biker3c086e24

I've got a 2017 Jamis Renegade Exploit, and I'd like to swap out the cassette for an 11-42T or maybe even an 11-46T (to get a lower gear ratio for bikepacking). I've been told that the stock derailleur won't accommodate a cassette that large, so is there something I can do to make it work? Would a derailleur hanger extension work in this case? Do I have other options besides that? Thanks!

Iride01 

Does that frame have the mounts and stuff for panniers and things like fenders that might be desired for must ride times when caught in rain? But I guess the stylish trend is those oversize bags under the saddle and bags in the triangle.

I think a 46 tooth on the back is going to be extreme for any Shimano road group if they'll even handle that big.

Are you sure you don't want to get another bike for bike packing that has the gearing already to handle your increased load?

Might want to look at how to understand what the DR specs mean and then consider getting a crankset with smaller rings as well as the biggest cassette range you can run on the back, which for 105-5800 is 34T is max I think, maybe 36. And that is if you have the mid cage DR. (what most call long cage).

I think..... 105 5800 had a version with a 3x front. But maybe that ended with the 105 5700 group. Getting a 3x crank and front DR and shifter might also be an option.

And even going back to 9 or 10 speed rear with 3x is a possibility, but might be expensive getting a whole new group.

But still, I like the idea of getting a bike that is specifically for the bikepacking purpose. Trying to make one bike do it all is compromising the riding you do the most.

cxwrench

Have you not ready any of the current threads (prob still on page one) that are about this specifically?

aggiegrads

Most of the gravel-specific bikes that I have seen are based on road groups.

For bike packing, fully rigid mountain bikes make the best starting points. Salsa makes some "crossover" models like the Fargo that are basically drop-bar mountain bikes.

Without going to mountain components, you will have a hard time getting gearing appropriate to true bikepacking.

Bill Kapaun

I attached the sheet for the RDER.
As you can see, total wrap is 37T.
Your crank.. 50-34 = 16T
Your cassette..11-32 = 21T.
21+16 = 37T. You are already at Max chain wrap capacity!
MAX cog size is 32T. You could "probably" get away with 34T.
I'm too ignorant on "road" stuff to know what RDER has the proper cable pull for 11 Speed road with adequate capacity for huge cogs & chain wrap.

dedhed

Clearing a large cog (using an extension) does not add any chain wrap capacity to the derailleur.

dsbrantjr

Going with a triple is definitely the way to get the wide range needed, will have smaller steps between gears, and is likely to be more robust and shift better than a double with an extreme-range cassette.

Elvo

Best bet for 11-42 with minimal changes is either a roadlink + RX800 derailleur or shiftmate + dyna-sys 2 derailleur