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12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 7:19 pm
by WeightySteve
Need a 12-27T (max allowed on a DA Di2 RD) cassette for very ossasional use (Rides with 25-33% climbs).

Don't think I can stretch to a 7900 before I'll need it in 3 weeks time, so my options are an Ultegra 6600, or 105 5700. It seems Ultegra 6700's are 25T or 28T only, I cannot find a 12-27 anywhere.

So 6600 are older design, (different tooth profiles, jumpier shifiting under load?) but the 5700 will be heavier, so not sure which to pick.

Or will a 12-28T actually run on a DA Di2 RD?

Any advice welcome.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 9:27 pm
by Valy
Not sure if it would make much, if any difference - but what about PG1070?

I ran with 6700 RD FWIW, but not sure how it would be much of a problem for Di2?

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 9:27 pm
by Weenie

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Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 9:59 pm
by CarpetFibre
I'd suggest a Recon cassette. They're very well priced, extremely light (120g for 11-27, lighter than 163g for Dura Ace 11-23!) and ideal if you're only using it occasionally. You can either get Al or Ti, Al being less durable but lighter and cheaper. Some people haven't had great luck with shifting but I run the Campag 10 speed one and it shifts like an absolute dream - never had any problems with it.

They come in 11-27T flavour so as long as you're not desperate for the 12T last sprocket then I'd say it's ideal.

By the way I don't think Shimano makes an Ultegra 10 speed 12-27? they only made one for 9 speed? They do make 11-28 though so I wonder if that will work with Di2...

Edit: After a bit of research it seems that indeed the largest sprocket you can use with di2 is 27T.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 10:37 pm
by 415brian
How about a Dura-Ace 7800? They're available in 12-27 on eBay.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:57 pm
by SSB
Why not go for a 5700 cassette? They're only some 20 grams heavier than the 6700 cassettes, but work as well. Needless to say, they're cheap too.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2012 2:10 am
by dwb
First off, various sources report success with at least 28 tooth cassettes on a 7970 RD given proper B screw adjustment. If I was climbing those grades, I would want at least a 28.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/12/bikes-and-tech/ask-nick/ask-nick-shimanos-di2-gearing-compatibility-water-bottle-code-ti-seatpost_199011

I have no experience with 5700 cassettes, but I do with 6600 SRAM PG1070. The 6600 cassette shifts very smoothly and silently. However, I relegate these to my back up wheels in favor of the PG1070. Why? Although the PG1070 are noisier and slightly clunkier, they shift flawlessly under load whereas the 6600 will snap and ping in protest. I know the proper technique is to ease up during the shift but during a race, especially cyclocross that does not happen. I think riding style and preference would make the decision on the cassette. If you need to shift down to your biggest cassette sprocket while climbing a 25% slope, the PG1070 will shift smoother.

12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2012 2:15 am
by kulivontot
I think your derailleur should handle 28T just fine. I read an article on velonews where nick legan confirmed larger cassettes up 30t have worked properly on di2 cassettes. Madcow also modified di2 to work on a mountain bike, so I bet he would have a better idea as to what the REAL max cog size is. I say try it and see if it works. It certainly won't rip off your rear dérailleur.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 9:10 pm
by coppercook62
I know its alot of money but I have a kcnc ti 12-27 and works flawlessly with Di2. It was Madcow advice to use this cassette.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 9:48 pm
by bm0p700f
105 12-27T cassettes must be available, I stock them. Miche do a cheap 12-27 cassette for shimano fitment which is fine ofor occasional use. Shifting is O.K with them as well. You may need to install a seconf 1mm spacer though depending on the hub as on one the cassette styarted to rattle after a few rides.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 4:57 pm
by toiyuet
Yes, I am using DA Di2 RD and DA 11 / 28 cassette on my bike, they work fine.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 6:21 pm
by WeightySteve
Ok, great to know a 28t fits ok, thanks.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 8:54 pm
by GT56
WeightySteve wrote:Need a 12-27T (max allowed on a DA Di2 RD) cassette for very ossasional use (Rides with 25-33% climbs).

Don't think I can stretch to a 7900 before I'll need it in 3 weeks time, so my options are an Ultegra 6600, or 105 5700. It seems Ultegra 6700's are 25T or 28T only, I cannot find a 12-27 anywhere.

So 6600 are older design, (different tooth profiles, jumpier shifiting under load?) but the 5700 will be heavier, so not sure which to pick.

Or will a 12-28T actually run on a DA Di2 RD?

Any advice welcome.


25 to 33 % climbs, where does one encounter those ?

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 10:46 pm
by rijndael
GT56 wrote:25 to 33 % climbs, where does one encounter those ?
I was wondering that myself. I suspect there's some confusion between degrees and % grade.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 11:43 pm
by DMF
I thought he meant that 25-33% as part of the distance ridden, consisted of climbs. Anyway, max tooth has just as much to do with the RD hanger on the frame, as the RD itself. What cassette/RD combo works on one frame, might not work on another.

The RD hanger alignment standard is not a precise science, with lots of small variations. If you're on the edge of what might work, those variations can very well be big enough to matter.

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 1:51 am
by thisisatest
Hanger shape is critical. For instance, a few specialized derailleur hangers come in standard, and long (for 28t or more).

Re: 12-27T Cassette options?

Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 1:51 am
by Weenie

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