Originally Posted by
mawn
Hi, I'm used to easy gear in my mountain bike (Trek 3700), Crank 42/34, and 7-speed Cassette 12-32.
I like to do some
challenging climbs (18%) in my city, but with my new bike, I find it very hard with a 52/42 Crank and 9-speed Cassette 13-23.
Climbing, I prefer a high cadence to grind.
For flat, the bike is excellent. I like it!
What should I upgrade first, the Crank or the Cassette? is it possible?
Thank you
9 speed 105 from the Octalink era...
cassette looks like 12 to 23, to my eye...
cranks, given what you say is on the crank, COULD be a triple crank... look at the backside of the crank, if there are 5 empty bolt posts (female), one each on each crank arm near the axle/spindle center - then it can take a granny gear - usually a 30. Best, cheapest way to get the gearing needed for climbing ... IF the Brifters are also triple... Lift the rubber hood on the left/front shifter - under that will be a Model #... triple model numbers/names usually end on an '03'...
Shimano 9 speed Octalink Crank - BB/inboard side
Triples are great for a broad range of gears, and the shimano triples from that era work great - when properly set up. 'Bikie' fashion has poo-poo'd triples, but they have always worked well for me.
And if the motor is good, who cares? Ignore fashion, function over fashion.
Dial your guads up to 450 and droop the naysayers... LOL!
Ride On
Yuri