Helderberg

I am currently running a Shimano Sora, 11-32, 9-speed on my flat bar and would like to have a lower gear for hills. I am thinking a Shimano Sora, 11-34, 9-speed or 11-36 would be the logical and least expensive change to reach my objective? I am stating this as a question as I am not sure logic plays a part here so please feel free to correct my thinking. I am guessing I would also need a new/longer chain.
Thanks in advance, Frank.

aggiegrads

You most likely need a longer chain, and it may be possible that your rear derailleur may not accommodate the larger cog. If you have the model number, you can find shimano's specs on line.

By the book, the RD-R3000 mid cage only takes a 34t cog. You may have a short cage. https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...3&category=531

Helderberg

Thank you, Frank.

Helderberg

I'am guessing I have the long cage rear derailleur but I would definitely need a longer chain.
Frank.

Trevtassie

Think about changing your smallest front ring too. With the bike in it's smallest gears, teeth wise, check how close to the bottom of the front derailleur cage the chain runs and use that to figure out how small you can go diameter wise. If you are willing to forgo being able to cross chain on the smallest front ring and the smallest rear sprocket you could probably go a fair bit smaller. The rubbing of the chain on the derailleur will soon train you not to cross chain!

Helderberg

When you say change the front ring also or did you mean instead of the cassette?
Frank.

Trevtassie

Either, Or. Lower gears are good for the knees.

Shimagnolo

Here is a 9s with 12-36 cassette and an RD-M592 "Shadow" derailleur which works like a charm.
("Shadow" meaning the pivot point is aft of the mounting bolt, enabling larger cogs.)
I would have preferred an 11T top gear, but at the time I could not find a 9s 11-36 cassette.

Helderberg

Thanks all. Very much appreciated.
Frank.

Trevtassie

I'm running that same derailleur with a Sunrace 11-40T no problems.

Helderberg

Thank you. Great information.
Frank.

aggiegrads

Trevtassie

The Deore, cheap enough from Germany...https://www.bike-components.de/en/Sh...illeur-p22500/ Though not once you load up with all the other goodies you find cheap...

Shimagnolo

I have that same combination of 2 on my bikes.
I recently tried an 11-42 cassette on one, but it didn't work.
Teeth on the cassette were nicking the RD arm (to which the inner cable attaches).
I even had an extra-long B-screw on hand, but I could not get it to work.

Perhaps I'll try an 11-40 next.

Helderberg

I have a email into FSA as my bike has their Tempo Compact, 50/34 and I asked if there is a 30 or 32 I can swap out on the cranks and not have any of the issues with the rear DR but need to make sure that the new gear would not make the chain drag on the Sora FD I have. My rear DR is Sora as the photo shows and I believe it is a long cage. Either way do you think the crank gear, if available, would give me the lower range I am looking for or will it make the jump from the 30 or 32 up to the 50 too large? According to my Strava I have some hills here that are at 14-15% for what that is worth and with my 70 year old knees I am trying to keep the cadence workable and not put a lot of stress on an already weak link, me.
Any other ideas are certainly welcome as I am by no means any kind of expert on this subject.
Thanks again for all of your responses, Frank.

hokiefyd 

Frank, another option is installing a triple crank on the front. Perhaps a 26/36/48 or something. That'll give you great range and your long cage derailleur can easily handle it. You also won't lose anything you'd actually use on the top end. That's like the same same (or similar) as what your other Quick has -- do you like its gearing? If so, you may consider matching that drivetrain on your newer Quick.

detshiva

I just recently tried an 11:40x8 with a 22 32 42 (or close) I had soo much chain flap on the smallest cog I gave up on the idea it seemed to me that much flap would take a motorcycle chain tensioner to steady it. A good quality long cage derailleur may have worked but what I have now already picks up sticks and brush.

Tony