Originally Posted by aliasfox

I have an 11-34 on my NYC bike, and don’t like it that much - spacing too big between the cruising gears, and I’ve never used the 32 and 34 cogs out back (paired with a 50-34 compact up front). The biggest hill within 20 miles of me is about 1mile at 7%, and I can chug up that in 34-30 (Or even 34-28) just fine. Considering switching out the 11-34 for a 11-30 to get some of the tight gear spacing back, given that I don’t expect to miss the bottom end a whole lot,

The bike I keep at my sister’s house in the Bay Area has a 12-27 paired with a 52-42-32 triple, and I’ve run both ends of the cassette and all three rings out there. On some 10% or steeper grades, definitely wish for another gear.

So really depends on what terrain you’re riding, and what preferences you have. Another option would be to do the derailleur and chain swap, and have a (lightweight) rear wheel with the 11-34 on it for hill days, and an aero rear wheel with the 11-30 for flats days... but I’m excessive like that.

Originally Posted by Joearch

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

Originally Posted by Jimmydolittle

my Giant contend came with a 34-11 on and 34-50 crank. I have used the lowest gear 34 / 34 a couple of times, but TBH the second gear, or third standing would do.

I find I spend most of my time in gears 13-15 (9 speed casette). I have just switched to a 30-11 castette. This has effect of providing an extra gear higher up with closer spacing, which I find is more useful to my riding.

just had to buy 2 tools, really simple to swap.

I have some decent mountains within reach, so I can always swap back for such rides.

Originally Posted by Leinster

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.

Originally Posted by CAT7RDR

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.