Road Cycling Essentials

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What group set are you using?

I think that Sram Apex is compatible with Shimano as well as Sram. The long cage rear mech can be picked up for about £50 and you can fit a 32t cassette. That should give you a ratio that comes very, very close to a triple but without having to swap out your levers (i.e. the expensive bit).
 
In that case, a 32T at the back gives a low of 27.9 gear inches (assuming 700x23c tyres), which is almost exactly the same as the low on my Ultegra triple (i.e 30T chainring 28T cassette). Sounds like your best bet to me, unless you need to go even lower.
 
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According to the chap I was speaking to in Sigma Sports you can actually get a 36t cassette on an Apex long cage, although Sram only say 32t.

It's still a lot of gearing for little cash, and it's a bit stealth.......

Edit:

Saundie said:
In that case, a 32T at the back gives a low of 27.9 gear inches (assuming 700x23c tyres), which is almost exactly the same as the low on my Ultegra triple (i.e 30T chainring 28T cassette). Sounds like your best bet to me, unless you need to go even lower.
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The triple will give 28.2 gear inches so the Apex long cage is actually lower gearing.

The main difference is going to be 20 gears v 30 gears so you are going to have bigger jumps between gears with the Apex setup.
 
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[DOD]Asprilla;20987687 said:
The triple will give 28.2 gear inches so the Apex long cage is actually lower gearing.

The main difference is going to be 20 gears v 30 gears so you are going to have bigger jumps between gears with the Apex setup.
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Hence "almost exactly the same" rather than "almost as low" ;) I know what you're getting at, though; the only compelling reason to go for a triple over a double with a wide range cassette would be the gaps in the gears.
 
Saundie said:
Hence "almost exactly the same" rather than "almost as low" ;) I know what you're getting at, though; the only compelling reason to go for a triple over a double with a wide range cassette would be the gaps in the gears.
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I wasn't getting at you, it's just I was surprised that it was lower so I thought it was worth stating explicitly.
 
I'm not surprised you were unaware, Mr "11-25 is as low as I go, bitches" ;)

As for my defensive remark, don't worry, it was simply for comedic effect. Much like the above comment :D
 
Ok, a fair amount of that went "woosh". Are you talking about changing one of the cassette rings at the back? ie The lowest to a lower one?

Edit: Looking at CRC I now assume you mean change the whole cassette but one which goes up to 32T, which again I assume relates to the number of spikes on the largest of the 10 cogs?
 
So, my house was broken into, and among other things my 2011 Specalized Allez elite was stolen. I doubt I'll ever see it again, but I'd just like to get the word out there incase anyone on here may see it.

Stolen from the leamingon spa area. Red/White with 2 spesh drinks cages in matching colours. Also had a garmin edge 500 and cadance sensor attached. Keeping my eyes on ebay/gum tree, but not expecting anything!
 
Russinating said:
Ok, a fair amount of that went "woosh". Are you talking about changing one of the cassette rings at the back? ie The lowest to a lower one?

Edit: Looking at CRC I now assume you mean change the whole cassette but one which goes up to 32T, which again I assume relates to the number of spikes on the largest of the 10 cogs?
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In order to fit a triple you would need to change:

Your crankset (pedal cranks and front chain rings)
Your shifters (since your front shifter is currently only compatible for two rings)

The alternative is to change your rear derailleur for one with a longer arm and that will allow your to fit a bigger rear cassette. Your current derailleur will probably take a cassette where the biggest ring has either 27 or 28 teeth on it. By changing to the longer arm version you can fit a cassette with up to 32 teeth on it.

This will actually give you easier gearing than having a triple and it will be easier / cheaper to switch back to your current set-up as you get fitter and stronger.
 
AtomicBanana said:
So, my house was broken into, and among other things my 2011 Specalized Allez elite was stolen. I doubt I'll ever see it again, but I'd just like to get the word out there incase anyone on here may see it.

Stolen from the leamingon spa area. Red/White with 2 spesh drinks cages in matching colours. Also had a garmin edge 500 and cadance sensor attached. Keeping my eyes on ebay/gum tree, but not expecting anything!
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Sorry to hear that :(.
 
AtomicBanana said:
Nope :( No house insurance at all. As was typical it was the first thing on my list to do after a frantic first week back at work . . . Can't afford to replace it for at least 6-8 months so I figured I may as well make a quick post . . .
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I hate hearing stories like this, damn thieves!! Have you posted on bike forums with pictures and a good description?
 
[DOD]Asprilla;20987687 said:
The triple will give 28.2 gear inches so the Apex long cage is actually lower gearing.
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Let's not forget that the Triple chainset is going to be heavier than the Compact as well. As he's going uphill, every gram counts IMHO.

*Edit*

Contador rode Apex this year during a stage of the Giro. It is an option.
 
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Russinating said:
Gotcha.

I've just counted to make sure and I've currently got an 11-25 cassette. Would I notice a significant difference between 25 and 27/28?
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Yes. Go for a 28. When I bought my Cervelo it had a 28 and I took it up Box hill a few times, and it was noticibly easier than when I took my Ribble up it (25).

Also, don't forget that the biggest factor in your uphill performance is your PWR. So stop dodging the salad ;)
 
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