Help on 9 speed cassette upgrade for easier climbing?

[stockae92]

I currently running 53/39 crank and 12-23 cassette. I am looking upgrade to help on making long climbs easier. My bike is old (circa 2001) with an Ultegra standard crank. I think changing to a compact crank is out of the question? (parts / BB compatibility?)

I am thinking changing to a 12-27 cassette would help. Does cassette gearing worth the upgrade for easier climbing? Would I need a med to long arm rear derailleur or a longer chain with that? Or maybe 12-25? I believe I have a Dura Ace short arm rear derailleur from the same year (2001).

[mattr]

You can do either, a 12-27 will work (i've done it)
Or switch to a compact. You'll need a new bottom bracket, but they are only 10-15 quid.

Something like this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/se/e ... -prod39018 will work perfectly well. Or 6650 if you can find one.

Then a road bottom bracket to match your budget. (MTB ones look similar but may not fit due to longer threads)

[stockae92]

Thanks.

Do you upgrading to 12-27 would make enough difference going from 12-23? Or would the difference be barely noticeable?

I am trying to go with the cheaper route if it would be "good enough"

[mattr]

I don't know, depends how much more range you need!

Have a play with one of the gear ratio calculators and see how much each change gives you.

[mattr]

http://www.gear-calculator.com/

[stockae92]

thanks, that gear calculator is helpful

[stockae92]

BTW, does SRAM 9 speed cassette works with my old old Ultegra shifter / chain?

[mattr]

Yup, shimano and SRAM 9 speed cassettes have identical spacing.

Might not risk a new cassette and old chain personally. It'll skip like nobodies business.

[stockae92]

Then i guess a new chain should be in order as well. Thanks.

[mattr]

How long has the chain been on there and the chainrings.
If it's all 2001 vintage it might all be knackered.

[stockae92]

I think I only have about 3-4k miles on the chain. Its not that old. So I may just order the new chain and replace only if its acting up.

[audiojan]

3-4k is quite a bit unless it's really well maintained. I would replace the chain (not a big cost, but makes a significant difference in how well the bike shifts).

[Calnago]

Only? [emoji1]