11-32 or 11-34 Cassette What's the difference??

[SoCal Life]

I ride mostly XC/AM and I'm going to have a 22/32/Bashguard up front. Which do I need?

[tkblazer]

depends on if you need that last big cog on your rear cassette.. if you're a strong climber and never use a 34 tooth cog on the back, then go with the 11-32 as the jump from i believe 28-32 is less then 28-34

[LBmtb]

I've always used 32 n the back and have liked it. BUT I've never had or tried a 34 so I don't know the difference. Hmm, so I guess I'm not much help. I guess go for the 32. It'll help you become stronger and faster in the long term.

[dstepper]

I am probabily the wrong person for this type of advise...because I am a lazy mountain biker. But I have a 34 on the back and a 20 tooth granny on the front. When I am in the mood I can climb up steep stuff that I never could geared lower.

I also do alot of high attitude riding and believe me 8k-10k ft you will be looking for lower gearing.

Many gears on our bikes overlap only the big and small gear give us extra range, if you don't need the taller gear, don't use it, but it is nice to have it. After an all day ride and you can hardly turns the cranks...sometimes it is the diference between walking and riding.

[Keith B]

I used to run an XT 32 cassette and found quite a difference when I went to a 34. Around OC there are some pretty steep grades that the 34 makes that bit easier. If you dont want to nail it or are jsut tired then the 34 is a God send. Unless you're concerned about the 25g or so weight difference (Shimano 32 use a 4 arm spider and 34's use a 5 arm to keep the rigidity) I'd go for the 34.

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by Keith B

I used to run an XT 32 cassette and found quite a difference when I went to a 34. Around OC there are some pretty steep grades that the 34 makes that bit easier. If you dont want to nail it or are jsut tired then the 34 is a God send. Unless you're concerned about the 25g or so weight difference (Shimano 32 use a 4 arm spider and 34's use a 5 arm to keep the rigidity) I'd go for the 34.

I agree. I never could understand how those other bikers could always drop me on the steep climbs.
Once I got the 34 I understood.

[Pain Freak]

Whats the difference...Walking vs riding is the difference in my opinion. There's been times I swear I would have traded my left....arm for another gear.

[SoCal Life]

Thanks everyone for the info.

I'm going with the 11-34. Just in case

[SAR_boats]

Good call

[gurp13]

Actually, I believe the 11-34 is now referred to as the "gurp gear" rather than the granny gear. I mean, after all, how many grannies have you seen riding? But, people *always* see me riding in the lowest gear possible.

[SoCal Life]

Well whatever you want to call it, It'll be better than the 7sp, 28t (22/32/42 up front) granny gear I'm running right now!

[Smirnus]

MegaRanges are cool

[mtnbikerdude87]

im running a 32 cassette now and I really dont notice much of a difference from the 34. It might be a bit harder on steeper sections but by now Im probably used to it. Plus I can get a 1:1 ratio with a 32 cassette and the middle ring.

[Good_ol'_slappy]

I run 2x9 and the 11-34 bails me out sometimes. Good call going with it.

[Pain Freak]

Originally Posted by Good_ol'_slappy

I run 2x9 and the 11-34 bails me out sometimes. Good call going with it.

Yeah, but you're a freekin mutant.