Ferris wrote:
> I searched Shimano's site and couldn't find information on the 105
> RD-5500-GS long cage - I'm wondering if anyone knows the max cog it
> will work with and the range. I have a 12-26 on my bike now and am
> hoping to swap it out with a 12-32 I have on another. (Yes, I live in
> a very hilly area...and I'm a wimp on the hills.)
>
> Thanks,
> Ferris
It may or may not work. Whether a rear derailleur clears a cog is
dependent on where the rear derailleur hanger on a bike is placed. The
rear derailleur hanger placement is sort of kind of standardized on
bike frames. But every company can put it a fraction of a millimeter
here or there. So the aforementioned rear derailleur will certainly
clear a 27 cog. And almost certainly clear a 30 cog usually. Maybe,
maybe clear a 32. Maybe. Most likely not, but maybe, clear a 34 even.
Just depends on the frame. I have a Deore rear derailleur on my
touring frame. Does not clear a 34 cog. I tried it. Clears a 32 cog
fine. Making the chain the absolute minimum to allow the big-big
combination to work may help. But the minimum chain length for a 53x32
or 52x32 may be one link different. That may be enough difference to
allow the rear derailleur to clear the 32. Maybe.
If you have not bought the rear derailleur already, might as well
choose the mountain bike versions over the 105.