I'm looking to buy a Shimano 7800 group and don't know whether to use a 11-23 or 12-23 cassette. I am a racer and always used a 12-23. Are there any advantages or disadvantages in either cassette or has anyone prefered one over the other?
An 11 tooth cog is completely a waste of steel for most human riders. Even some of those in the pro ranks. It is purely an ego cog. It makes you feel good to have it in your cluster, and it allows for component manufacturers to use the small cog in the weights of their cassettes. But it is a complete waste of time. Most people can't turn it fast enough to make it worthwhile over a 12 tooth. I used to be a pretty fast Cat 2 sprinter and I couldn't turn it fast enough to choose it over a 12. I guess if you are using a compact drivetrain with a 48 or 50 tooth large chainring, it's fine, but if you are using a 52 or 53, skip it. You would be much better server by having an 18 tooth in the middle (or whatever cog they leave out to give you the 11.)Spoke Wrench said:The 11 will only be faster than the 12 if you are strong enough to turn the crank.
Though it may never have occured to you, there are times in a race where you have to go very fast downhill to catch back on to the pack. In another thread, I referred to chasing back onto the pack down the Sapillo or the back side of Gates Pass. In both cases, I was pedaling at speeds over 40 mph. A 53x12 gives a speed of 42 mph at 120 rpm so it is not out of line to say one needs an 11 for these cases. The fact that you're point of comparison is leading out Petacchi shows me you haven't thought this through very well.russw19 said:An 11 tooth cog is completely a waste of steel for most human riders.
I know as soon as this post goes up, at least 4 people are going to say they can turn and actually need an 11. I say that's BS. If you can spin out a 53x12 at over 150 rpms, get off this damn board and start leading out Petacchi.
Russ
asgelle said:Though it may never have occured to you, there are times in a race where you have to go very fast downhill to catch back on to the pack. In another thread, I referred to chasing back onto the pack down the Sapillo or the back side of Gates Pass. In both cases, I was pedaling at speeds over 40 mph. A 53x12 gives a speed of 42 mph at 120 rpm so it is not out of line to say one needs an 11 for these cases. The fact that you're point of comparison is leading out Petacchi shows me you haven't thought this through very well.
I see they snuck that one in without telling meMariowannabe said:Campy just introduced a 12-23 this year. I just got one. Love the 18T.