Forum menu
Would anybody know what the maximum size 10 speed cassette can be used with an Ultegra 6700 rear mech ? I’m assuming it’s short cage. If it’s medium, it’ll be fine with what she’s hoping. A 32t. Chain lengthening if required is also being taken into account.
Not my bike and it’s not here so I can’t check. The owner is hoping to order a cassette today.
Short is 28 officially iirc so that means 30 in reality. Shimano are quite conservative in their teeth capacity
I am still using a short cage 6700 on my road bike, currently with an 11-32 cassette. I think it's only supposed to be used with a 30t max, but there's always a little bit of leeway.
Thank you very much. She’s going to order a SRAM 32t based on your experience's above.
She might run out of chain tension in the small chainring (assuming 2x/3x) and the smaller sprocket sizes. Maybe avoid cross-chain extremes
Hmmm, this isn’t easy, but still workable? Currently running 52/36 which I think will be changed for 50/34 or even sub compact, depending on the bcd.
Tiny legs are struggling as soon as the road rises.
All very helpful though, thank you.
you might want to consider a 46/30 GRX crank and front mech as an alternative.
Yes, that’s a good idea. Only the bike owner looks at me with a puzzled expression when any of my suggestions involve replacing parts which equates to spending money.
I only ride a bloody bike for commuting when the family car is used for others things.
I’m not a massive fan, yet as ‘a bike rider’, I inherit friends and families’ issues and fixes.
with an Ultegra 6700 rear mech ? I’m assuming it’s short cage. If it’s medium, it’ll be fine with what she’s hoping. A 32t.
Back when 6700 was new a medium cage had a higher total capacity to deal with a triple chainset. It didn't change the biggest sprocket the mech would clear. Both SS (short) and GS (medium) were rated to 28T largest sprocket.
You might just need a longer B-screw. Back in the day when doing the three peaks one mod was to take out the B-screw and put it in the other side to push the mech out further. That would let you run a 32. If it works on the three peaks, it'll probably be fine on a road bike!
Thank you for that. 32t ordered. She’ll have to see how she goes with that before making a decision on the chainrings. I may be back for help with that.
Massively helpful. Thank you again.
I missed the last comment sorry. A longer B screw. I’ll keep that nugget to myself and buy it if it needs it. It’s best I just get on with it and hand it back working as she’d like. Reluctant Mechanic as well as rider.
you might want to consider a 46/30 GRX crank and front mech as an alternative.
Anything after 6700 of that level has a different actuation ratio, so GRX mech won’t work with the shifter.
Ye Gods! It’s really not simple, is it?
So, if the change from 28t to 32t isn’t enough and keeping it as cheap as possible, the only further option is smaller chainrings, which of itself will be dependant on bcd? Although, will front mech compatibility come into play? At this point, I have no idea want front mech is on there.
I reckon you'll be OK. Not direct evidence, but I found that 50/34 and 11-32 was fine with a 6800 short cage mech.
You might be able to use a derailleur hanger extender (eg Wolftooth, but other much cheaper ones available on Amazon). Certainly cheaper than changing front chain rings or crankset/shifters/front mech...
If she's not ordered the cassette, you might want to put that on pause whilst looking into it as she might be able to get a much bigger (lower) cassette (plus more links for chain, of course)
(I asked a similar question a few months ago about Ultegra 8000 series and hanger extender was suggested. My (very good) lbs also suggested the hanger extender)
Edit: hadn't read previous reply.....
Have you thought about using a hanger extender from wolftooth extender? Worked for me to add a bigger cassette on the previous generation ultegra...
Should have said I'm running that 11-32 with 50/38 chainrings (130BCD crank) so only 12t difference at the front which probably does help the mech stretch across the full range.
Sub compact could well make sense if you can find an affordable option...
Another ‘you should be ok’ here. I’m using a short cage da7900* derailleur with 11-32 cassette and a 53/39 chainset. B-screw adjustment will help.
*appreciate its da not Ultegra but same timespan of manufacture.
Lots to go at here. Thank you all for your help. A 32t cassette and a 25mm B screw has been ordered. I'll try that and then work through all the other options suggested until she's happy*
*happy for her involves spending no money so I'm losing that war already.
See what the distance from the wheel axle to the centre of the fixing top bolt is.
Shimano specs are something like 24-30mm.
If your hanger is towards the top end of that range, you'll be golden (most that i've bothered to check are in the middle/top of that range)