You ever wonder why anyone needs more than 11 gears? Hell, I barely get through the first 8 without wanting to throw my bike into the nearest dumpster 🙂
But no, apparently, Shimano thinks we need 12. Twelve! It’s not like they’re adding a 50-tooth cog for mountain climbing. No, no, just a few extra gears sandwiched between what’s already there.
Sounds a bit like a gimmick, doesn’t it?
Well, let’s see…
1. The Difference Is in the Gaps, Baby
You know what makes a good ride? Smooth transitions. Nobody likes jumping from a 19T to a 21T and feeling like the bike’s trying to launch you into orbit.
That’s where the 12-speed really shines. Shimano’s 12-speed cassette is like your friend who always brings exactly what you need to the party—no unnecessary drama.
Take the 11-34T cassettes, for example. The 12-speed version fills in the gaps that the 11-speed left open.
You get a 12T and 14T cog that makes shifting feel more natural, especially when you’re in the higher gears.
It’s not like you’re cranking up Everest; you’re just getting smoother, more manageable steps to keep your cadence consistent.
Table 1: Shimano 11-Speed vs. 12-Speed 11-34T Cassettes
| Gear | 11-Speed | 12-Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 11T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12T | ✓ | |
| 13T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 14T | ✓ | |
| 15T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 17T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 19T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 21T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 23T | ✓ | |
| 24T | ✓ | |
| 25T | ✓ | |
| 27T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 30T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 34T | ✓ | ✓ |
Table 2: Shimano 11-Speed vs. 12-Speed 11-30T Cassettes
| Gear | 11-Speed | 12-Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 11T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12T | ✓ | |
| 13T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 14T | ✓ | |
| 15T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 17T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 19T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 21T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 23T | ✓ | |
| 24T | ✓ | |
| 25T | ✓ | |
| 27T | ✓ | ✓ |
| 30T | ✓ | ✓ |
The 12-speed cassette isn’t just adding gears for the hell of it; it’s about making every gear change feel smoother, more precise.
The added gears are a response to riders wanting a more seamless experience. It’s not about “more” for the sake of “more,” but about filling in those gaps.
2. Tighter Steps, Better Cadence
Look, I get it. For most of us, an extra gear seems like an over-the-top luxury. But when you’re sprinting at 40 km/h, you’ll find that 1 extra tooth can make or break the ride.
Shimano’s 12-speed gives you a tighter gear range. You’re not stuck with huge jumps in your gears—you’re just gliding through them. If you’re chasing power, the 12-speed lets you hit that sweet spot without feeling like you’re stuck between two gears that don’t quite fit.
3. Is a 12-Speed Necessary on a 2x Setup?
Alright, this is where things get messy. A 12-speed on a 1x setup? Makes sense.
You get a bigger range without the hassle of a front derailleur. But on a 2x setup, where you’ve got two rings up front, does an extra gear make sense?
Some argue it’s overkill. With 2x, the front chainring gives you enough options, and the fine-tuned spacing of a 12-speed cassette might not even be noticed.
For those who live and die by smooth transitions, though, it could make a big difference.
My opinion? I would never run a 1x on a road bike. So…damn it.
4. Wider Range with the Same Steps
If you ride in terrain that’s less than forgiving, the 12-speed cassette offers a bit more range while keeping the gear steps tight. You can have a gear for pretty much every situation without feeling like you’re constantly adjusting for that one sweet spot. While the 11-speed can handle most climbs and flats, the 12-speed gives you that extra bit of help when the hill gets steeper than you anticipated.
5. Less Effort at High Speeds
For those who ride like they’ve been shot out of a cannon, that 12-speed gear makes all the difference when you’re pushing the limit. Ever feel like your legs are getting tired while pedaling at 40 km/h? Well, with the Shimano 12-speed cassette, you get that extra gear to help you hold your cadence without working as hard. The 12T cog comes into play, helping you glide just a little bit longer.
6. It’s Not All About the Gears
So, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: marketing. Shimano 12-speed doesn’t come cheap. And when you’re paying for those extra gears, you’re paying for more than just a smoother ride. You’re also paying for that “latest and greatest” feeling. Is it worth it? Depends on how serious you are about your riding. If you’re a weekend warrior, the 11-speed will do just fine. But if you’re racing, chasing PBs, or just want that perfect cadence, the 12-speed is worth every penny.
A Note On SRAM’s 12-Speed: The Smooth Operator
Shimano’s not the only player in town. SRAM’s 12-speed setup is majestic when it comes to the gearing.
The 10-33 cassette paired with a 48/35 crankset = awesome. It’s a thing of beauty. From sprinter gears to near 1:1 climbing gears, the shifts are smooth and purposeful.
The gears are evenly spaced, and you can feel the difference. The 10T cog allows for high-speed, while the 33T cog gives you a solid bailout gear without any noticeable gaps. It’s like they crafted the perfect gear range, and it shows in every smooth shift.
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict? Is Shimano’s 12-speed worth the hype? Well, it’s not about some magical “extra gear” that’s going to revolutionize your life. It’s about the subtle beauty of tight, smooth gear changes. It’s about having that perfect cadence when you need it most. It’s not some earth-shattering innovation, but it sure does make things smoother.
But after all the hype, the gears, the cogs, the numbers… you’ll probably still end up cursing your bike in the middle of a sprint. Because in the end, no gear system is going to fix what’s truly wrong with cycling: your legs and lungs.
Danny G.
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