• 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?

  • 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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