Some Noob Questions

[BikeThePlanet]

First, I picked up a CrossCheck on CL over the summer that was built up from the frame to be more of a roadie bike compared the CrossCheck complete. It is geared a bit high for me, I am no roadie racer. The bike is for commuting, weekend rides ~30 miles, and eventually touring and LD. Right now it has Dura Ace 52/39 w/ a 11-25. I need some lower gearing, what should I be looking at?

Next up, how hard is it to change a cassette? Besides wanting to change the cassette on the CC above, I have been thinking of getting an El Mariachi and getting a cassette with a 36.

[Draheim18]

For lower gearing, you could either get a rear cassette with a 12-27, not sure of the exact sizes. Or you could get a compact crankset with a gearing of 50/34.

Changing a cassette isn't hard, you just need a chain wipe and the adapter to put on a socket wrench.

[BikeThePlanet]

Hmm, I am not sure if that is low enough to do climbs with loaded panniers.

[mfoga]

Hmm, I am not sure if that is low enough to do climbs with loaded panniers.

If that wont work you would have to go to a triple setup. But would likely require new front and rear derailuers and maybe even new shifters.

[BikeThePlanet]

This is what I have:

Dura Ace Octalink - FC 7701 (52/39)
Dura Ace Bar End Shifters
Dura Ace RD-7700
Dura Ace FD-7400

So, I could go to a compact? What about a MTB cassette like 11-34? I don't know what all that entails. Or if feasible.

[SAR_boats]

This is what I have:

Dura Ace Octalink - FC 7701 (52/39)
Dura Ace Bar End Shifters
Dura Ace RD-7700
Dura Ace FD-7400

So, I could go to a compact? What about a MTB cassette like 11-34? I don't know what all that entails. Or if feasible.

If you are going to go to a Mtn cassette I would suggest using a Sram XX cassette. Since the cassette is ten speed you won't have to change out your rear shifter. If you go to 9-sp mountain then you will have to change the rear shifter since the indexing is different.

Going to a mountain cassette means that your chain may have to be replaced to account for the larger low gear. (This may not be the case if you switch to a compact crank and a mountain cassette since the chainrings are getting smaller and the gears in the cassette are getting bigger it should be a wash)

You may have to replace your rear dérailleur with a longer cage one to account for the larger cassette gearing. If you do then a long-cage XT or XTR will work with the bar-end shifters. I would try using the existing dérailleur first though.

If you do decide to go to a triple crankset you shouldn't need to replace your front dérailleur or shifter, an adjustment to the limit screws is all you need after installing the crank.

[LadiesMan]

Hmm, I am not sure if that is low enough to do climbs with loaded panniers.

If you already know, why ask?

[babu9000]

I think IRD make a 9speed 11-32(34?) Road/Mountain cassette that should work. You will probably need a long cage RD.

[stevers]

Is the spacing on the XX 10 sp the same as road 10sp? Just curious.

Since you have bar end shifters, you could just run the shifters on friction mode and run a triple up front or an 8/9/10 cassette in the back. Whatever you want with those barcons. You'll also need to lengthen your chain (replace it, or add power links and extra chain links).

[thesmokingman]

Get a sram 9spd mtb cassette and a used ultegra long cage rd and call it a day. Ideally you'd want a triple with panniers, but that's a whole other can of worms.