Question Understanding my cassette options.

[tomdemolen]

Hi there, I am looking to upgrade my cassette for the hills but I'm not entirely sure what my options are.

On my Trek 1.7 I am running a Shimano 105 52-39 crank with a Shimano 105 CS-5700 11-28 cassette. My rear derailleur is a Shimano Ultegra 10 speed RD-6600, short cage I believe. (Not entirely sure how to tell)

Now I was wondering if I could upgrade my cassette to a 11-32 for instance. I'm trying to figure out if this will work with my rear derailleur, as it has a 29 maximal capacity. Not sure how that works entirely but it looks like it won't fit: (52-39) + (32-11) = 34.

I'd love to hear if my assumption is correct and if there are any other options out there!

 

[jmdirt]

It seems like someone (aftermarket) makes 36 and 38 tooth rings for that groupo. That might be a better option?

 

[42x16ss]

You'll need either a medium cage rear derailleur or mid compact chainrings

 

[tomdemolen]

It seems like someone (aftermarket) makes 36 and 38 tooth rings for that groupo. That might be a better option?

So you are suggesting swapping out the cranks instead of the cassette. Did not think about that yet. Seems like a good alternative. I could try my brother‘s 105 50-34 crank to see how much difference it gives.

You'll need either a medium cage rear derailleur or mid compact chainrings

A medium cage seems to be the solution. However, there might be a risk of my jockey wheels hitting the 32t on the cassette. I’m afraid the only way to tell is to try.

Thanks for your replies.

 

[jmdirt]

So you are suggesting swapping out the cranks instead of the cassette. Did not think about that yet. Seems like a good alternative. I could try my brother‘s 105 50-34 crank to see how much difference it gives.



A medium cage seems to be the solution. However, there might be a risk of my jockey wheels hitting the 32t on the cassette. I’m afraid the only way to tell is to try.

Thanks for your replies.

I would just change the small ring not the entire crank unless you can find a good deal.