Crisp, clean shifting cassette for those who don't feel like spending the extra cash for the Dura Ace. The larger 34 tooth gearing works perfectly in the Colorado mountains or on the steep gravel roads.
Replaced an 11-32 on my gravel bike. Nice to have the extra teeth for a little more relief when the going gets steep. NOTE that even though this is branded as an Ultegra cassette, it is actually spec'd for mountain bikes. Meaning - if you're using a road hubset you need to install the included spacer on the freehub before you install the cassette.
Largest spider is bad design. Third from largest cog is too close to second from largest and fourth cog also is a little wonky. Several reviews I read before buying this warned me, but I reckoned Shimano would have corrected the problem. Nope (. Going back to the 105 cassette until their gravelCX groupset is available.
There is no shame in getting the gears that work FOR YOU! My setup Praxis Zayante 4832, Shimano Ultegra FD-6800, and Ultegra RD-6800-GS (long cage). The HG800 11-34 was a simple drop-in replacement for a CS-R8000 11-32. I tightened the B-Screw a 12 turn but it really wasn't that necessary. I did not even have to change the chain. The derailleurs have no problems shifting small-small to big-big and every combination in between.
I live near the Santa Cruz mountains in California and my bike club rides frequently up very steep hills (15-20% grades). I ride 10k miles with 1 million feet of climbing annually, but past racing age. I use this 11-34 gear with Ultegra 5034 cranks resulting in a 34-34 low gear. This lets you climb the steepest hills while spinning a decent RPM and not straining your knees. Also helps on long hard rides near the end to climb hills when you're tired. If you are a 125 lb racer you don't want this cassette. It's only drawback is that to achieve the wide range there are some gaps in the gearing. I miss the 12 tooth sprocket.
I bought this cassette to help with hills as I am riding the Copper Triangle in Colorado this year. Wound up liking it so much I bought more of them to upgrade all my bikes. Fully compatible with Ultegra 8000 series derailleurs. With this cassette I could climb Everest .
I was already running the Shimano 6800 11-32 cassette but anything I can do to help save my knees is a plus. You wouldn't think 2 extra teeth is a big deal but it is noticeable. When Shimano introduced this cassette and made it compatible with my current shifters I went for it. You will also need the 8000 series derailleur and a new chain to make it all work but when you are finished you will have a bike that can climb Everest without having to get off and walk.
Used this instead of my old 1132 cassette this year at DK200 to make the 11,000 feet of climbing a little easier and it did the trick nicely. Worked great with an Ultegra chain, compact crank and a GS rear derailleur Di2 set up. There was plenty of take up to keep the chain taught on the rough stuff cross chained and enough clearance on the 34 tooth cog with the B screw tightened up a bit.
