Apologies if a ‘stupid’ question…
Just bought a new tri bike, this will be my first experience with training vs. race wheels.
That said, I’m going to have to buy a second cassette when I get some training wheels to replace my race wheels.
The tri bike came with Shimano Ultegra 6600, 10sp, 12-25T…
Will I need to be buying the same exact thing for my trainers? Same brand? Same level? Exact same size?
Thanks
Works fine with any Shimano or Shimano-compatible (check label on box or ask dealer), within a range of 11 to 29.
Just get a cassette tool. It takes all of a minute to swap out a cassette. If you want to buy a new one I would get a different gearing ratio. Then it gives you at least some options. I have a 11/23, 11/26 and 12/27. 11/23 is good for the trainer and super flat rides. 12/27 is my Triple T cassette. The 11/26 is my favorite cassette because it has such a wide range of options. I think SRAM Force and Shimano Ultegra are fine and you’ll save some cash. They are all interchangeable.
Jodi
so I’m not that knowledgeable about cassettes & gearing, if my current is an ultegra 6600 12-25, i can get any other shimano, such as 105, ult, or dura, within a close gearing ratio?
a different gearing set will work, but will just change the gear ratios?
i saw a few videos online…they look pretty easy to sway out right?
thanks
Yes, any Shimano will work. The gearing doesn’t even have to be close. You have a 12/25 right now, which is a great starter cassette. But, if you’re running a flat race, you will want a 11/23. Ultegra, new, should be about $75, and DA7800 should be about $100. Donno what 105 runs.
The purpose of running a different gearing IS to change the possible gear ratios. For example, during a race, you will probably be running a higher ratio on average than during a hilly training ride. Chances are you aren’t going to be using your little ring much. So by having more gears closer together, it allows you to pick the perfect gear for your speed and cadence.
Edit: as has been said, just get a cassette tool: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=12775&srccode=2047&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Datafeed-_-null-_-null
Really, they’re only about $4, plus a hex tool or a wrench. Take the rear wheel off, remove the skewer, and then insert this into the lockring. On the cassette, there is some text. Look for LOCK > , and turn it the other way. It’ll be hard at first, but then once you budge it loose, it’ll come out. Carefully remove the ENTIRE cassette, preferably in one piece. Either way, make sure the order stays intact. Begin placing it on the other wheel, and make sure you get the final spacer ring from the bottom of the cassette. The pattern on the metal of the freehub is not symmetrical - I suggest matching up the BIG space on the cassette body with the BIG notch on the cassette.
You could go with just about any cassette (at least from 11 up to 27) you want as long as it is Shimano or SRAM (they are compatible). You just need to make sure that if you currently have a 9-speed or 10-speed you stick with that. Swapping them is very easy. You need 3 tools- one is a small cassette tool that you use to unscrew it, and the other is a chain-whip so that you can hold the casette in place while unscrewing, the third is just a wrench to get some leverage on the cassette tool. You just have to be careful not to lose any spacers in the process. I’m sure there are good pics online of the process. Only takes a couple minutes.
Jodi
Thanks much!
Seems simple enough.
Great advice too on different gear sizings, there are barely bumps here in Chicago. Let’s not even think about hills.
Off to the classifieds & eBay.
One other thing to keep in mind is chain length in the event you get the larger 28T. Shouldn’t be much of an issue since you chain length is based on the 12-15T, just watch the big-big combo.