Hi All,
I'm trying to tackle the steepest hill I could find and for the first time ever I couldn't get to the top of a bitumen road. I want this hill, but really think I need to make some gearing adjustments.
I'd really appreciate some input on which cassettes are possible and whether a new RD would be required.
I'm running full 105 5700 with compact crankset. currently have 12-17 cassette (apparently the largest/lowest the RD can handle).
The hill has two steep segments ranging between 22% to 28%. First segment is 22%-28% for ~75m, the second is at 22% to 28% for ~150m or a bit more. It's only about 300m elevation, I managed the first section and about 40% of the second segment, but the drop -off and no railings were getting to me at <40rpm. Oh, and the road has gravel in patches all the way up.
I know I could get a MTB, but where's the fun in that?
Yes, I could get stronger. Although I'm a spinner (195cm, 79kg) and am happiest 92-104 rpm, which makes the 27 on the cassette ideal for ~7.5-8% inclines. What that means is that for steep hills, i'm in the same gear from 8% to 28%. So the stronger route would mean a significant amount of specific training, dramatic change in body shape and consist of buying a whole new wardrode... so lets rule that one out.
I'm after something between getting a bit fitter (that part is easy and already underway), and not replacing the whole bike, but maybe a lowest 30/32/34/36? cassette and possibly a new RD to make that cassette compatible.
From what I have researched so far:
Sheldon Brown seems to think the 10s STI and a wide range cassette is possible through either a Deore 9s RD or a new SunXCD RD allowing a cassette with a 34 . ( http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/derailers-rear.html )
Questions:
- If I keep the 105 5700 RD, what is the lowest cassette anyone has experience using (28/30/32?)?
- If I can get a larger sprocket, do I need extra chain links/new chain?
- Does anyone have experiences in climbing 28% on a road bike, if so, what ratio were you able to tame the beast with?
- Does anyone have experience making the Deore or SunXCD RD work with the 10s STI?
- Are shimano MTB 10s cassettes compatible with road/105 RDs / chains / cranksets?
Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing stories of steep hill accomplishments.
I'm trying to tackle the steepest hill I could find and for the first time ever I couldn't get to the top of a bitumen road. I want this hill, but really think I need to make some gearing adjustments.
I'd really appreciate some input on which cassettes are possible and whether a new RD would be required.
I'm running full 105 5700 with compact crankset. currently have 12-17 cassette (apparently the largest/lowest the RD can handle).
The hill has two steep segments ranging between 22% to 28%. First segment is 22%-28% for ~75m, the second is at 22% to 28% for ~150m or a bit more. It's only about 300m elevation, I managed the first section and about 40% of the second segment, but the drop -off and no railings were getting to me at <40rpm. Oh, and the road has gravel in patches all the way up.
I know I could get a MTB, but where's the fun in that?
Yes, I could get stronger. Although I'm a spinner (195cm, 79kg) and am happiest 92-104 rpm, which makes the 27 on the cassette ideal for ~7.5-8% inclines. What that means is that for steep hills, i'm in the same gear from 8% to 28%. So the stronger route would mean a significant amount of specific training, dramatic change in body shape and consist of buying a whole new wardrode... so lets rule that one out.
I'm after something between getting a bit fitter (that part is easy and already underway), and not replacing the whole bike, but maybe a lowest 30/32/34/36? cassette and possibly a new RD to make that cassette compatible.
From what I have researched so far:
Sheldon Brown seems to think the 10s STI and a wide range cassette is possible through either a Deore 9s RD or a new SunXCD RD allowing a cassette with a 34 . ( http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/derailers-rear.html )
Questions:
- If I keep the 105 5700 RD, what is the lowest cassette anyone has experience using (28/30/32?)?
- If I can get a larger sprocket, do I need extra chain links/new chain?
- Does anyone have experiences in climbing 28% on a road bike, if so, what ratio were you able to tame the beast with?
- Does anyone have experience making the Deore or SunXCD RD work with the 10s STI?
- Are shimano MTB 10s cassettes compatible with road/105 RDs / chains / cranksets?
Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing stories of steep hill accomplishments.