Which type of cassette for a commuter/CX set up?

[LeeDevelopment]

I'm trying to figure out what's what.... in my mind's eye I'm kind of leaning more towards the SRAM PG970 11-26 DH cassette which has more of a road touch to it....... having said that would I be better off with a regular 11-32/34 mtb cassette?

This is for road wheels btw and the bike will be being used both on and offroad. Also bear in mind I have two pairs of the Mavic R-Sys wheels, so I suppose I could do both types of cassette.....

*ponders*

 

[barry2017]

I suppose the question is, how hilly is where you commute?

 

[mtbfix]

Assuming that you are going to be running about on tarmac or smoother trails I'd recommend a road cassette. The close ratios are just that much more condusive to smooth pedalling. But as Chris points out, if you have lots of hills a wider spread might work for you better.

 

[LeeDevelopment]

After Sydenham Hill which has a rather steep gradient (for me anyway) it is fairly flat, this is London afterall!

Up North however, where the majority of the off roading will be, well just think Northern Pennines, dales and forests!

 

[LeeDevelopment]

Having read those two replies I may get both types of cassette......was hoping to keep a pair of the wheels pristine though.

I'll opt for the SRAM DH cassette for general duties, it's closer to the road ratios but gives a little bit of 'give', so to speak.

 

[Dave_H]

I'd go for a big road cassette - 11 or 12 / 25 or 27 and a triple road chainset. Will avoid big gaps on the road but give a reasonable range of gears off road.

 

[LeeDevelopment]

I have some Middleburn RS7 cranks with 36 and 46t rings.....I don't think I'll be able to fit a granny ring on the frame......will wait and see when it arrives.