Use a shifting optimized chain
Unlike all other drivetrain systems, Shimano's 12 speed Road Hyperglide+ system moves the shifting optimization away from the chain and onto their Cassettes. It's a great running system within a narrow gear range - meaning - even Shimano stopped selling their Dura-ace 11-28 cassette after the first year. The Shimano chain itself has the thickest side plates in 12 speed with NO apparent design for shifting function.
We recommend YBN, SRAM or Campagnolo 12 speed chains for optimum shifting performance. YBN Chains are our favourite because they use the same stronger Chrome Molybdenum Steel as our cassettes which offers thinner, lighter, faster shifting and with longer life. Please Note: Use of these recommended chains will improve shifting even on Shimano Brand Cassettes, meaning that our recommendation supports interchangeability.
Always adjust shifting for any new Cassette
While Tooth gaps and shifting profiles are optimized for all systems, re-adjustment may be necessary. Various brands of freehubs can cause small variations in cassette positioning.
Confirm Compatibility with your derailleur
Not all derailleurs are compatible with all gear ranges. Please verify if your derailleur is compatible with the largest tooth size, and cog gaps that you are ordering. Electronic shifting systems are the most picky about working with gear ranges not offered by the Original Manufacturer.
Note: Shimano 12 speed Di2 recommended gear ratios are 11-30, 11-32 and 11-34.
Limit screw settings can vary with any cassette / wheel change
DI2 installation instructions may suggest “one full turn” of the limit screws past the limit. We have found this negatively affects the shifting of any brand cassette as it controls the range for each shift. We highly recommend setting the limits screws to offer no-more-than regular free operation of the min/max gears.
Optional Cassette spacer is included
Prestacycle 11 and 12 Speed Cassettes include a 1mm spacer which can optionally be used to move the cassette farther from the spokes. Different wheelsets, different brands of hubs, variations with custom built wheels using different construction, the spacing of the derailleur hanger and many more factors can all determine if the spacer is needed, optional or specifically should not be used.
Reasons to use this spacer:
- The Chain/derailleur is too close to the spokes when in the largest cog
- The gear range is outside of the derailleur min/max range
- Moving the cassette outward improves the bike's chainline
- Moving the cassette outward makes it more compatible with wheel swaps
Reasons to NOT use this spacer:
- The spacer pushes the freehub engagement off the end of the freehub
- The gear range is outside of the derailleur min/max range
- You are using our optional lockring to put 11/12 speed on a 10 speed wheel
- The smallest cog is too close to the frame's chainstay or rear dropout