Gear Set...

[shadow master]

Might be an idea to learn to pedal first.

I agree,very few riders if any can effectively turn the 11t/53t ratio,even with a 10 degree downhill,but by going changing to an 11/30t cassette on the back and clicking up a gear or two on the back,you've got a more suitable bike and you keep your ego massaged!

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

No shame in swapping to a compact which would be an option.

Im racing on 50/34 in my avatar, dishing out some hurt

 

[youngoldbloke]

Is this the Giant Propel with the flat mountain bike pedals? I'd suggest getting a triple with a 34T rear.

 

[bpsmith]

Jesus, what do people need an 11t sprocket for if they have a 53t front ring? A totally useless ornament unless you race to a good standard (Or like to boast about your max downhill speed).

For a non racing guy a 13 is easily enough.

I don't see any 13-30 cassettes listed by Shimano in current models? Nor 13-28 either.

 

[RebornBumbler]

A 12-30 cassette will cost about £13. As long as the chain still fits, that's got to be the easiest/cheapest first option to try.

 

[youngoldbloke]

If it's the OP's most recent bike I believe it is equipped with Dura Ace 9000 11 speed, and if he wishes to stick with Shimano's recommendations the maximum rear sprocket size is 28 teeth. So a 50/34 compact, and 11-28 cassette would give the lowest gear with Dura Ace 9000. Of course he could move down range to Ultegra 7800, and fit a 50/34 compact and 11-32 cassette, with a new 6800 GS rear mech.
Of course, it might be that the bike isn't really the right bike for the OP at this stage, and he should be looking for one more suitable for his current level of fitness and range of cycling activities.

 

[swiftylee]

will try 11-28

 

[swiftylee]

just checked my rear mech highest is 28 so 11/28

may change front to 52/36 as that is what is fitted to new propel.

 

[huwsparky]

If you already have a 28t and your struggling I'd fit a compact chainset.

 

[themosquitoking]

Yeah get a compact fitted, i have one and still ended up going to a 12-30 cassette.

 

[swiftylee]

think a 52/36 11/28 will be good