I have a standard 8-speed Shimano 11-32 MTB cassette on my touring bike to get low gearing. Problem is I don't like the large steps between some cogs. I don't really ever need the 11-13 range. By the time I get there I'm coasting or braking 🙂 I'd rather have a more compact cassette that's somethign like 14-32. My LBS mechanic told me I can't just go around and collect cogs I like and put them together into a cassette because I may not get good shifting. He said cassettes are very specific these days and are made to be left as-is.
Is this really true with Shimano? Is there another brand that's OK to do this with that would work without changing anything else?
I know there are custom compatable Shimano units made, just do not remember the manufacturer, but Sheldon Brown may help with advice. thye do it all day...
I've slapped together custom cassettes (as have a few teammates) for years especially when doing extreme road hill climbs or TTs. Never encountered any shifting problems. Sometimes Shimano is at odds with what they say vs. reality. 8 speed mtb cassettes can be had pretty cheap. Just make sure you get ones that don't attach the cogs to a single carrier. Punch out the riverts and have fun.
I fitted an 8 speed Sunrace 11-24 and smaller chainrings, 28/38/48. I had the option of 24/34/42, but she likes this one. Shimano do 12-25 and 11-28 8 speed cassettes.
I have a standard 8-speed Shimano 11-32 MTB cassette on my touring bike to get low gearing. Problem is I don't like the large steps between some cogs. I don't really ever need the 11-13 range. By the time I get there I'm coasting or braking 🙂 I'd rather have a more compact cassette that's somethign like 14-32. My LBS mechanic told me I can't just go around and collect cogs I like and put them together into a cassette because I may not get good shifting. He said cassettes are very specific these days and are made to be left as-is.
Is this really true with Shimano? Is there another brand that's OK to do this with that would work without changing anything else?
+1 with capwater. I know several riders who've swapped smaller cogs with no problems. Mavic might make Shimano-splined cassettes that start with 13 and 14 teeth. Shimano ought to make them too for their non-racing customers....which is probably 90% of us.
I fitted an 8 speed Sunrace 11-24 and smaller chainrings, 28/38/48. I had the option of 24/34/42, but she likes this one. Shimano do 12-25 and 11-28 8 speed cassettes.
I checked in the book, 12-24 8 speed Sunrace is also available.
I know what you mean. I've got hard-to-find 12/32 cassettes on a couple of my bikes and I can't remember the last time that I used the 12.
The trick is that all of the cogs aren't exactly the same. First and sometimes second position cogs are made a little differently. Shimano does produce 13/26 8-speed cassettes, however, so you might be able to marry the 13 etc. with some combination of cogs from your 11/32 cassette and come closer to what you're looking for.
