11-30 vs 11-34 cassette
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
11-30 vs 11-34 cassette
I ordered a a Bianchi Infinito CV Ultegra Disc and it comes with 11-30 cassette. My current bike is a 11-34. I have mostly been doing relatively flat rides and am in the 11-17 range. I was thinking The Infinito might get me into climbing some. Not sure and wonder what to do. LBS who is a Bianchi dealer said they can do the switch to 11-34 which is changing cassette, chain and rear derailleur for $199. Apparently a fair number of folks make that switch. I am 64, getting back into riding the last 4 months doing 20-35 mile rides 4-5 days a week. Suggestions?
thx
thx
Last edited by Joearch; 07-16-20 at 02:24 PM.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: location location
Posts: 3,033
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 343 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
205 Posts
1) Presumably you're already on a compact crank or smaller? Have you thought of switching to a 46-30, which would give you the same 1/1 low gear as a 50-34/11-34?
2) Are there any climbs around you where you need a 34? If you're in the 11-17 range most of the time, it doesn't sound like you need anything bigger than a 30.
2) Are there any climbs around you where you need a 34? If you're in the 11-17 range most of the time, it doesn't sound like you need anything bigger than a 30.
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
1) Presumably you're already on a compact crank or smaller? Have you thought of switching to a 46-30, which would give you the same 1/1 low gear as a 50-34/11-34?
2) Are there any climbs around you where you need a 34? If you're in the 11-17 range most of the time, it doesn't sound like you need anything bigger than a 30.
2) Are there any climbs around you where you need a 34? If you're in the 11-17 range most of the time, it doesn't sound like you need anything bigger than a 30.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 3,803
Bikes: Trek Domane SL6 Gen 3, Soma Fog Cutter, Focus Mares AL, Detroit Bikes Sparrow FG, Volae Team, Nimbus MUni
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 878 Post(s)
Liked 2,019 Times
in
1,055 Posts
What's the cost to change later, if you so decide? Probably not much more.
Nobody can tell you if 34-30 is sufficient for you. Your power to weight ratio, the grades you want to climb, and your riding style all factor in.
With that said, I'd go with the bike as it comes and make a change if there's a problem. At that time, you can consider the different options for lowering gearing.
Nobody can tell you if 34-30 is sufficient for you. Your power to weight ratio, the grades you want to climb, and your riding style all factor in.
With that said, I'd go with the bike as it comes and make a change if there's a problem. At that time, you can consider the different options for lowering gearing.
Likes For downtube42:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Allen, TX
Posts: 2,624
Bikes: 2021 S-Works Turbo Creo SL, 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 762 Post(s)
Liked 3,982 Times
in
1,415 Posts
Bike comes with a 50-34 crank. I live in Los Angeles so there are a lot of hill/mountain opportunities. In the time I have started up riding again I have not done much climbing. Was wondering if this bike would get me into rides that have more climbing. Was one of the reasons for getting disc's. Honestly so for even mild climbs have been tough for me. So maybe have a wider range in the small gears is more functional for me. I can start that way and change later if I get stronger and start doing some climbing.
Likes For MattTheHat:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,456
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1722 Post(s)
Liked 1,272 Times
in
734 Posts
I'll agree with Downtube42. No one else can tell you what works for you. I'm 74 and ride with a compact and 11-28. So what? That has nothing to do with you. If you haven't been climbing, you don't have climbing fitness. And, I'm guessing, you don't have climbing technique. I'd buy whatever bike works for you as is. Then I'd start climbing. After awhile you will know if you need different gears. My guess is as you get more fit, your gearing needs may change again. Go with the bike that "speaks" to you and make changes as needed.
#7
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 426
Bikes: 1964 Schwinn Varsity, 1985 Trek 410, 1985 Peugeot P 8, 2021 Pinarello Dogma F12, 2022 Cannondale Topstone Alloy
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 106 Post(s)
Liked 1,102 Times
in
327 Posts
I'll agree with Downtube42. No one else can tell you what works for you. I'm 74 and ride with a compact and 11-28. So what? That has nothing to do with you. If you haven't been climbing, you don't have climbing fitness. And, I'm guessing, you don't have climbing technique. I'd buy whatever bike works for you as is. Then I'd start climbing. After awhile you will know if you need different gears. My guess is as you get more fit, your gearing needs may change again. Go with the bike that "speaks" to you and make changes as needed.
