Can Shimano RD-9000 work with Ultegra CS-6800 32T cassette?

[mpower]

As the above title says, does this combo work?

[HillRPete]

The RD-7800 and -7900 did, so in all likelihood the -9000 will too (on most frames). But it will require some tweaking (B-tension in particular) and careful setting of chain length, especially if you max out the FD capacity with 16t difference between the chainrings.

[eric]

30t no problem. 32t is probably too much but you have to try it to find out.

[upside]

I have a 9000 52X36 and use that with the 6800 11X32 with the short cage derailleur and have no issues. Perfect combo for me in the hills, as I am getting a bit old.

[boots2000]

I know of a shop that is putting ultegra mid-cages on 9000 rear derailleurs so they will perfectly handle a 32 tooth.

As the above title says, does this combo work?

[eric]

A longer cage doesn't change the cog capacity but does increase the chain wrap that the derailleur will take up.

That can be useful if you're using a wide range 50/34 or 52/36 front along with the 32t cog.

[Manatee]

I put a 6800 GS cage on a 9070 RD and it works great with the 11-32.

[Dammit]

52/36 with 11-32 works (as expected) with the longer cage 6870 mech:



Given that it's easier to swap the mech than it is to swap the cassette, might be worth it for peace of mind to keep a long cage and chain with the climbing cassette?

That said, I run a short cage 6700 mech on an 11-32 cassette on my CX bike with a single 44T at the front and that works perfectly.

[hjb1000]

Generally Shimano is very conservative about the max cog size so it should be possible. Be aware that it is often frame dependant on the exact offset of the hanger etc.

[spdntrxi]

I've heard conflicting into... I'm waiting for a stages 9000 crank to complete my build... but have both 32T and 28T cassettes... I don't know what to try first. Since the build if for the wife... I want to go 32T compared to 28T. One guy at the LBS says no problem and another did not reco it.

[sharkman]

Why not install a 6800 medium (long) cage rear mech?

[spdntrxi]

Why not install a 6800 medium (long) cage rear mech?

I have OCD when it comes to bikes... it's a Dura Ace kit

[boots2000]

I just installed a 6800 11-32 cassette on my bike with 9000.
Seems to shift up into the 32 with no problem.
I did not even change the chain length- though I do run my chain slightly longer than
Shimano spec (I use the small/small to set my chain length).
The only possible issue that I can see is that you would want to make sure not to go big-big crosschain.

[eric]

I've accidentally shifted to big-big when I'm stupid after doing a number of very long climbs.

That's why I recommend people set up their bikes to handle big-big without tearing the derialleur off the frame. It doesn't have to run well or quietly, just avoid damage.

[boots2000]

Thanks- mine will go big-big, just has a lot of pull on the derailleur.
I only need the 32 for 1 specific event so I am not worried.

I've accidentally shifted to big-big when I'm stupid after doing a number of very long climbs.

That's why I recommend people set up their bikes to handle big-big without tearing the derialleur off the frame. It doesn't have to run well or quietly, just avoid damage.