Good flatlander cassette option

[JerryLook]

I recently switched out my old Shimano 5600 cassette (12-25), for a take off Dura Ace 7900 (11-25). I saved 60 grams over the old cassette. Problem is, I didn't realize how much I used the 16t cog until I didn't have it. I live in Florida, and basically only use the 15t, 16t, and 17t cogs. Without the 16t, I end up pushing a lower cadence in the 15t.

I’m looking at some other sizes now. I was thinking either 11-21, 11-23, or 12-23. And of course those are listed from lightest to heaviest:).

I could do without the 11t cog since I run a 53/39 front. I do like the 11-21 option because the close gearing.

Another thought with the Dura Ace cassettes is the first 6 cogs are steel, but the 4 biggest are titanium. So I’d like one that I can stay out of the ti cogs during normal riding. Thats the bad thing about the 11-21

[jeanjacques]

Any Sram cassette to 11-28 have the 16t cog. Aluminium last cog, all other is steel.

[Svetty]

If you still have the old cassette - and the 16t sprocket isn't worn out - you could just add it to the DA cassette, omit the 11t and you're good to go.

[RussellS]

I live in a relatively flat place. I use 13-23 nine speed cassettes and 12-23 ten speed cassettes on several bikes. 53-42 chainrings. Always have the perfect gear. In addition to changing the casstte, I'd suggest getting rid of that little itty bitty tiny 39 ring and putting on a real 42 tooth inner ring.

[JerryLook]

I do still have the old cassette, and it is in decent shape. I switched over mostly to save the 60 grams. Now that I have been looking for a cassette with the 16t cog, I see that the 11-23 will save me 30 grams additional.

I think I will put the 16t cog on my current cassette and ditch the 11t for now. I’m curious if they saved weight on the Dura Ace cassette versus the 105 with just the ti big cogs. The spacers are plastic on both, and the lockring looks similar. I have not gone through and weighed individual pieces.

[JerryLook]

Hey thats a good idea about the 42 front chainring. I’ll look into that.

[jfranci3]

I'd just take this as an opportunity to get better and widen your cadence range.

[TobinHatesYou]

If you still have the old cassette - and the 16t sprocket isn't worn out - you could just add it to the DA cassette, omit the 11t and you're good to go.

Tooth profiles on cogs can be specific to a cassette. Are you certain this will work?

[2lo8]

Make a custom 3-speed cassette out of loose cogs and spacers. Then it will be even lighter.

[2lo8]

If you still have the old cassette - and the 16t sprocket isn't worn out - you could just add it to the DA cassette, omit the 11t and you're good to go.

Tooth profiles on cogs can be specific to a cassette. Are you certain this will work?

The ramps are slightly different between 2t and 1t jump cogs, but it still works if using 2t jump cogs with 1t spacing because 1t jumps are relatively easy to make. If you can use the 12t as a suitable end cog, althouh it probably won't have the anti-creep ridges for the lockring and there's a suitable place for a 16t it will work, just with degraded shifting.

[JerryLook]

I took off the 11t cog and added the 16t cog to see how it works. Both the 11t and 12t cogs are suitable end cogs, and have the ridges.

Comparing the two cassettes, the Dura Ace has a groove in the side of each cog to reduce weight. Plus the 4 ti big cogs, and an aluminum carrier. The other cassette is all steel. Both have plastic spacers.

Anyways, it works well with the 16t in place. It shifts as good as always. I’ll keep an eye out for a 11-23 or 12-23 on ebay. I usually get slightly used cassettes because I am cheap. They last me a long time regardless. I’ll keep the 11-25 and 12-25 just in case I go somewhere hilly.

The last road bike I had was a single speed with a 53t up front and a 16t in the back. I would consider building another bike like that in the future, but not on this frame.

I only average 20-21mph on my rides, and prefer the lower cadance of the 16t versus a 17t.

Thanks for the help guys

[alcatraz]

He is on 10 speed people. 11-28 cassettes don't have the 16t. Even 25t cassettes don't unless they are 12-25.

You could try a cx cassette of 12-27 or get an 11-23.. that's where you will find the 16t. I suggest you get a used (but ok condition) sram red cassette. People sell 10s stuff cheap and it's light and lasts a very long time.

/a