hubcyclist

So here's my current setup:
53-42 chainrings
8 speed cassette: 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23

This works for me for the most part, in fact, I tend to use the 42 over the big ring (and I tend to hang around in the 15 and 17 cogs).

But, I'm starting to ride hillier routes and have to get myself out of the saddle on the lowest gears (and I'm sure it's a relatively easy one, there are some in the area that are much harder). So, if you were me, would you consider changing the 42 to a 39 and then going 11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28 for the cassette? Of course, working harder is always an option. All components are 105 from 1995. Just seems like the alternative would make my bike a bit more versatile than it is in its current state.

Jakedatc

Skip the 11. get a 12 or even 13-28 whatever you can find in 8 speed. if you are mostly using the 42 then you won't be maxing out a 53. better to have a few more choices. i have a compact with 50-36 and don't use the 11 or even 12 much.

mercator

Those are pretty big gears. I have an 8 speed setup on my Lemond (with a compact 50-34 crank) and I feel like an 11-28 cassette would be perfect for the riding I do.
Unfortunately finding that particular combination is quite difficult surprisingly easy
Here are a couple of choices.
Good luck.

hubcyclist

I actually had found this particular cassette on nashbar today, which is where I got my numbers from SRAM PG-850 8-speed Cassette - Cassettes

mercator

Thanks! Just ordered one myself.

RollCNY

Personally, I would leave it exactly as it is.