11-32 cassette

My first, now second, bike had 9 speed sora. I think with a medium cage and it came with an11-25 cassette. This was hard work up the hills as it wasn't a particularly light bike and I wasn't particularly fit when I started cycling properly. So I fitted an 11-32 cassette, put on a new chain which was a couple of links longer and it works just fine. Chain is a bit loose on small ring small ring but you never go there anyway. I find the rest of the gearing fine too. The cassette was about £9 and the chain the same. Bargain.

contador is one of the best climbers cycling has ever seen
its nothing to do with fitness, its down to technique

You can fit a HG50 Deore 11-32 cassette on a 9 speed setup, though you will need the medium cage rear derailleur (£16).

Spacing looks pretty good to me: 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32

Why not fit that and see whether you still want to upgrade? It's a lot cheaper than 11 speed groupset, and possibly new wheels. More cogs doesn't make you faster, just poorer.

I think it depends on the rider and the hills you ride, whether or not higher gearing suits you depends on you climbing ability, I have often used a 30 on something like Cheshire Cat sportive I have seen riders do steep hills on 26 and 28 were as I usec the 30. I've also seen riders get off and walk, I don't know if they didn't realise they could use fit bigger gear, underestimated the climb or were to proud to have a big cog or perhaps they enjoy a little walk.

I remember riding Le Terrier a rider who had to walk for a bit making a derogatory comment about my gearing as I, all be it slowly, road past him on a steep hill.i just replied I ain't walking!

In essence if your a great climber you won't need a 30 or 32 but if you skills are in other disciplines fit it if you need it. Only you known how well you can climb.

Surely this about keep the leg speed (cadence) high, so I would suggest 32t at the rear. You will need a longer cage rear mech to cater for the larger cog.

I am reasonably fit, but am I solid built so I need easier gearing for my 15 stone to climb up steep gradients

I dont understand why people are so snobby about a 32 on your rear cassette
if its good enough for contador its good enough for me!
if you are doing sportives in wales or the lakes its a must, i have a 32 and I'm not a bad climber, and I'm not over weight, and I'm not unfit, But i am in front of everybody trying to climb a 28% hill using a 26.
Pick the right equipment for the job, Its a big help on a long sportive.

I've been using an 11-32 for a couple of years now, what a lifesaver! When you're going on a long ride and you have one last hill to climb, it sure is nice to know its there if you need it! Spacing with the rest of the gears might be a problem though...depends on what kind of riding you do most. If you only do occasional hills, stick with the 11-28...

Installed a new one on one of my wife's bikes today. She's been using them for years and they really suit her.
Just ensure that the mid range sprockets suit you, as there are inevitably bigger gaps in the ratios.

I have it on my commuter - as CXR says it's nice to know it's there

I have the 11-32 too. I'm a rubbish climber and the 32T gear certainly helps when I'm climbing one of the local walls.

I have 11-32t setup, I use the 32T gear now and then , but I know it's there when it gets tough or I am completely knackered.