I'm turning into a roadie...

[Splatter Paint]

Though a non-compact chainset on the new bike is causing a lot of hamstring strain. I'm considering a wider cassette 12-30t, do you think this would be better than a compact? I don't get the ultra low bottom gear (about 2 gear inches difference according to Sheldon Brown) but keep the closer spacing between the two front rings.

A Dura Ace triple would be my ideal, but that'd mean new shifters and mechs as well as the chainset. Many forum posts I've seen say that a Dura Ace short cage mech will go up to 30t, which is what I've got fitted now.

If I can ease my pain with a £30 cassette I'll be happy!

SP

 

[Jonny69]

I haven't tried but I think it might struggle with a 30T rear sprocket. I think it might make contact with it. It'll almost certainly be ok with a 28T though.

If you don't mind losing the 12T at the fast end, there are scores of 14-28T cassettes out there. Just pick whichever one takes your cassette tool.

You can probably also get a 39T chainring on in place of the 42T, if that's what's currently there. It's not a big difference, but every little helps, especially when trying to nurse an injury!