Kicking around my options with regards to using an 11-34 MTB cassette on my roadie in conjunction with my compact crank. This would be used for rides like a multi-day loaded tour or Everest Challenge (both of which are tentatively on my calendar for next year). Please let me know if my following assumptions are correct: I am using an Ultegra drivetrain currently. I assume I would need to replace the rear derailleur with a longer cage derailleur (medium or long)? Given the use of Shimano bifters sticking with a Shimano derailleur seems like a requirement, i.e. no SRAM X-9? Lastly my Ultegra drivetrain is 10 speed but both my MTB derailleurs are 9 speed. I assume this is not an issue with properly adjusted limit screws? Basically I will only get 9 or of 10 shifts from my shifter.
Most definitely need to stick with a Shimano RD. What type of rig are you riding? You're running a double for a loaded tour?
One option, albeit not cheap is to use a Sram XX 11-36 ten speed cassette with a med cage shimano der.
I'm a big guy 285lbs and I currently have 11-34 on my road bike for the nasty hills. I have a triple up front and it's a 9 speed. I'm building up a madone right now that will have a double up front and I will be using the sram 11-36 XX cassete and an xx RD long cage. it should turn out pretty sweet. I'll post some pics so you can see when I have it all built. :beer:
Everything you assumed is correct. Sounds like youll be doing some serious climbing. The xx cassette looks like a piece of jewelry but damn is it expensive!! Best of luck on your bike tours!
1. Or be very selective on shifting. 2. ?? 3. I was under the impression that 10-speed cassettes have closer spacing between cogs (that's why they use 10-speed chains). No.
Yep. I am not going to buy a new crank and shifter for the trip. I also my gear pretty light. My tent is about 2 pounds, sleeping bag 1 pound, cook kit about 1 pound.
He'll be selective on shifting because he won't be able to use a few gears :lol:. The Ultegra RD will only clear up to a 27T or so cog, so a MTB RD will need to be used. I would second this. It's not that cheap, but probably the easiest option, as you wouldn't need to switch out your brifters.
You might or might not have problems with your current rear derailleur. It just depends on your frame. I have an 105 short cage RD on the cross bike, and it works fine with a 11-34 cluster. There is plenty more room still since the b limit screw is only in the middle setting, but ymmv. You'll most likely need to match the number of gears for the shifter and cluster though.
What if you went with older 9sp STI and then use a Shimano mountain RD wouldnt that work? Second idea what about switching to a triple FD and a triple ring crankset?
10sp brifters = 10sp rear derailleur. The free hub is the same width for 9 and 10 speeds, so the spacing is tighter to fit an extra gear in there. THUS the need for 10sp indexing, 10 spd narrower chain. I third the idea of the XX 10 sp cassette, and find a derailer that can clear it?
