Extending gear range for occasional weekend trip
01-26-21, 05:14 PM
#26
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01-26-21, 05:22 PM
#27
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01-26-21, 06:27 PM
#28
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I'm not sure I see why it is so important to keep the small rear derailleur. The penalty for a derailleur with more capacity when used with your current gearing is almost zero. A couple of ounces. Derailleurs are easy to swap. Cables are cheap. Yeah, you need a new chain and if you have gone too long, it won't work with the old cassette. (Keep the old chain and use the two together.)
Once you've upsized the rear derailleur, you have more freedom with cassettes, chainrings and chain take-up. Life just gets easier.
I run a mid-sized old Campy derailleur with a 50-38-24 triple and anything from 12-23 to 14-28. (It's a Campy cassette. Loose cogs except a carrier of 3 cogs.) I use all sorts of combos and never have to change anything else. Usually have the large and small made up on separate wheels and just grab what I feel like riding.
Once you've upsized the rear derailleur, you have more freedom with cassettes, chainrings and chain take-up. Life just gets easier.
I run a mid-sized old Campy derailleur with a 50-38-24 triple and anything from 12-23 to 14-28. (It's a Campy cassette. Loose cogs except a carrier of 3 cogs.) I use all sorts of combos and never have to change anything else. Usually have the large and small made up on separate wheels and just grab what I feel like riding.
I can get rings and cassette from my LBS for less than $200. The big big combination will only be 2 teeth difference between the two setups. Likely won't need different chains. If anything, can put two master links and just take one in and out.
01-26-21, 06:29 PM
#29
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Swapping to a smaller inner chainring will likely not work well.
You can buy an 11-30 cassette and use it with your current RD. If you want even lower gearing, look for a 105 GS rear derailleur and an 11-32 or 11-34 cassette. But be forewarned that you will be limited on the high end to an 11-28 cassette with that RD, according to Shimano's specs.
Or you could just stick with your current gearing, which probably works just fine in Iowa, and push your bike up the steepest hills on your weekend getaway. That's be far less hassle and expense. I've pushed my gravel bike up some nasty hills while gravel racing out here, and my heart rate probably gets higher than when pedaling.
You can buy an 11-30 cassette and use it with your current RD. If you want even lower gearing, look for a 105 GS rear derailleur and an 11-32 or 11-34 cassette. But be forewarned that you will be limited on the high end to an 11-28 cassette with that RD, according to Shimano's specs.
Or you could just stick with your current gearing, which probably works just fine in Iowa, and push your bike up the steepest hills on your weekend getaway. That's be far less hassle and expense. I've pushed my gravel bike up some nasty hills while gravel racing out here, and my heart rate probably gets higher than when pedaling.
01-29-21, 10:01 AM
#30
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I find it rather amazing that so many question the use of a granny gear triple. The weight of the small granny gear ring is so small. But then the day may come when off the beaten path, you run into a rather steep hill, and you will be glad you have that granny gear. As the Boy Scouts say---------------be prepared.
Then--------------again the "B" screw is NOT for chain tension.
Then--------------again the "B" screw is NOT for chain tension.
Last edited by rydabent; 02-01-21 at 09:50 AM.
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01-30-21, 10:49 PM
#31
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I find it rather amazing that so many question the use of a granny gear triple. The weight of the small granny gear ring is so small. But then the day may come when off the beaten path, you run into a rather steep hill, and you will be glad you have that granny gear. As the Boy Scouts say---------------be prepared.
01-30-21, 10:56 PM
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01-31-21, 12:44 AM
#33
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I have already stated, I am going to pick up a set of 50-34 rings and an 11-30 cassette. I can run that combination without changing out derailleurs. At most, might have to move front mech up and down. But that shouldn't be an issue.
01-31-21, 10:02 AM
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If I ever get tempted to swap out my triple for a double, I will re-read this thread.
I understand that the R7000 doesn’t offer a triple and there will be capacity issues. But chain wrap issues only happen if you are too lazy to shift a chainring and use small-small for more speed.
Good luck with your project, I have nothing to help you. I hope it works out.
John
Edit Added: I will say a 46/30 sub-compact is a good option, but not if the R7000 is 110 BCD.
I understand that the R7000 doesn’t offer a triple and there will be capacity issues. But chain wrap issues only happen if you are too lazy to shift a chainring and use small-small for more speed.
Good luck with your project, I have nothing to help you. I hope it works out.
John
Edit Added: I will say a 46/30 sub-compact is a good option, but not if the R7000 is 110 BCD.
Last edited by 70sSanO; 01-31-21 at 10:46 AM.
