Ultegra 6600 questions

Hey gurus,

just got myself this fella with full Ultegra 6600 all round. Took it for a spin today and what I have noticed (having not cycled for a while) is the gearing seems to be a bit heavy.
It's got 53-39T in the front and a 11-28 cassette, which I guess is a 6700 one (how do I check?) as I can't seem to find a 6600 with this range?

So the question is how do I lower the gearing? I can't seem to find smaller cogs for the chainset? Also, what's the biggest cassette that will work with the given derailleur?

Thanks!

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What with the chainset having standard gearing, it will be 130BCD and I dont think you can fit anything smaller than a 39T on that (38T with some modification?).

You'll need a 'compact' chainset (110BCD), which are normally sold as 50/34T.

You could always replace the 53 with something smaller, but you'll still be limited by that 39T.

Note that you might need to sort out a long cage rear dérailleur of you change to a compact chainset.

This what I was about to ask if I can fit compact rings, but you've answered that. Was there a compact 6600?
And what about the rear derailleur why that has to be changed?
My logic tells me it's chain slack? Why not shorten a chain then? Or am I trying to invent a wheel here lol?

Compact Ultegra from that range is 6650. You could probably pick up a whole 2nd hand 6650 chainset in decent condition off ebay for <£30

They're not very common.

Loads of other chainsets will do the job. Buying a 46/36 chainset is probably cheaper than buying rings. 30t is the largest you can go on than rear mech, 50t and 38t the smallest on that crankset.

You have two options (one or the other or both):

1. Compact/CX chainset - take note that if your FD is braze on you might need to find a new band on derailleur, which will need to be 6600, or the same generation (5600/7800). FD pull ratio was changed from 6700 generation onwards. Also 6600 chainring spacing is slightly different to 6700 - 6600 is closer to 9 speed spacing, however it shouldn't make a difference, you'll just need to be more careful with FD setup and toe it in/out slightly to make it shift properly.

2. Larger cassette for the back, which will require a long cage derailleur. Here the 10speed 6600 RD pull is the same as 6700, so a 6700 long cage will work perfectly. In terms of cassette options, find a suitable 105 5700 cassette, or MTB 10 speed cassette (check the RD capacity of the long cage though).

Protip: if the 11-28 you have is indeed ultegra (check the lockring), it'll be 6700. Grab whatever 11-XX 105 5700 cassette you want with the bigger cogs, and use the old ultegra spacers and lockrings, this transforms the 105 cassette into ultegra level weight weenie. The main differences between 105 and ultegra from that gen is that ultegra has an alloy lock ring, plastic spacers, and a shot peened finish. The shifting is the same (people claim it's better but the ramps on the cassette are machined in the same way - there is more difference in the RD action). Remember that you need to find something with an 11t small cog to do this trick, as there are two different size lock rings, 11t and 12t. Or get whatever small cog cassette you want and order an alloy lockring from ebay/here/wherever.

Okay thanks for your responses everyone! Much appreciated.

Just checked the cassette and it says Ultegra on the lockring, so I am guessing it's 6700 for sure then.

So the the most viable and less painful option seems to be replacing the crankset with a compact (6650 hopefully) and hoping the braze-on FD will still function.
If that would be sufficient and allow me enjoy the uphills more, that's a problem sorted. If not, will have to consider a bigger cassette.
Speaking of the rear - the RD on my bike is short cage so I am guessing (purely by how the things look ATM) 28T is as big as it will go? Was there a long cage version? I only can see Short and Medium on eBay...

Also if anyone has a suitable 6650 50/34 crankset - PM me. I can swap it for my 6600 53-39 (chainrings are great), adding a bit of cash for the hassle.

EDIT:
Just googled Shimano manual and it appears FC-R600 and FC-R700 and FC-5650 should be an option as well as they share the same rings with FC-6650? This gives more options, yay!

You don't particularly need 6650, unless you want everything to match.
Any compact chainset will do, but it would be easier if you kept it Shamino Hollowtech 2 so you don't have to change the BB.

That was the plan, just a little "tick" for me - make sure everything matches (I know, I know haha). ;-)

6650 chain sets are hard to find, I believe was around the time when roadies were muscling around on standards and the alternatives were triples.

The duraace 7800 of the same generation did not offer a compact option at all.

I have. 6650 165 crank length sort of spare, but a bit hesitant to be rid of it as it took me about a year to find on eBay!

Having just said that searching for ultegra 6650 has brought up a few options on eBay!

What length cranks do you need?

I am guessing (purely by how the things look ATM) 28T is as big as it will go?

30t

I'd prefer 172.5 but... What you got?
Thanks

Just to confirm - even though it's short cage RD?

Yes

Have got a new R700 175