Gears for TdF

[Sonofpear]

Are there any rules regarding what gearing can and can't be used, and can they just run whatever they like?

 

[gavroche]

there are no rules. It is up to what you feel comfortable with and your stamina.

 

[Alembicbassman]

Isn't the SRAM Red cassette machined from a solid block? Can't change the sprockets on that.

I used a 42/52 12-23 8 speed on my first alloy road bike, found it hard going and moved to 36/50 12-25 10 speed on my current bike.

my derailleur will take an 11-27t but £40 for the cassette to get a couple of gears is not cost effective.

 

[Sonofpear]

there are no rules. It is up to what you feel comfortable with and your stamina.

Cheers. Was just wondering

 

[GrasB]

Isn't the SRAM Red cassette machined from a solid block? Can't change the sprockets on that.

I used a 42/52 12-23 8 speed on my first alloy road bike, found it hard going and moved to 36/50 12-25 10 speed on my current bike.

my derailleur will take an 11-27t but £40 for the cassette to get a couple of gears is not cost effective.

Yes, from what I understand the OG1090 cassettes tend not to be used as there are issues with freewheel wear & the extra 10-20g or so doesn't matter when you're loading bikes up to get them up to the weight limit.