What cassette for Louisville?

What chainrings are you running?

Shane

Questions like this are difficult to answer because of the varying rider styles and abilities. Some ride with high cadence, some "mash" more. I looked at the course on Strava to see if there were any double digit climbs, didn't see any. When I try and decide things like this, I look at GPS results (Garmin Connect, Strava etc.) to try and get an idea of climb grades and distances and compare that to any rides I personally have done. If you ride mostly flat terrain I would just throw a 27 or 28 on the back (assuming you're on a compact) just to be safe.

FSA Gossamer, 39/53 teeth - came with the bike - an older Cervelo Dual

A friend of mine did Louisville last year and he just ran a 11-25. I have not raced Louisville but did Muskoka and ran an 11-28. Depending on your comfort level with hills, the extra climbing gear may be helpful. Either one and you should be ok. If hills are your enemy, the 11-28 is worth the money to not burn out your legs for the run

With a standard crankset, unless you're only planning to be on the bike for 5 hours, I'd go with a 12-28. No need for the 11 (if you've spun out the 12, you should be tucking and coasting) and hopefully the 39-28 will give you plenty of comfort for climbing.

Shane

28T or so sounds ok with a 39 inner. I rode 50/34, 11-25 in Whistler and it was not terrible. Like others said look at the grade of the hills and try and match in training.

First confession I pedal mash... ~70 cadence
Second confession I am not sure what chain rings I am running. I could run down stairs but laziness is key.

I always run 11-28 on my race wheels and a 12-15 on my trainer wheels (buying another cassette sounds expensive). Livening in the Denver area I prefer the 11-28 for everything big climbs (lookout mountain 5%/Old stage 15%), rolling hills, and "flat" riding. You loose out in the middle ranges but you will never regret having the low or high end.

When in doubt I would take the extra range. If you are a constantly shift for the perfect "90 rpm" cadence you may want to do more research into the race conditions.

I did Louisville in 2014. Had a good bike ride using Zipp 808 wheels with Dura-ACE 10 speed cassette.

Be careful on coming down the hills leaving La Grange (saw a couple of people wipe out).

Good luck. Great race with great support.