Best all-round cassette ratio

[Cycle Fan]

What is the best/most versatile cassette ratio for road/tt? I know you should ideally have one for TT and for road but is there a good compromise?

 

I live in PE, so looking for a cassette I can do road & TT races. Not too many serious hills but there are some and I need all the help I can get.

 

Was looking at a 11-28?

 

Any advise would be great.

[Tankman]

Standard or compact crank? 11-25 for standard is more than enough. 11-21 for compact is great.

 

Just remember the higher the cassette ratio, you start loosing gears in between. Like on a 11 - 28, you wont have 19 or 23 perhaps (cant remember exactly) but that normally ends up being the gear in between the exact one that you need.

 

You wouldnt need two for road and TT because in TT you will be using the higher ratio (bottom half) of the cassette more anyway.

[Cycle Fan]

Thanks-have a standard crank. Great so 11-25 best bet...

[TNT1]

Isn't that like asking how long is a piece of string?

[andydude]

Isn't that like asking how long is a piece of string?

 

Was thinking along that same line... or is it string...

 

Maybe you should ask the question "Best all-round cyclist" first - if you figure that out, maybe you'll get the answer you're looking for.

Edited August 11, 2011 by andydude

[Tiny K]

I ride an 8 speed 12 - 23 and it seems cool - would go 11 - 25 if I got a 10spd groupo.

[The OriginalSpartacus]

I ride an 11-23 and am enjoying it a lot, although I must say I very rarely go into the bottom gear during a TT/Triathlon so I could very well get away with a 12-25. I know I would definitely appreciate the 25 on the wall and through Van Staadens for PE riding I think the 12-25 will be best with a 52/39 on front. If you are going 54 big blade on front then the 12-25 will be best, in my opinion

[Cycle Fan]

Thanks. I need the 11 as I find I tend to 'run out gears' on the flats while on the TT bike, but I definitely need some help in the hills so a 25 would help.

 

Thanks for the advice guys...

[FC&P2C]

I ride an 11-23 and am enjoying it a lot, although I must say I very rarely go into the bottom gear during a TT/Triathlon so I could very well get away with a 12-25. I know I would definitely appreciate the 25 on the wall and through Van Staadens for PE riding I think the 12-25 will be best with a 52/39 on front. If you are going 54 big blade on front then the 12-25 will be best, in my opinion

I ride 11/23 but surely missed a 25 or even 27 during Saturdays 5150 at Bela bela

[TNT1]

I have ridden the Jock, and the Hillclimb the next day on a 12/20, and a 12/21 (9 speed)

 

Was a good allrounder for me.

 

I think the best solution for you would be to drop some poundage, and learn to ride uphill.