Cassette Options

[Gavin]

I am going to purchase a new cassette because my gear ratios are not low enough for sportive action.

I currently have a campag centaur 10 speed 12-25 with a 50/34 on the front.

I was thinking of a simple campag centaur 13-29.

Then I also saw Marchisio Aviotek 10 speed which I could get in any option.

So I could in theory get 12,13,14,15,17,19,21,24,27,30.

Any thoughts would the jumps be too much. Most of the riding I do is hill related and the low gears are all bunched together nicely.

I think the 21-24 is the big worry maybe just go with at 29 top.

Any ideas

Gavin
(The lazy guy at the back)

[richv]

The difference between 29 and 30 is pretty minimal so I would suggest go with the 13-29. I used a 13-29 with a 39 small ring at the front for the Etape last year and it was fine, 34*29 should be plenty for most things.

You should also check your rear derailleur. Campag claim that 13-29 won't work properly with a short-cage mech but I don't know if anyone has actually tried it.

[Andrew G]

I have a 14-28 campag cassette (only have 9 speed) as I was running out of gears. The biggest jump is on the last 2 sprockets from 25 to 28. It works fine and shifts smoothly, but I would only have this bigger jump for the last emergency sprocket so in theory your 27 to 30 jump should work fine.

If you currently only have a short cage on your rear mech (can't spell de-rail...!) make sure you cost in a new one as you'll need a medium or long cage. Not sure which (probably medium with a compact chainset) but the campag website has the details of which cage suits which cassette. I had to switch to a medium for 53/39, 14-28.

Andrew.

[Gavin]

Got a medium cage.

Yes I suppose the 13-29 should be ok.

I'll see if I can get one before wednesdays killer ride.....

Cheers

g

[siwickm]

With a 34 on the front and a 25 on the back that should be enough. I think most people have a 39 on the front so you should be fine. Maybe go to a 28 on the back if you really are struggling.

Cheers

Marek....

[Gavin]

Marek,

I'm heading for retirement I need to take it easy.

I'll go for a 29!

G

[Gavin]

Sorry to sound stupid but what tool do I need to take an campagnolo cassette off?

Is it a chain whip?

Once I get my new cassette there will be no more crying like a girl on whitedown........ (I Hope)

[Grahame]

Why not take the wheel to the shop that you buy the cassette off and ask them to fit it. Most shops will do this for no (extra) charge.

[siwickm]

Gavin, you need a chain whip to hold the cassette to stop it spinning when you use the special campag wrench which you use to undo the cassette lock ring. Gavin, if you are cycling over EG way in the near future I can sort it out for you if you like. PM or text me if you want to meet up, or you could meet me at London Bridge at some point and I can lend you my tools.

Cheers

Marek....

[siwickm]

p.s. Buy the cassette off the internet they are much cheaper than in Geoffrey Butlers.

Cheers

Marek....

[Mike I]

Gavin

I can lend you a chain whip and cassette tool. If you get your own, bear in mind that Campy tools are fiercely expensive, and, I find, not always necessary. The Park Tool cassette remover works fine with a big spanner!