Crankset and rear cassette

[xhannie22@gmail.com]

Hi HUBBERS....

 

Please advise,

 

What is a decent rear cassette for easier hill climbing on a road bike.

 

How do I check when I buy a bike to see if I wont be struggling to climb hills with the full groupset set-up that is on the bike.I hear that if you change the rear cassette and the crank set that it could make climbing a bit easier.

 

Thank you for the response in advance.

[Flowta]

Hi HUBBERS....

 

Please advise,

 

What is a decent rear cassette for easier hill climbing on a road bike.

 

How do I check when I buy a bike to see if I wont be struggling to climb hills with the full groupset set-up that is on the bike.I hear that if you change the rear cassette and the crank set that it could make climbing a bit easier.

 

Thank you for the response in advance.

 

First we need to know what you have on there now

[Wez-O]

Hi HUBBERS....

 

Please advise,

 

What is a decent rear cassette for easier hill climbing on a road bike.

 

How do I check when I buy a bike to see if I wont be struggling to climb hills with the full groupset set-up that is on the bike.I hear that if you change the rear cassette and the crank set that it could make climbing a bit easier.

 

Thank you for the response in advance.

This is a very open ended question...

 

Do you come from a MTBing background and if so how often do you use the granny gear (smallest front crank), what do you weight and how do you feel about climbing a long climb on a bicycle...

 

All these would give us a clearer picture on the topic

[xhannie22@gmail.com]

I sold my bike about 2 weeks ago and looking for a new bike now.I had a look around and found a Giant SCR 2014 model which I see is in a lot bike shop for sale.Was wondering if the parts .....groupset and cassette on this bike is ok or do I need to look for something specific.

 

I want to start going more into cycling and don't want to buy a bike now that in a month or need to upgrade stuff on the bike

[xhannie22@gmail.com]

@ King of the Mountains.....Im more of a road bike guy.I weight is about 90kg and about 1.75m tall feel good on a medium bike

 

I want to start with long climbing cause really want to decrease my time in the Argus to about 4 hours that's why I need to get a right set-up

[shaper]

Do you know what the specs are of the Giant, I assume it is a 10 speed, so for most who struggle with hills they will usually put a 11-28 cassette on, and if you really struggle on hills then put a compact crank

[xhannie22@gmail.com]

Shaper.....how do I check if this is on the bike currently as I am a bit new to part and equipment of bikes.I just know its a GIANT SCR 2014 bike.I think there is a bike for sale under classified ...exact same bike

[Winstonian1984]

I sold my bike about 2 weeks ago and looking for a new bike now.I had a look around and found a Giant SCR 2014 model which I see is in a lot bike shop for sale.Was wondering if the parts .....groupset and cassette on this bike is ok or do I need to look for something specific.

 

I want to start going more into cycling and don't want to buy a bike now that in a month or need to upgrade stuff on the bike

 

As far as I know the SCR comes with Shimano Claris groupset, 8 speed, Compact crank and 12-25 cassette. I have a bike with the same setup and when I started using it I was 107kgs. My personal experience was that it is sufficient for long climbs.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Winstonian1984

[shaper]

If you are buying new from your LBS then you can discuss with them what components (crank/cassette) are on there and may be able to discuss with them to change components for your needs.

 

from the giant website http://www.giant-bic...74944/#features

 

It looks like it comes with a standard crank (53/39) and a 11-25 cassette (10spd) for the SCR 0 and the SCR 2 has a compact crank (50/34) and a 11-25 cassette (8spd) which has also been highlighted by Winstonian

 

Which SCR are you considering? SCR0 (10spd) SCR1 (9spd) or SCR2 (8spd)

 

The SCR2 in the classifieds is the 8spd which has a compact crank and 11-25 cassette

Edited April 3, 2014 by shaper

[Dustbug]

Hi for hill climbing you can change your rear cassette and front chain rings, on road bikes most guys ride from 10 up to about 25 but you can get higher / easier cassettes up to 28 or 32. likewise you can change your front granny (small) chain ring to smaller you probably have a 38/39 so you can go smaller but bear in mind the front derailleur is designed to only handle a set number of tooth differentials so if you exceed that number you will also need to downsize the large chain ring to stay within the recommended range.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Dustbug

[Wez-O]

I sold my bike about 2 weeks ago and looking for a new bike now.I had a look around and found a Giant SCR 2014 model which I see is in a lot bike shop for sale.Was wondering if the parts .....groupset and cassette on this bike is ok or do I need to look for something specific.

 

I want to start going more into cycling and don't want to buy a bike now that in a month or need to upgrade stuff on the bike

The Giant SRC has low end specs... Depending on how much you plan on riding, I'd suggest paying a bit more and getting better components (such as the mid range Shimano 105) or even buying a second hand bike from the Hub classified.

[xhannie22@gmail.com]

Gents thanks for all the comments.....looks like I am getting somewhere now and learning something new today.It looks like the SCR2 that's for sale and that I am interested in buying.

 

@ Dutsbug...I think all that info is a bit to much for me to take in...lol :D but I do appreciate it.

 

@ Shaper ...so you would advise me to take this bike with these components on?

 

I was thinking that the complete groupset name brand would make a slight difference in the riding or don't it.Does it matter if the groupset on the bike is entry level or not.....

[Wez-O]

As for the ratios, I would say a normal crank (53-39) mixed with a 11-28 casette would be fine for you. Otherwise a compact crank and a 11-25 casette combo would be slightly easier for climbing.

As mentioned by the guys above, on a new bike, you should be able to request the gearing to suit your needs.

[Wez-O]

I was thinking that the complete groupset name brand would make a slight difference in the riding or don't it.Does it matter if the groupset on the bike is entry level or not.....

It's more the gearing ratios that will make the difference on climbs rather than the brand. Obviously the better the actual gears, then factors like less weight and smoother shifting come into play.

Generally with Shimano, Claris and Sora are the cheapest gears with Tiagra being better and 105 better yet and so on.

[Winstonian1984]

The Giant SRC has low end specs... Depending on how much you plan on riding, I'd suggest paying a bit more and getting better components (such as the mid range Shimano 105) or even buying a second hand bike from the Hub classified.

 

I will agree with this. Even though my shimano 2300 components have been good to me with the amount of riding I do, I am now looking to upgrade.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Winstonian1984

[Winstonian1984]

If you are able to spend a bit more, then Im sure you can get a decent bike. If I had known prior to getting my first road bike and wanting something entry level or there about I would have gone for the Cannondale CAAD 8 Tiagra, then it was retailing for R12500, now at bridge cycles in Diep River its going for R9500. http://www.bridgecycles.co.za/CAAD8

 

I am a bit biased towards cannondale cos thats the brand of my next bike

Edited April 3, 2014 by Winstonian1984