S40 with either XTR DI2 or SRAM Eagle groups

[Black Hawk Down]

Ive used both Wolf Tooth and Hope replacement 40T cogs to upgrade a 10sp 11-36T cassette on both my V20 and S30. I think this would work just fine on an 11sp cassette too. Im running a SRAM X9 and X0 type 2 GS rear derailleur with a longer B-screw. With my SRAM cassette I removed the 15&17T cogs and replaced it with a 16T and the 40T. With my Shimano cassette I removed the 11&13 T and replaced with a 13T locker cog and the 40T. Both mods work great though I lean towards the Shimano retrofit because it allows good spacing on the smaller cogs. It is rare that I spin out the 13T cog.

Thanks. That sounds great, except, I would miss my 11T cog. Maybe I can try doing like you did on the sram cassette and replace two center cogs with an average of the two. I'll experiment.

 

[3WHELZ]

I have the Ultegra DI2, but they should be similar. It would be last resort for me to modify the derailleur. Hopefully on of the other fixes will do the job.

Ah, yes I had forgotten that you mentioned that at the start of your thread. You have a little more range. The top end of Di2 DuraAce is 28t. Regardless, I am pulling it all off. I have a few more components arriving next week before I start my build. I am interested in your final outcome.

 

[telephd]

Thanks. That sounds great, except, I would miss my 11T cog. Maybe I can try doing like you did on the sram cassette and replace two center cogs with an average of the two. I'll experiment.

You could do the same with the Shimano cassette....

Looks like we are neighbors. As soon as the wind settles down we should meet up for a ride!

 

[BikeGary]

I currently have a V20 I assembled with the Ultegra DI2 group and truly love it. The only issue is I'm fat and have trouble getting up steep hills. I'm dropping weight and plan to be optimal by the end of next year where I will start world touring on a S40. On a tour, I'll need low gears to handle the extra load and steep hill climbs. On the other hand, I love pedeling my V20 down hills at 30+ mph and wouldn't want to lose that feeling by having to coast, spun out. Thanks!

One thing about touring is that you will have a lot more windage on your bike from the gear etc. Not sure about the trailer but when I ride with panniers it limited my top speed on my DF to about 30mph and maybe closer to 25mph. So having a super high gear isn't nearly as necessary as having a good granny gear and shoes that you can walk up a hill with. The grades in the Smoky Mts are nuts vs the Rockies. They paved old cow paths AFAIK and cows can walk up a pretty steep hill directly.

 

[benphyr]

...They paved old cow paths ... and cows can walk up a pretty steep hill directly.

(combine these emoji to form Team Moos logo)

 

[Black Hawk Down]

One thing about touring is that you will have a lot more windage on your bike from the gear etc. Not sure about the trailer but when I ride with panniers it limited my top speed on my DF to about 30mph and maybe closer to 25 mph. So having a super high gear isn't nearly as necessary as having a good granny gear and shoes that you can walk up a hill with. The grades in the Smoky Mts are nuts vs the Rockies. They paved old cow paths AFAIK and cows can walk up a pretty steep hill directly.

I hear you. One of the cool things about a trailer is it drafts behind so does not have the same wind blocking problem as panniers. However, I don't yet know how fast I can go with the trailer and keep it stable. There are mixed opinions on this as some will say the trailer will go out of control going above 25 mph and others say that only happens if you load the trailer top heavy. If you take care in packing, there shouldn't be instability issues. I'll have to find out for myself. My interest in the high gears is not just for flying down hills with a trailer. I also plan to use the bike for non-touring activity. Also, once you unhook the trailer, you have a fast bike. The cool thing about a trailer is you can use any bike to tour, even a racing bike.

 

[Black Hawk Down]

You could do the same with the Shimano cassette....

Looks like we are neighbors. As soon as the wind settles down we should meet up for a ride!

I usually ride the coast on Sundays but I've been busy lately and have been negligent. I hope to get back at it after the New Years. I have seen a few bents out there but no CruzBikes.

 

[BikeGary]

I usually ride the coast on Sundays but I've been busy lately and have been negligent. I hope to get back at it after the New Years. I have seen a few bents out there but no CruzBikes.

I can do a Sunday ride up/down the coast! I commute on Tuesdays to RB. But the weekend is open. Drop me a line when you want to go, and I'll meet you somewhere easy.