smaller ring for touring??

[spazzdog]

As soon as I have the disposable income...

spazz

[cindysue]

Swapping Cindy's cassette for an XT 9 spd with a 32T cog = priceless . Actually, it is 25.3. A 34T cog would be 23.8 and almost exactly what V is running.

huh! I love it when that happens.........

I called my LBS (Calif. Pedaler in Danville) and told them "I'm going on a tour, bike is 52-42-30 w/ 12-25." And then asked what he suggested.

Well first he felt that my set up would probably be fine. But after pushing a little bit (explaining what a slug I will be with the trailer) - he suggested EXACTLY what Sarah had suggested: an XT derailer and a 34T cog. The amazing thing is he only spent about a minute thinking about it. But I was really happy to hear he confirmed what Sarah had suggested. He said it would be just over $200 w/ labor. How does this price sound to y'all?

I'll give Chris a call also, but Danville is so much closer than San Leandro..........

[SadieKate]

Well, an XT rear cassette is about $75 and a derailler is $65-70. That would leave $50 for labor and a new cable. If it is a local shop and good labor, Bubba just said "bite the bullet." We do our own wrenching so we don't know labor costs much. You can talk Bubba's head off in a few hours.

[cindysue]

looks like I will also have to get a new chain ($40 for the XT) - bummer since I just bought one (now the wrong size of course) less than 500 miles ago.

So, about $250. I just made the appointment for next Thursday - bike to work day - how appropriate!

see ya at 4:00pm. All that hard work this afternoon with the trailer on my old cassette will make the $250 investment next week much more palatable.

[emily_in_nc]

Cindy ~ I think you are doing the right thing! My husband and I took a tour last fall (NY state), and I needed every bit of my XT cogset in the rear (I had front/back racks and panniers). Depends on the amount of climbing of course (we were in the Finger Lakes and Adirondacks -> LOTS of climbs), but it never hurts to be over-prepared!

Emily

[cindysue]

Cindy ~ I think you are doing the right thing! My husband and I took a tour last fall (NY state), and I needed every bit of my XT cogset in the rear (I had front/back racks and panniers). Depends on the amount of climbing of course (we were in the Finger Lakes and Adirondacks -> LOTS of climbs), but it never hurts to be over-prepared!
Emily

thanks Emily - I'll be sure to post a ride report when I get back (June 13-20). I can't wait to try out my new set-up!