sdmc530

I have just started learning basic repairs and what not and I have 2 questions. Both probably bad but please bear with me.




1. If I replace my bike chain would I need to adjust my detailer? I had this heated conversation today with a riding buddy he claims yes, I say no. It has nothing to do with the other, new chain would not effect function to need adjusting? Please tell me I am correct.


2. More of an equipment question. I have a 46/36 chain set on my Cannondale CaadX. 9 speed rear. I suffer badly on bigger hills so would like to put a smaller wring, instead of a 36 if I went to a 34 would I notice that much difference? My fear is I would loose too much on the hard gears if I go too small. Thoughts please, help!?

2lo8

No, not really, and you'll notice a 6% difference and possibly degraded shifting.

sdmc530

don't know if it matters but rear is a 11-28

2lo8

You'll notice less than half a rear cog's worth of difference at the bottom end.

Bill Kapaun

The easiest (usually) change is to use a cassette with a larger big cog such as an 11-32 etc.
However, your RDER may limet the largest cog you can use. You can usually fudge a bit, but-

Let us know WHICH RDER you have. We can then better advise.

1989Pre 

Since you have a 28T low gear on your cassette, and a 36T up front, if your hill-climbing is not what you want it to be, then the problem is not the bike. Improve your training methods or simply increase your time on the bike. Your gear set-up is perfectly adequate for any hills.

In regards to your chain, if you use the identical chain (or any 9-speed chain), then you do not have to adjust your R.D.

sdmc530

First, thanks for the info on the chain


Second I figured it was me not the chaining that was my issue.....I was hoping for an bit of help but figured it was me who was the issue.....

sdmc530

Shimano Sora 3500 came factory on the bike. I can use all 9 rear gears on both my front chain rings without any issues, I fear I just need to put more climbing miles on? I guess if it were easy everyone would be doing it right....

1989Pre 

We all want to be better. Be patient with yourself. Don't succumb to perfectionism.

Ronsonic 

Like the man said, "it never gets easier, you just go faster."

Actually, yes it does get easier. Check the fit on the bike and yeah, put in the miles.

Bill Kapaun

The Sora is good for a 32T largest cog, so you can use a ??-32 without problem.
You'll need to lengthen the chain, assuming it was sized correctly.
New cassette? Easier to just use a new chain too.

Don't listen to people telling you too suck it up etc.
Use the gears YOU need to make it more enjoyable.
If I listened to them, I would never have gotten on a bike.

sdmc530

Thanks. Been riding for three years and hills really kick my butt. Bigger hills anyways was just looking for an advantage i guess. I can ride all day but bigger hills just tear me up. I put on decent miles just need a little boost.

Any suggestions on what cassette I could purchase? Was looking online and man a million of them out there.

11 or 12 by 32 does sound sweet...... Got my hopes up again 😀

2lo8

You mean put in the meters

sdmc530

Lol i only get miles on the saddle. Meters/km over my head.

Bill Kapaun

I'm on a low budget, so I buy lower priced ones and have a small assortment for different seasons or vacation.
I typically ride flatland because of my emphysema, bad knees & ankle. I use a 13-25 in Winter and a 12-23 when I get back in "condition". My chain rings are VERY small. 22-32-36/8.

dsbrantjr

I avoid 11T cogs; I rarely need that high a gear and the 12T or 13T cog runs more smoothly. Google "chordal action" or just turn your cranks backwards and watch the chain as it comes off of your lower jockey wheel.

Here is a good gear calculator which will let you compare two drivetrains side-by-side, it may help you to choose your gearing approach: kstoerz.com | visual drivetrain comparison tool

dsbrantjr

A new chain may have higher lateral stiffness so might shift a little differently (hopefully better/crisper) but likely not enough to require any readjustments.

HillRider

I love these broad generalities by those who don't know where the OP rides or what his age or physical condition is or what he carries on his bike. Maybe he can get better and maybe not.

No, a 36x28 is NOT low enough for any hill. Come to Pittsburgh and ride the "Dirty Dozen" ride next Thanksgiving weekend and let me know how that works out. Or ride a loaded touring bike through KY, TN or central VA and let me know if that gearing is adequate.

Sorry, you can't dismiss the need for lower gears until you know all of the details, and perhaps not then.

12strings

I also have 3500 Sora. It works well. I have 11-28 in the back, but I also have a 50-39-30 triple on the front. That small ring gets used on EVERY Significant hill.

I'm considering changing to a 12-27 cassette, because that's what I can find, but I wouldn't want to give up my 30 tooth chainring.

sdmc530

thanks,



I wish I could put a 3rd on my bike, would use it a lot I think. I use my big one less than 25% I wish I could put a baby gear on instead up front.

12strings

It's probably possible le to change your current setup to something like 42/30. Or 42/28, but as always, compatibility of all the new parts would be the big question.

I know for me, even on fast rides cruising at 23 mph, I'm usually staying in the 39 tooth middle ring...the big ring is for downhill only.

That said, easiest fix is try a 32 tooth cassette...