Originally Posted by
SFLiz
This thread is old but it's on topic for me as I'm swapping out my cassette from a 12-30 to a 11-28 because I'm upgrading my wheel set. I'm wondering if I'll feel the difference on my climbs. I am going to change the cassette because my bike (2013 Ruby Comp) came with an otherwise Ultegra group set except for the cassette (Specialized snuck in a Tiagra) and the front derailleur is a 105. Bastards. Anyhow, I went ahead and got an Ultegra cassette because I figured since I'm changing out my wheels, it's be easier and inexpensive to install a new cassette without having to remove the 12-30 off my DT Swiss wheels. Those could be my training set and I could leave the 12-30 cassette on them. Even though I won't need a chain whip this time, I might still get one for my bike tool box. I'm going to be doing this myself. There are some good you tube videos that explain quite clearly how to install a chainring. Seems straightforward. I'll be doing this as soon as I get my parts/tools tomorrow, including my bike stand to help with cleaning/lubing from now on.
Anyone think I'll perceive much change from 12-30 to 11-28? I do a fair share of climbing here in SF area. Thanks.
I am considering doing the opposite. When I was in "bike school" I asked about putting the 12-30 cassette on my bike and if my short cage 105 derailleur could handle it. The teacher said that generally you can go up two teeth from what you derailleur specs say. He also said that the two additional teeth are enough to feel a difference as I now run out of gears on plenty of hills.
But I haven't tried it yet so I don't know if his advice is accurate.
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