Can I replace my Cassette without replacing chain etc.

[pumaz]

I’m off to Mallorca with my Ultegra R8000 equipped Ribble Gran Fondo at the weekend but beginning to wish I had a 11/32 instead of the 11/30 cassette with compact 50/34 I have just to give me that bail out option for some of the tougher climbs. Thing is I have a short cage mech which I don’t want to change or even the chain. Simply put can I swap out my 11/30 for 11/32 with only adjustments?

 

[touch]

Technically, I think that the spec says the short cage doesnt work with a 32 tooth cassette sprocket but in reality I've seen people running that setup with no problems.

I dont think you'd need it really. The climbs in Mallorca are not too steep.


edit: missed the actual question asked in OP! Doh!
Yes, you can change the cassette without swapping the chain. If the chain is worn it'll also wear the cassette a lot faster. So it's not advisable if the chain is old but would be fine if the chain is fairly new.

 

[pumaz]

Cheers touch, the chain as only done around 600 miles, only had this bike a few months so in good condition. I know it’s not really steap in Mallorca but they’re very long! I’m tempted to try for the sake of £50 but others have said like you I’ll be fine with 11/30

 

[topgun06]

You should be fine changing the cassette. But as @touch has mentioned, the climbs are not really steep. I don't think you will need it. 30 at the back with 34 at the front should be ample.

 

[UTmaniac]

Should be fine on a typical 600 miles old chain.

I've no experience of pushing the limits of what a short cage rear mech can do, an 11-32 might be fine, don't forget there's also 11-34 cassettes now... But that might be really pushing a short mech too far and I've yet to see the sprocket jumps on it (I presume it will be 26-30-34, as the 11-34 finishes 25-28-32 iirc).

 

[jpaul]

maybe you now know the answer ?

but is the existing chain long enough .. if they were mean on the links they used setting up your bike originally ?
I would get one speculatively from wiggle too, and return if not needed

 

[touch]

but is the existing chain long enough .. if they were mean on the links they used setting up your bike originally ?
I would get one speculatively from wiggle too, and return if not needed

That wouldn't be a problem unless he's massively cross-chaining by riding in the 50 chainring and 32 sprocket.

 

[BennyC]

Such a negligible difference between a 30 to 32t.

If you were going from a 25t to a 30t/32t I'd say it'd warrant the faff.

Nothing severe/steep enough out there to need any 'bail out' gear on the grades are all single digit so just pace it differently.