Likes For ultrarider7:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Québec, Canada
Posts: 2,064
Bikes: SL8 Pro, TCR beater
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 957 Post(s)
Liked 562 Times
in
423 Posts
I ordered a a Bianchi Infinito CV Ultegra Disc and it comes with 11-30 cassette. My current bike is a 11-34. I have mostly been doing relatively flat rides and am in the 11-17 range. I was thinking The Infinito might get me into climbing some. Not sure and wonder what to do. LBS who is a Bianchi dealer said they can do the switch to 11-34 which is changing cassette, chain and rear derailer for $199. Apparently a foar numner of folks make that switch. I am 64, getting back into riding the last 4 months doing 20-35 mile rides 4-5 days a week. Suggestions?
thx
thx
Likes For eduskator:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: VA
Posts: 1,437
Bikes: SuperSix Evo | Revolt
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 733 Post(s)
Liked 815 Times
in
414 Posts
I'm with Matt, go straight for the 11-34. I do a lot of climbing here, and I'm very fit, and still want 1-1 on the road, better than that on gravel.
Likes For Rides4Beer:
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Great input. I am not sure which way to go. Not doing much climbing yet but 34 might get me there sooner. Need to ask the LBS that would do the work if the swap of the cassette, chain and RD would all be the same OEM parts as I would want to keep it stock other than gear sizes.
Likes For Joearch:
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: location location
Posts: 3,033
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 343 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
205 Posts
Great input. I am not sure which way to go. Not doing much climbing yet but 34 might get me there sooner. Need to ask the LBS that would do the work if the swap of the cassette, chain and RD would all be the same OEM parts as I would want to keep it stock other than gear sizes.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,083
Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 811 Post(s)
Liked 1,946 Times
in
936 Posts
Unless you are 150 lbs and already a solid climber, in the SoCal area, it is always a benefit to have a 34:34 possibility when you hit extended grades of 8+% for several miles. $200 is a bargain to make the switch.
Likes For CAT7RDR:
#14
Senior Member
I ordered a a Bianchi Infinito CV Ultegra Disc and it comes with 11-30 cassette. My current bike is a 11-34. I have mostly been doing relatively flat rides and am in the 11-17 range. I was thinking The Infinito might get me into climbing some. Not sure and wonder what to do. LBS who is a Bianchi dealer said they can do the switch to 11-34 which is changing cassette, chain and rear derailer for $199. Apparently a foar numner of folks make that switch. I am 64, getting back into riding the last 4 months doing 20-35 mile rides 4-5 days a week. Suggestions?
thx
thx
#15
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,656
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10244 Post(s)
Liked 11,597 Times
in
5,944 Posts
I stopped paying attention to new bike tech and what other people were riding about 12 years ago, after a 2-year binge in which I bought one new bike, build another, and rebuilt a third. I kept riding, some years more, some years less. So, reading this thread, where everyone's talking about running a 34 x 34 as a necessity is a revelation!
I feel like Rip Van Winkle, falling asleep in a world where my 12-27 cassette and 25mm tires were a source of shame, an admission that I was out of shape. And everyone pumped their tires up to the max on the sidewall.
Now, 25s are considered skinny, and everyone's running MUCH lower pressures, and an 11-30 cassette is now not only acceptable, it's considered not enough! I'm LOVING this new world! I just bought a new Canyon Endurace with a 52/36 and 11-34 in back, with disc brakes, running 28s and it's FANTASTIC! No more grinding up hills at 50-60 rpm!
I feel like Rip Van Winkle, falling asleep in a world where my 12-27 cassette and 25mm tires were a source of shame, an admission that I was out of shape. And everyone pumped their tires up to the max on the sidewall.
Now, 25s are considered skinny, and everyone's running MUCH lower pressures, and an 11-30 cassette is now not only acceptable, it's considered not enough! I'm LOVING this new world! I just bought a new Canyon Endurace with a 52/36 and 11-34 in back, with disc brakes, running 28s and it's FANTASTIC! No more grinding up hills at 50-60 rpm!
