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HOW CAN I GO LOW?
HEY AL: My road bike came with Ultegra 9-speed components -- 39/53
chainrings, 12-27 cassette. So far, I've been very happy with this setup.
But now I'm planning some very difficult rides with lots of elevation, and
I'm worried about my ability to turn these gears on long, hard climbs.
I'd like to get easier gearing without resorting to a triple chainring
conversion. My bike shop says there is nothing I can do because the rear
derailleur won't accommodate more than 27 teeth. Do I have any options?
-- Ken M.
UNCLE AL FIRES BACK:
No problem! Replace your Ultegra derailleur with any of the Shimano 9-speed
MTB derailleur. Install a 12-32 or 12-34 9-speed cassette. And off you go!
The beauty of Shimano 9-speed stuff is its interchangeability (is that a
word?). If it matters to you, Shimano's XT off-road stuff is roughly the
equivalent of Ultegra.
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