Shimano FD6401 - RD6401 question...

I may be over thinking this, but does anyone know for sure if my 600 STI setup with be ok shifting from 38 - 53 chainrings? I have 39 - 53 on there now but they need replacing and wondering if I can get slightly kinder gearing for the steep stuff.

Looking at the manual, FD 6401 says 14t max, but assuming that may be because 39 was the smallest inner ring Shimano made? It would be nice to avoid moving to a 52.

I'm running 11-28 on the back, but may change that up to 12-28 or 12-30 if possible.

This is with riding the Pyrenees in mind.

Cheers, and sorry for the long question...

38 will be fine, but your old derailleur might struggle to clear a 30 T sprocket

Cheers. I had a feeling it would be ok but wanted to be sure before cashing out.

Wonder if it's possible to build a custom cassette if I found a 30t HG sprocket? Save buying a whole cassette that might not work...

A 6401 rear mech will not clear a 30t sproket. 26 was the maximium they were supposed to cope with. A 27 or 28 will be fine but the more you stretch it the greater the risk of mech ending up doing some expensive damage. 38/28 is a pretty low gear anyway. Enjoy the climbs.

Cheers. I all ways avoid riding across the block. Big to big and small, to small to try and prevent stretching the mech and chain. I haven't had any problems riding 39/28, but it would be nice to have a little more as I haven't experienced climbing for Pyrenees lengths.

I dont think lower gearing would help if you are going to struggle you will will strugle in a lower gear As 38/28 is pretty low.

since you are fitting a 38T inner ring your gearing should be low enough. At least you are doing the right thing in trying to lower your gearing unlike me who goes riding in the polino national park in italy last year and wonders were does that road go, well in 41/27 as my lowest gear that was mistake. Still i got up the daftly steep 13km climb. So i am sure you'll be fine.

Very true.

I have no idea how I'll manage climbing for serious amounts of time. Kinna thinking more important then gearing is pacing. Not getting excited, but nice to know I have gears I can spin if I do.

I took the 38t for a test spin up the local steepest climb today. It's a must ride in your lowest gear kinna climb. Short and very steep. Felt lovely and rode it fairly quicker without feeling it too much.

I just noticed, if you have an Ebay shop..? I bought some bits for the bike in question from you last year.

... OK so went to adjust my front mech before my ride this morning... The allen bolt holding the cable has decided to thread its self and is just spinning stuck on there. FUCK!

Best way to remove the bolt without killing the whole mech?

... What a shitty morning...