring though to fit the bolt holes. Your LBS should be able to help, also fit a 12-28 cassette. I doubt you will get a 12-30 on as the cheaper road mechs can't seem to handle it.

 

[GrahamS]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I'm not sure that swapping the 38 chainring for a 34 is an option on a standard?

Would a 12-28 cassette make much of a difference?

Looks like switching to a compact is the best option, just a little bit more expensive than I was hoping for.

 

[Biker Joe]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I'm not sure that swapping the 38 chainring for a 34 is an option on a standard?

Would a 12-28 cassette make much of a difference?

Looks like switching to a compact is the best option, just a little bit more expensive than I was hoping for.

Perhaps you can put it on your Xmas wish list

 

[snailracer]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I'm not sure that swapping the 38 chainring for a 34 is an option on a standard?

Would a 12-28 cassette make much of a difference?

Looks like switching to a compact is the best option, just a little bit more expensive than I was hoping for.

A 12-28 cassette will make hills 8% easier.
A 34-tooth chainring will make hills 12% easier.

 

[GrahamS]

Perhaps you can put it on your Xmas wish list

Yep.

With the saddle and tyres and rollers and bike computer and loads kit already on there......

 

[GrahamS]

A 12-28 cassette will make hills 8% easier.
A 34-tooth chainring will make hills 12% easier.

Thank you, something to think about.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

The cheapest solution that can deliver a good level of gear reduction is by replacing both rear cassette and rear mech. Obviously it depends on the terrains but the reduction offered by a compact with a 34T in front is not cheap and might not be low enough for you.

This rear mech is compatible with your system and will handle any size cassette you care to throw at it. For cassettes any of these work, but these are the best 8 speed money can buy. You will also need a new longer chain, like this e.g.

The main downside of using a wide range cassette is that you will get larger gaps between consecutive rear sprockets. It might not bother you and if it does you might still be able to pick ratios that give you acceptable gaps by double shifting in front. You can try a gear calculator.

 

[Acyclo]

I have actually done this. I fitted the Acera MTB derailer and a Megarange cassette to my Triban 3. There's a big gap between the lowest gear (34T) and the next-lowest at 26T, which some regard as a disadvantage - me, I like it.

The parts went straight on, with no messing about at all. It probably took 15 minutes, including fitting a new chain. I used the KMC 8 speed as they come with a split link and the KMC split link design is a bit easier to use than the SRAM one.

 

[GrahamS]

The cheapest solution that can deliver a good level of gear reduction is by replacing both rear cassette and rear mech. Obviously it depends on the terrains but the reduction offered by a compact with a 34T in front is not cheap and might not be low enough for you.

This rear mech is compatible with your system and will handle any size cassette you care to throw at it. For cassettes any of these work, but these are the best 8 speed money can buy. You will also need a new longer chain, like this e.g.

The main downside of using a wide range cassette is that you will get larger gaps between consecutive rear sprockets. It might not bother you and if it does you might still be able to pick ratios that give you acceptable gaps by double shifting in front. You can try a gear calculator.

Wow, fantastic thank you!