SRAM Rival cassette / tooth size?

[Darren862]

I want to change the gearing on my 2010 Boardman Team Carbon for better climbing. Can anybody recommend a cassette size that would be lower geared than the standard and that the Rival mech can take?

 

[GrasB]

With that vintage I'd assume that 11-28t will be the biggest cassette you'll get away with & you can use a standard 34/50 or 36/52 compact as well (barring odd-ball drop-out/hanger geometry).

 

[lejogger]

Are you dead against changing the rear mech to the longer cage SRAM Apex? You could then go up to 11-32t. 34/32 would be adequate for anything on a carbon bike as light as yours.
Otherwise, GrasB is right in that you'd struggle with anything beyond 28.

It may be that 28 is all you need though. I haven't been up much that I can't sit and spin using 34/25 but obviously I appreciate that there are a lot of variables with regards to age/fitness/injuries etc

 

[Darren862]

Thanks. 28 should be OK. I have Apex on my CX and it's fine. I don't want or need to go as low as that. I'm entered into my first sportive in a months time and we will be climbing a lot. I thought about using the CX but I'd like to use the TC if I can.

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[jowwy]

just put a 12-28 sram cassette on my road bike - gonna try it torrrow

sent using my fingers on my laptop keyboard

 

[lejogger]

Thanks. 28 should be OK. I have Apex on my CX and it's fine. I don't want or need to go as low as that. I'm entered into my first sportive in a months time and we will be climbing a lot. I thought about using the CX but I'd like to use the TC if I can.

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Sounds like with with your Team Carbon and your CX you have the same garage as I do... the gearing isn't as low on the carbon, but the weight is a good deal less. The low weight really negates the effect of the lower gearing on the CX, I'd be surprised if you even needed to change anything. Are you struggling with the gearing or are you just nervous about the climbing on the sportive? Because if you're struggling fair enough, but if not and you were just changing in case you might need something lower in the bank then you will probably surprise yourself as to what you can get up in the 25 with the compact 34 up front.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

I've got an 11-28 and it's fantastic. It took a while to get used to given the jump between some of the gears. I've used the 28 on some very tough climbs - 20% gradients and it manages. Equally, I'm taking it to France to the Etape over the Pyrenees.

The other advantage is the 11 gear. This is an extremely high gear and great for descents, once the 28 has gotten you up. 11-28 on a standard.

 

[Darren862]

I'm nervous of the climbing to be honest. I live in a very hilly area and no matter what direction I head off in, I have to go up hill. I'm ok with that on either bike. I struggle but I do it. On the sportive though, there is a much bigger climb. If I was really desparate, I suppose I could change the apex mech and cassette from the CX and put them on the TC. As its local to me, I might just try it on the TC first.

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[Peteaud]

Just changed the rear on my compact from an 11-25 to a 12-28

Big difference, although i am still worried about some of the longer hills but thats fitness anyway.