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As you mentioned there are plenty of options.
Buy a sub compact chainset, long cage rear mech, roadlink or all three. -
Whatever you choose to do try and get a cassette starting with a 12t. The mid range sprocket you'll gain will be more useful than the 11, regardless of what you have on the front (within reason). It's rarely mentioned because it limits the choice of cassette, but it makes a lot of sense IRL.
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Fit 11-34 for easy gain, and save up for the GRX 46/30.
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Similar problem. Went with a Sunrace CSRX1 11 speed 11-36 cassette. Works fine with R7000 medium cage mech. Probs need a new chain. It fits a shimano spline freehub, cant remember if it needs a 10 or 11 speed freehub though - EDIT fits a 10 speed freehub and comes with a spacer for an 11 speed freehub.
SRAM 1170 11-36 is another option, but I went with the Sunrace as more sprockets on alu carriers (5-6 as opposed to 3 on the SRAM), so more Hope alu freehub friendly
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I'd go for sub-compact cranks and a bigger casette.
I ride with a 40/28 mtb crankset and a 12-36 casette - hardly ever use the 28T at the front, but when I do, I appreciate it very much.
Swapping out a modern shimano crank is easy, when you have the tools - no need to worry about that.
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Tomo187
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@plasticniki
Can I talk about trying to lower the gearing on my bike in here? (If there's a better thread for this, please point me in the right direction).
On a Triban RC520 running stock bits: a standard Shimano (non series) 50/34 chainset and a 11-32 cassette. 11 speed, 105 R8000 medium cage rear derailleur. I get up most things but I'm not a climber and anything steep is A Struggle.
I'll need to replace the cassette soon anyway as it's quite worn. According to several places online, my rear mech will work past Shimano's recommended 34 tooth sprocket. That'd give me that precious 1:1 gear if I bought an 11-34 cassette, but I want a dinnerplate I think. 11-36? Bigger?
Chainsets: I could swap the chainset out for 48/32 or even 46/30. Would be spendier, but could also get 165mm crank arms (I'm a short arse) and I very rarely use my highest gears, so not sure 50/34 makes sense for me anyway.
I'm not necessarily looking for the cheapest option, but perhaps something which would allow me to enjoy climbing more. I may not have the necessary tools or mechanical expertise to swap out a chainset either, but I'll give it a go I guess.
Any thoughts?