8 Speed Chain - Cassette Compatability and Mileage

[uclown2002]

Bike is Specialized Allez 2011 model. Shimano 2300 groupset I think.

I have fitted a kmc X8-99 chain (7.3mm pin) but have not replaced the cassette as it doesn't look too worn.

Can I use any 8 speed shimano cassette when I need to replace it?

Typically how many miles would you expect to get from a new chain?

Similarly, how many miles typically for a new cassette?

Thanks.

 

[HLaB]

You can use SRAM or any Shaimano compatible cassette but not campy. As too chain/cassette life, how long is a peice of string, there's too many variables to give a definite answer but a cassette for chain is appropriate if you havent changed the chain early enough if you have you may get 2 or 3 chains per cassette (IIRC somebody on here quoted a 6:1 ratio).

 

[uclown2002]

Ok tks. I'm getting some slippage on new chain although cassette doesn't look too worn. Hoping it just needs to bed in so need to ride a few miles.

 

[fossyant]

Oh and the SRAM cassettes are lighter by quite a way.

 

[HLaB]

Ok tks. I'm getting some slippage on new chain although cassette doesn't look too worn. Hoping it just needs to bed in so need to ride a few miles.

Cassettes are deceptive it probably need to be replaced if you leave it too long it'll wear out the new chain prematurely.

 

[uclown2002]

Thanks again guys. It it normal to get some slippage until bedding in if cassette not changed at same time?

 

[cyberknight]

I must admit to just changing the cassette and chain once a year on my commuter which runs the same gears whether it needs it or not , so 3500-4000 miles .
After 3 years i reckon i do need a new front chainring.

 

[HLaB]

Thanks again guys. It it normal to get some slippage until bedding in if cassette not changed at same time?

No, they should marry together perfectly.

 

[Fifelad]

As above ^ I got a new chain on my winter bike as it was worn and the cassette looked not bad.I have no idea how long the cassette was on for as the bike was second hand, and the chain is slipping.A new cassette is required.It only takes one to be worn a bit more than the other. A general rule of thumb as told by local bike shope mechanic is two chains to one cassette.

 

[uclown2002]

As above ^ I got a new chain on my winter bike as it was worn and the cassette looked not bad.I have no idea how long the cassette was on for as the bike was second hand, and the chain is slipping.A new cassette is required.It only takes one to be worn a bit more than the other. A general rule of thumb as told by local bike shope mechanic is two chains to one cassette.

Thanks again.
I replaced chain and cassette together about 2K miles ago, so thought this time I'd get away with only a chain but looks like I'll need new cassette also.

 

[HLaB]

Thanks again.
I replaced chain and cassette together about 2K miles ago, so thought this time I'd get away with only a chain but looks like I'll need new cassette also.

Its a bit 'how long is a peice of string' but fwiw I usualy get circa 1.5k out of a 8spd cassette (but I've never got a shimano more than one chain out of a shimano cassette but I have with a SRAM one). I've also had multiple chains to casettes and at higher mileage on 10spd SRAM's and Veloce.

 

[uclown2002]

Thanks again for helpful replies. I've just realised that I've fitted my chain to a 12-23 cassette but I've now ordered a 12-26 to minimize use of granny ring. But the chain will now be too short for new cassette won't it?

 

[HLaB]

@uclown2002 It probably will unless it was too long before hand; theres lots of calulators on the web as to what it should be but I prefer the Sheldon Brown technique ( I think he coppied it) its far simpler: Put the chain around the biggest cog and big chain ring (without using the rear derailleur) and if you allow for one link overlap thats the correct length.

 

[uclown2002]

@uclown2002 It probably will unless it was too long before hand; theres lots of calulators on the web as to what it should be but I prefer the Sheldon Brown technique ( I think he coppied it) its far simpler: Put the chain around the biggest cog and big chain ring (without using the rear derailleur) and if you allow for one link overlap thats the correct length.

Thanks for that tip. Pretty sure now it will be too short but can't get to bike anyway to check as its at lbs awaiting fitting of new brakes.

 

[Davidc]

I've found that Sheldon Brown trick works fine.

I reckon between 1,000 and 1,500 miles to a chain (just before a wear gauge indicates 1%) and 2 chains to a cassette. That's on 8 speed in my case.

When a new chain jumps then a new cassette has always fixed it. That's been when I've tried to use the cassette for a third chain.

I've found SRAM cassettes and chains give longer life than Shimano ones.