Méga cassette vs cassette classique : laquelle est la plus rapide ?

Summary

In this video, the presenter compares two different cassette sizes (10-44 vs. 10-52) on a challenging 3km climb with a 13% gradient in the Basque region. The test explores how each cassette affects power, cadence, and overall climbing experience. Using a gravel bike with SRAM XPLR transmission and a MTB system with SRAM GX derailleur, the presenter analyzes the pros and cons of both setups. While the larger cassette provides more comfort and flexibility in positioning, the smaller cassette forces a higher intensity, making the climb faster. Ultimately, both have their advantages, offering valuable insights for future cycling challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The challenge in the video focuses on comparing two types of bike cassettes: a Monster Cassette (10-52) vs. a classic cassette (10-44).
• 😀 The test takes place on the steep Mont Samindi in the Basque Country, specifically on the last 3 kilometers with an average incline of 13%.
• 😀 The test involves using a Gravel bike with a SRAM XPLR transmission (10-44) and a mountain bike transmission with a SRAM GX derailleur and a 10-52 cassette.
• 😀 The goal of the test is to determine if a larger cassette makes it easier to climb steep sections, by comparing the experiences and metrics between the two setups.
• 😀 Initially, the rider uses the smaller 10-44 cassette, requiring a lot of effort, especially since most of the climb is done in a standing position (80% of the climb).
• 😀 The rider struggles with the 10-44 setup, experiencing fatigue from the need to force more while seated due to limited gear options, reaching a power output of 270W on average.
• 😀 After swapping to the larger 10-52 cassette, the rider finds it easier to stay seated, using a more efficient pedaling cadence and exerting less force, although they climb at a slower pace (220W average).
• 😀 The larger cassette allows for more flexibility in riding position, as the rider can alternate between standing and sitting, thus adjusting effort levels and cadence more easily.
• 😀 While the larger cassette makes the climb feel easier in terms of comfort and effort, the rider's speed is slower because the smaller cassette forces more effort, thus increasing speed.
• 😀 The rider notes that even though it's easier to maintain a higher cadence with the larger cassette, it's difficult to match the same power output from the smaller cassette while staying seated, confirming that forcing more with the smaller cassette results in higher speed.
• 😀 The video concludes with the rider acknowledging the pros and cons of both cassette types, emphasizing that both setups have their benefits, depending on the rider's needs and fitness level.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on testing the performance differences between a smaller cassette (10-44) and a larger cassette (10-52) during a climb on a mountain with an average incline of 13%.

What is the purpose of comparing the 10-44 cassette with the 10-52 cassette?

The goal is to understand if using a larger cassette makes it easier to climb steep sections of a mountain, in terms of both power output (watts) and overall riding comfort.

What are the characteristics of the climb where the test is conducted?

The climb is located in the Basque Country, specifically on Mount Samendi, with an average incline of 13%. The test is done on the last 3 kilometers of the climb.

How does the rider's power output compare between the two cassette setups?

With the 10-44 cassette, the rider maintains an average power output of 270 watts. With the 10-52 cassette, the rider's average power output drops to 220 watts.

What was the total time taken to complete the climb with the 10-44 cassette?

The rider completed the 3-kilometer climb with the 10-44 cassette in 21 minutes.

How does the performance with the 10-52 cassette compare in terms of time and power?

With the 10-52 cassette, the rider took 23 minutes to complete the same climb, 2 minutes longer than with the 10-44 cassette. However, the rider's average power output was lower at 220 watts.

What advantages does the larger 10-52 cassette offer in terms of riding position?

The larger 10-52 cassette allows the rider to alternate between sitting and standing (dancing) more easily, offering a more comfortable and flexible climbing experience. This flexibility helps reduce fatigue and allows for changes in effort during the climb.

What challenge does the rider face with the 10-44 cassette?

The rider struggles to maintain a sustainable effort while seated with the 10-44 cassette, often needing to stand up (dancing) to reduce fatigue and maintain speed.

Why does the rider find it harder to maintain the same power output while seated with the 10-52 cassette?

With the 10-52 cassette, the rider is able to maintain a lower cadence while seated, but when trying to maintain the same power output as with the 10-44 cassette, the rider finds it difficult to reach the required cadence, making it harder to sustain the same effort.

What conclusion does the rider draw regarding the ease of climbing with the two cassette setups?

The rider concludes that while the 10-52 cassette makes climbing physically easier by offering more gear options and allowing for position changes, the 10-44 cassette forces more effort, making the rider go faster, though it requires greater physical exertion.