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Cassette for IMLP?

[Deleted User][Deleted User]
in General Training Discussions

I just took my bike into the shop for a little maintenance check since it's been a loong time (oops!). Apparently, I need a new chain and cassette. I have a compact and a 12-27 now. The guys suggested changing to 11-28 for Placid since I have to replace cassette anyway. I wouldn't mind having an additional climbing gear - my cadence sometimes drops too much to keep my level of effort where I want it. But are there are any downsides to the 11-28? Do I have enough time before Placid to get used to this?

Thanks!

Comments

  • Woody FreeseWoody Freese
    You should have no problem getting used to this before LP. Great idea!
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I agree with Woody. You will barely notice the difference between the 12-27 and the 11-28. The 11-28 gives you a few more MPH on the downhill before you spin out and one extra gear while climbing which you can use on many parts of the course. The only downside is "slightly" bigger cadence gaps, but that is marginal in my opinion. I'll be using an 11-28 at Placid and I recommend that you do as well.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    Woody, John - Thanks for the quick feedback! I'm going for it.
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner
    Do it!
  • Joe MatchetteJoe Matchette
    Yesterday I ordered an 11x28 for IMMoo at Nashbar.com for a pretty good price. It was within a couple of bucks of eBay and I was already above the minimum for free shipping.

    I, too, have been using a 12x27. Looking at the gearing calculators, I don't think the cadence gap is going to be too different in the middle of the cassette....
  • ccotstanza12ccotstanza12
    I've been having the same debate! I saw the great deals on Nashbar and Amazon on the Ultegra 6700 11-28. I could definitely use another gear on the hills. Any problems with the gap from 15-17?
  • ccotstanza12ccotstanza12
    Anyone have thoughts on SRAM vs Shimano brands?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    11-28 is great. Thanks again!

  • Joe MatchetteJoe Matchette
    Just rode my 11x28 for a short ride today. The cadence gaps are a bit different than my 12x27, but I know I will appreciate the 11t for the descents and the 28t for the climbs. The rest will be transient anyways....
  • katelearykateleary
    I put an 11-18 on just before EN Lake Placid camp. It did make a difference. I have ridden that bike course every year (not racing), and this was the first time I felt good about my climbing. A big surprise moment for me was on the climb back into town, when I was keeping an eye out for the "Cherries." I was wondering what the heck hill I was climbing before the "Cherries," since I didn't remember one. Well, I had passed the "Cherries," and it was "Mama Bear," which I didn't realize until I saw "Papa Bear" coming up! What a treat that was! Climbed through them all easily with the new cassette.
  • Woody FreeseWoody Freese
    Hi Kate -
    11-18? Did you mean 11-28?
    If you are dancing up the LP hills with an 11-18 - you, my dear, are a ROCK STAR and should be immediately elected into the IM LP Hall of Fame :-)
  • katelearykateleary
    Ha Ha, Woody! Although the rest of me is slimming down with the training, my fat fingers aren't!! Yes, 11-28! I guess I should be proofreading!
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