Which cassette?

[TC Johnson]

I am beginning the build on my new (to me) Meivici and picked up a nice Campy Record/Chorus mix of parts to use. The set came with an 11-23 cassette, but I need some more gears for PA hills. My thoughts are to go with a 12/25 or a 13/26 cassette, either Chorus or Centaur, with the 53/39 Record crankset. Will the 26 make enough of a difference to bother? I know I could do the gear inch calcs for the numerical difference, but I thought the experience here would be worthwhile to tap for starters.

Thanks in advance.

TC

[GuyGadois]

11-23 with a compact? Is that a possibility?

-GG-

[fiamme red]

Another question to ask is, would you rather have the 12t or 18t cog, since the 12-25 doesn't have an 18t. Do you use the 12t often?

[TC Johnson]

I originally considered Compact, but the stuff I bought has standard 53/39 chainrings, and I thought I would stay with them, since they are Record.

TC

[geoffm]

I have lots of 12-25s and think they are perfect for hilly areas. The 11-23 is probably better for flatter areas. Depending on local conditions, you may find that 53x13 is small for really windy days. I frequently find 53x12 'light'.

[RPS]

The set came with an 11-23 cassette, but I need some more gears for PA hills.
TCIf you already have this one, why not start out with it and see if it works? Unless you already know the minimum you "need" and know that 39/23 won't work.

The math is very simple:
Difference = 23/25 or 23/26.

You'll reduce "force-related" effort by about 8 to 12 percent.

Much depends on your strength and power. I don't like to do it, but I've climbed a lot of 15 percent grades (and more) with a 39/23. Only you can know what works for you.

[Jeff N.]

12-25. Jeff N.

[allegretto]

what he said ^

when all is said and done. this one does the most and covers more of the real world

you actually could make a case for 13-26 in PA. but i guess that wouldn't be Manly... ;)

[climbgdh]

FWIW - I run a 53/39 & 13-26 on both of my main rides but I live in an area with long climbs (12-15 km @ 7% +). I like the 13-26 but if the mtns were just rolling hills (ie. shorter climbs) I think the 12-25 would be fine. As a previous poster said .... it all depends on your strength & power.

[TC Johnson]

Thanks for the replies. As far as strength on the hills is concerned, it was perhaps best expressed by an old freind who called me "Wimpmeister." The hill that leads back to my house from general rides is very steep, and any help from the gears is welcome.

Based on your recommendations, I will likely spring for the 13-26, since I just put a 12-27 on my Merckx for all the same reasons. I still have a 12-25 in Ultegra as well as an 11-23 for the TT bike, so for the Shimango side of the world, I'm covered.

Thanks!

TC

[John M]

Another vote for 13-26. I ride in Seattle/NW Washington and it is pretty hilly here. I ride a high cadence, so even with the long downhills I have to be going 40+ mph to spin out the 53/13. No real difference in a 25 vs 26, but I appreciate having closer spacing in the mid-range.

[znfdl]

I ride 50/38 with a 13x26 cassette. For my riding style, it has been a perfect choice for mountainous and long distance rides.

As another poster said, I use the 18 tooth cog much more than a 12 tooth cog, but then I like to ride at a higher cadence. When doing intervals, I can spin the 50x13 at 35 mph. For me, why bother with a 12......

[TC Johnson]

Since the right choice feels like the 13-26, (I like the idea of having the 18 as well), is anyone ready to part with a Chorus or pre-09 Centaur stack?

I had good success on the board getting the 12-27 for the Merckx, so here goes. Let me know in reply or via PM.

Thanks!

TC

[znfdl]

TC are you doing the nightmare tour on August 8th in Lancaster County?

http://www.dreamrideprojects.org/Nightmaretour.html

[TC Johnson]

Zin,

No, I have the Steelman Oly Tri the 9th, so I will be at Lake Nockamixon in upper Bucks. My son and I are doing the Livestrong Challenge August 23rd, and my plan is to have the Meivici built and well tested in time for that ride.

I know Ray is in the outer Philly area, are you also?

TC

[thwart]

When I'm doing the really hilly rides I use a 13-29 on my standard crank bike. It works well even with a short cage RD (altho your results may vary...), and a chain length originally set up for a 12-25 cassette.

My knees say 'thank you, thank you very much!' ;) :D

[RFC]

I have become a big fan of compact cranks. With 9 and 10 speed, they make a lot sense because you have less duplication. Also, they allow use of a tighter cassette, whether 23 or 25 while still giving you lower gears for the hills.