Cassette help

[clockhammer]

I have an old Massi Trax mountain bike and need to replace the cassette. I already have a new chain waiting. My question is around what HG and IG mean in relation to chains. The mountain bike has a triple chainset but it reads IG only but the chain is HG. The person that had the bike originally did not look after it so i wouldnt be surprised if the wrong parts have been fitted. Does this really matter though?

I also need to change the rear mech as its a bit out of shape, got it working okay but just cant get it to index perfectly. The original gearing components are shimano acera and its a 8 speed.

Should i look for a cheap package for the drivetrain? The bike is only used for commuting 4 miles and the odd bit of fun in the mud as i have a decent road bike. For this reason i would like to keep things as cheap as possible. Does it all have to be the from the same range, like acera or deore etc?

Like i say i would like to keep it cheap but i do want to exchange enough to ensure i am getting a good solid gear shift.

Any help or advice, esoecially a bit of knowledge about IG / HG would be most appreciated.

Thanks and ride safely

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Sheldon brown explains the difference between IG and HG on this page. (the relevant bit is approx 2/3 down the page).

It looks like the cassette is the governing factor and since the vast majority of the currently available 8 speed cassettes are HG types, any 8 speed compatible chain should do the job.

I am happy to be corrected if anyone else knows different.

 

[clockhammer]

Thanks Phil, I'll need a few reads at that I think, it's kind of clicking though.

thanks again

 

[Peteaud]

I would buy an Acera Rear mech, Cassette of your choice (maybe HG51) and a new chain.

CRC have got them in and are nice and cheap.

The wife has an Acera on her hybrid and i have to say its been fantastic despite some abuse.

 

[clockhammer]

My cassette is a HG70 they seem to be more expensive than the HG51, are both okay?

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

My cassette is a HG70 they seem to be more expensive than the HG51, are both okay?

From a purely personal point of view I'd be happy using anything by Shimano or SRAM - they'll all be good quality. I'd expect the more expensive ones to be lighter.

 

[clockhammer]

Thanks for the info, appreciate it