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
Likes For genejockey:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Posts: 2,750
Bikes: Merlin Extra Light, Orbea Orca, Ritchey Outback,Tomac Revolver Mountain Bike, Cannondale Crit 3.0 now used for time trials.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 126 Post(s)
Liked 55 Times
in
34 Posts
It depends on how steep are the climbs that you plan to be doing. I am 62 and live in a pretty hilly area with some big 12% to 15% climbs, but certainly not all are like this. I use a compact 50/34 crank and an 11/29. Just put on an 11/32 and it is just right for me. Most of the time I only use the 29 in rear but the 32 is there for a bail out gear or to keep my crank speed up. One suggestion is to get yourself back into cycling shape for the next 3 months with the 11/30 and as you develop some power for hills, see how the 30 does. If it is really not enough, change cassettes and chains. Most rear detailures that will work with a 30 will also work with a 34, medium cage. Likely you are going with Shimano and their rear mechs are not that expensive if you must change.
#17
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Bruce stole my thunder. I own a Bianchi Infinito CV with the 11-30 cassette. There are times I would really like the 34. I would get what you think will be the best out of the box, you can always change down the road. BTW, I've ridden mine about 3,000 miles since last fall and I am 68 years old. It's a great bike!
Likes For Joearch:
#18
Junior Member
Thread Starter
You have the 34 now, on your current bike. I would say take it up some hills this weekend. Work out a manageable 1-2 hour loop within, say, 20-30 miles of home with about 1,500-2,000ft of climbing, and see how you do. If you need the 34 on your current bike, you'll probably need it on the Infinito. If you don't need it now, you definitely won't after. No need to take it up the hardest climb, just something that you find a little bit intimidating.
#19
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,656
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10244 Post(s)
Liked 11,597 Times
in
5,944 Posts
Where I live, I can choose rides that are mostly flat, or flattish with AT MOST short 5 minute climbs, or I can choose ones with a few 10-15 minute climbs, or I can go for some climbs that take at least half an hour. Right now, I'm doing the middle option, and feeling stronger with each passing week, so I think it's the time of year to start throwing in the longer climbs. I know if I try to go from the flat rides to the big climbs without doing the medium climbs first, I suffer!!!
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
#20
Junior Member
Thread Starter
It depends on how steep are the climbs that you plan to be doing. I am 62 and live in a pretty hilly area with some big 12% to 15% climbs, but certainly not all are like this. I use a compact 50/34 crank and an 11/29. Just put on an 11/32 and it is just right for me. Most of the time I only use the 29 in rear but the 32 is there for a bail out gear or to keep my crank speed up. One suggestion is to get yourself back into cycling shape for the next 3 months with the 11/30 and as you develop some power for hills, see how the 30 does. If it is really not enough, change cassettes and chains. Most rear detailures that will work with a 30 will also work with a 34, medium cage. Likely you are going with Shimano and their rear mechs are not that expensive if you must change.
Likes For Elvo:
Likes For Atlas Shrugged:
#23
Senior Member
I think if a 11-34 is going to encourage you to bike up steeper grades, then what's $200 on a very nice new bike? That upgrade price seems pretty fair and you could probably sell those parts if you wanted to offset some of the costs.
For a long time I used to stay in the lower range of the cassette as well, grinding it out with a 52 up front and 15 or so in the back. I'm a pretty new to cycling as a sport, but the more I do it, I find that I appreciate the larger cogs as I'm spinning more and more. I personally run on the 10-30 my bike shipped with and there are more than a few occasions when I wish I had a slightly broader range like a 32 or 34.
For a long time I used to stay in the lower range of the cassette as well, grinding it out with a 52 up front and 15 or so in the back. I'm a pretty new to cycling as a sport, but the more I do it, I find that I appreciate the larger cogs as I'm spinning more and more. I personally run on the 10-30 my bike shipped with and there are more than a few occasions when I wish I had a slightly broader range like a 32 or 34.
Likes For mattscq:
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 172
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Liked 157 Times
in
55 Posts
I also have the Infinito with Chorus 11 speed. I changed myself cassette, RD and chain for 11-32 to better climb hills where I live. No regrets and 11-34 would be even better if it were available.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,949
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 871 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times
in
436 Posts
Back when I did group rides, having the 34t was like a having a superpower when passing other riders just as fit as me on those grades over 10%.