Junior Gearing Change - Which way is better?

Home:Ballyhoura

Hi, I have a 2008 Trek 1.5 (9 Speed Double) with current gearing of 53/39 (Front Chainrings) and 12-26 (Cassette).
The Junior roll-out regulation is 7.93metres which means choosing one of the following changes:

1: Keep the front set up as it is (53/39) and get a rear cassette "15-26" or "15-27"

2: Change front set up to (52/39) with a new chainring and get a "14-26" or "14-27" cassette for the rear.

Note:

1. I would like a 27 on the cassette, but a 26 will do! The other option is to get a smaller inner chainring on the front!
2. Also, are these Shimano cassttes available, or will I have to get them made up?
3. Would anyone buy barely used (2 rides!) Shimano cassettes/chainrings from a €900 bike?

Any opinions/hints/advice would be great thanks!

Morgan

I'm not sure if it's possible to have a small cog larger than a 12 on a 9-speed cassette (I could be wrong). The lockring wouldn't fit against it.

In that case changing your chainrings would be the preferred option.

I've heard of junior riders taping up the smaller cogs of a standard cassette and simply not using those gears. The rear mech can be adjusted accordingly. That should be enough to comply with regulations (but you'll have fewer gear ratios to choose from).

Home:Ballyhoura

Yes, it is possible. I found a "14-25" 9 Speed Shimano Cassette at http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=387
This is something close to what I am looking for, but not exactly!
I also saw a 15-27 Ultegra Casette somewhere, but it was a 10 speed!

Home:Ballyhoura

Hi, I would like your opinion on which way is the best way to meet Junior gearing regulations. All possibilities are listed below, but please bear in mind price when you are making your decision. If possible, let me know where I can get the parts you recommend! P.S. The current set up is: 9 Speed Double, 53/39 and 12-26 and if possible I would like a slightly smaller "smallest" gear if possible!

http://home.earthlink.net/~mike.sherman/shift.html

http://www.cycling.org.au/site/cycling/national/downloads/Attachments/Rolloutmm.xls


By nastyshox

blorg

If you are quick CRC have a 52 tooth Tiagra chainring (flood damaged) for only £10.