Change of Cassette for Jock?

[Spirog]

So, I've entered the one day Jock Classique. Not sure how bright that was...

 

I'm no mountain goat @ 82 kg. Should I be changing my cassette from 11-25 to 11-28 for the race?

 

I have an Ultegra Di2 setup. If I do change the cassette, must it be to an Ultegra cassette, or can I use a cheaper 105 unit? I'm probably only going to run this setup once or twice a year.

 

Advice and suggestions please.

[Long Wheel Base]

Do you have a compact crank on?

If you only going to be using it seldom then 105 would be fine(actually not much wrong with 105 anyway) but if you like me who also has ultegra I just prefer it all the be the same.

[Long Wheel Base]

If you got compact cranks then I'd say no you definitely don't need to change the cassette.

 

But if you are running compact rather don't mention it!

[Dgas]

You can certainly run a 105 cassette. I have two sets of wheels, one with a 105 and the other with a ultegra cassette. I cannot feel the difference. I run a Ultegra DI2 11 speed on my bike. Both the cassettes are 11-28. And I am also riding the Jock Classique.

[Paul Ruinaard]

As the man said. Compact cranks will help.

 

 Jock has some steep gradient so depending on your experience on the big hills, Its always nice to have the gears when you need them rather than not having them. Call it insurance.

 

In the old days of the Vodacom Race for Victory that went through Suikerbosrand there were guys who were laughing at my 26 cassette and cracking jokes about the satellite dish at the back.

 

Until we hit the big steep climb.....

[Joe Low]

The folk who might smirk at easier gears are not going to help you get up the hills, but the cassette will, so look out for yourself and go with what suits you.

[Jay_B]

Hmmm i am running 11-32 for the jock      came standard on my bike and very seldom go to the biggest cog but its nice to have if the legs begin to fail.

[LOOK695]

I am going with 25/36. Not quite compact but hopefully enough. Not going to race, just to enjoy the day out

[Falco]

Irrespective of what crank you have, go with the 28 cassette.

 

Rather have it and not use it, than need it and not have it.

 

The Jock is not an easy ride, your legs will feel it no matter who you are.

[David Marshall]

Just a note of caution.  The gap between the 28 and the next down can be a problem.  I put a 28/11  Ultegra on for the Jock a few years ago and it did not help me at all.  I lost the bunch going up Boulders because the 28 was too light and the next down (24) too hard.  Since then I've ridden a compact crank with a 25/11.  The 105 27/25...12 or the Sram Force (28/25...11) are probably a better choice.  You can also consider the Tiagra 10 speed if you are not going to use it much.

[funjunkie]

Just a note of caution.  The gap between the 28 and the next down can be a problem.  I put a 28/11  Ultegra on for the Jock a few years ago and it did not help me at all.  I lost the bunch going up Boulders because the 28 was too light and the next down (24) too hard.  Since then I've ridden a compact crank with a 25/11.  The 105 27/25...12 or the Sram Force (28/25...11) are probably a better choice.  You can also consider the Tiagra 10 speed if you are not going to use it much.

 

Totally agree. I usually ride 11-25 10 speed with a compact crank. Tried a 11-28. The 34 - 28 is great for the steep stuff but the back end of the cassette goes 21, 24, 28. 

 

I found that these ratios did not work for me. The jumps just do not work. I needed the 23 and the 25. Would not use the 11-28 in a hurry again.