(Yet another) 12 speed thread?

[tylercheung]

Starting this because the last thread was more about how stylish or lack of stylishness re: the cranks and RD.

As a somewhat novice cycler (I need to be better at putting in as much miles as some of you) - how much better would the new 12-speed Campy groups be. The scenario is a typical SoCal canyon climb (chantry flat, CA-39, maybe GMR, Latigo Canyon), which is about ~15-30 miles each way, ~5-6% grade w/ the occasional 10%, with 2500-4000 ft climbing.

From The Google, people seem to think the smaller jumps would make things "easier". I am not sure I'd notice a difference from my current 11-speed 11-32/compact crank usual setup. For Chantry Flats, it's huff-puff-huff-puff-huff-puff. I suspect w/ 12 speed, it'll still be a similar huff to puff ratio....

[VTR1000SP2]

I'm not a particularly strong rider averaging 4-4.5w/kg on longer climbs (8+ miles) if the gradient averages 8-11%. When things get punchy it's generally short lived so I can get out and get that w/kg up to 5.5 or so. Even at these numbers, I'm fine with a 36 and I only use the 26T in my 11-26 block to eat. I've managed when it was 10speed and I honestly can't say I'm taking full advantage of the 11speed since switching this year.

Pretty sure I would see no benefit of switching to 12 other than some Instagram likes.

[Dave]

The 12 speed cassette will only add a 16T cog. That won't help on a long climb. A 12-32 11 speed would do the same. I assume that you're using 50/34 chainrings.

[Lanternrouge]

If you are already running an 11-32, I don't think it will make any real difference to you. As someone whose current biggest cog is a 28, there is some appeal to the extra gear because most of the time I'm in a 28, I still wish I had something smaller. I think the new stuff looks cool, so if you are looking for an excuse to buy it, that's a plenty good one.

[weisan]

3 things that I have learned that makes a real difference to my climbing ability.

1) Reduce my body weight.

2) Reduce my body weight.

and

3) You guess it!

Reduce my body weight.

[Dave]

Climbing is about power to weight ratio. I climbed well at 134 lbs, but if I was a young racer I would have pared down to 127. I'm not into pencil thin arms.

[Cicli]

I saw a 30 speed the other day on a climb. The guy looked to be doing just fine.


Nevermind, triples are not cool.

[stien]

I can’t wait to build 3x12.

I would say the benefits of more gears for the OP would be wider range cassettes. Personally I’d like a 12-32 but I’m transitioning into JRA from being a racer for the past several years.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by tylercheung

Starting this because the last thread was more about how stylish or lack of stylishness re: the cranks and RD.

As a somewhat novice cycler (I need to be better at putting in as much miles as some of you) - how much better would the new 12-speed Campy groups be. The scenario is a typical SoCal canyon climb (chantry flat, CA-39, maybe GMR, Latigo Canyon), which is about ~15-30 miles each way, ~5-6% grade w/ the occasional 10%, with 2500-4000 ft climbing.

From The Google, people seem to think the smaller jumps would make things "easier". I am not sure I'd notice a difference from my current 11-speed 11-32/compact crank usual setup. For Chantry Flats, it's huff-puff-huff-puff-huff-puff. I suspect w/ 12 speed, it'll still be a similar huff to puff ratio....

'Better' is subjective. Levers more comfy(subjective), shifts smoothly, quickly..reliable(probably)...gearing choices are personal..

Compact/11-32, 11s and then Compact/11-32, 12s..nope, probably no difference, add a interior cog on 12s..still gotta push the pedals.

[biker72]

Originally Posted by weisan

3 things that I have learned that makes a real difference to my climbing ability.

1) Reduce my body weight.

2) Reduce my body weight.

and

3) You guess it!

Reduce my body weight.

+1
I quit drinking diet colas about 4 months ago. I've lost over 10 pounds with no other diet changes. Makes no sense to me but the scale doesn't lie.I am climbing better.

12 speed???? I'm sure in a few years it will be the norm but honestly the 8 speed Dura-Ace on my Merckx works fine.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by biker72

+1
I quit drinking diet colas about 4 months ago. I've lost over 10 pounds with no other diet changes. Makes no sense to me but the scale doesn't lie.I am climbing better.

12 speed???? I'm sure in a few years it will be the norm but honestly the 8 speed Dura-Ace on my Merckx works fine.

Luddite........





Kidding 🧒