Simple. What cassette are you guys running? Any you would recommend that are better for downhill applications, lighter, stronger, etc.
This one's easy: buy an Ultegra or Dura Ace 12-27, then get an 11-tooth lockring and 11-tooth cog and - TA-DA! - 11-27 road cassette. This is the setup I have.would like an 11-27 but they only sell 12-27's.
Or find a used one.Dura Aces seem to be a popular choice. Too bad they are 300 bucks... Im going to have to save for awhile .....
Very trueOr find a used one.
I got my Dura Ace 12-25 for under $100 on craigslist. Guy used it a few times and didn't like the gear range.
Also bought a Ultegra for my practice wheels on craigslist for $25, few rides old as well.
I'm running a Dura-Ace 11-23 with an XO short Cage. I love the ratios, and how it shifts at the bottom, and the top, but the upshifts lag in the middle for some reason. Xo shifter, XO RD, Nokon full length housing, with a new cable. Lots of hours spent dialing the tension and limits. I have the exact same setup on my trail/FR bike only with a XTR cassette, and don't have this problem.
Sram PG-970 DH 11-26
Same as the above for me..... It shifts nice, and it was freeSram PG-970 DH (11-26) 269g.
I ride mine not because of weight, but more because of the gear ratio. With a 34 or 36 tooth front chainring, a 11-23 (or 25) caseette, you get more useable gears and you can run a short cage derailleur. Short cage derailleurs are lighter and stronger and can deal with whacked out alignment much better. In reality, for most DH users, on a DH bike there is no need for a 38 tooth ring and 11-34 cogset...
^ thisShimano HG 80 11-28
quite light relatively speaking and great value, definitely like the spread of gears as well
I had an old DMR single speed conversion kit that had some spacers with it, I used two of these (about 5mm or 6mm wide each) , one either side of the chopped cassette. Fitted perfectly.Gridds, what you use to space out the cassette?
I wish it was that simple. My hanger is true. I've had the issue since my frame was brand new (Demo), and on my previous frame, and the problem dissapears when my other cassette is used. Its not a deal braker for the Dura-ace is its only the middle cog that does it.Your derailleur hanger might be tweaked just alittle bit. Does it lag while in repair stand or just when riding?
I think I will 'copy' you; the 38/12-34 thing is weaksauce; Ill ditche the 38 for a 36 and get a 12-23 (11-23, I will use a fresh 11 and lock ring I have 'in stock'!) then I can use the 12-34 on a trail bike.Thanks for the input fella's. It seems the dura ace 11-23 with a 36 ring up front seems to be the ticket. Would that set up be okay with a medium cage derailleur. I just bought an x9 medium and don't feel like buying a new short cage. I may have to change to that set up once i get the money. I had to buy a new chainguide the other day which set me back some seeing as i am a broke college student.