New cassette

[Bman]

So, Ive left my chain far too long between replacements, so now I need a new cassette. (the chain is stretched and I am starting to get a little bit of skipping when changing gears).

Having never changed a cassette before, I could do with some advice:

It appears I have a Shimano HG-50 8-speed Cassette on the GTR, but which type, I couldnt tell you.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1864

CRC sell that cassette, but what "options" do I want? 12-21? 12-23?
Ideally I want to swap like-for-like, but how do i find out what size I currently have?

Also, what tools will I need to swap the cassette?

 

[oldfatfool]

Count the number of teeth on your present cassette?

Cassette tool for Shimano hyperglide, Chain whip, and a torque wrench (capable of 40nm iirc)

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Fwiw I have never used a torque wrench for cassette installation. Just do it up tight will be fine since pedalling tightens a cassette or freewheel anyway.

Imho Sram 8 speed cassettes are superior to Shimano's and they are interchangeable.

 

[wakou]

+1 to no torque wrench needed. Lock rings have grippy splines, just tighten till you hear feel several cicks from them and you are good to go. Do NOT overtighten!

 

[Bman]

I didnt realise it was as simple as counting the teeth

I need a 12-25. Looking at a few youtube videos suggests this is quite simple.

Thanks for the confirmation on not using a torque wrench, I was siding with the idea and had figured out about pedalliing rotation from the vid. Looks like i'll be safe without

 

[Moodyman]

You need strong arms the first time you take off the the worn out cassette. At first it feels like nothing's happening, then suddenly the joyous crunch,crunch of it getting it loose.

 

[Bman]

LBS quoted £30, I can get the tools and parts to do it myself for £35.97.

ID Unit Price
11260 Shimano Tiagra Cassette 8 Speed HG50 18
130729 Shimano HG40 Chain 7/8 Speed 6.99
31722 X-Tools Chain Whip 5.99
24538 Cyclo Pro Series Cassette Lockring Remover 4.99


Seems like a no-brainer

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

LBS quoted £30, I can get the tools and parts to do it myself for £35.97.

ID Unit Price
11260 Shimano Tiagra Cassette 8 Speed HG50 18
130729 Shimano HG40 Chain 7/8 Speed 6.99
31722 X-Tools Chain Whip 5.99
24538 Cyclo Pro Series Cassette Lockring Remover 4.99

Seems like a no-brainer

If you haven't ordered already, don't get a Shimano chain. Get a KMC chain instead.

 

[smokeysmoo]

+2 for no torque wrench required, and +1 for KMC chains. I switched to them a while back and won't use anything else now

 

[rockyraccoon]

If you haven't ordered already, don't get a Shimano chain. Get a KMC chain instead.

which KMC for 8sp ?

 

[Herzog]

You need strong arms the first time you take off the the worn out cassette. At first it feels like nothing's happening, then suddenly the joyous crunch,crunch of it getting it loose.

And hopefully the skin of your knuckles will still be intact (I speak from experience).

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

which KMC for 8sp ?

kmc is somewhat unique in providing an interactive guide to help you pick the right chain. The chain choice guide link is on the left here. Certainly quicker than reading through their huge catalogue.

 

[HLaB]

Imho Sram 8 speed cassettes are superior to Shimano's and they are interchangeable.

FWIW I've found that SRAM casette usually do a better gear range IMO, such as 11-26 (11 for speed and the 26 to make an easier climb).

 

[Bman]

I havn't ordered yet. Just a few days until payday.

What makes the KMC chain better than the Shimano?

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I havn't ordered yet. Just a few days until payday.

What makes the KMC chain better than the Shimano?

That's an easy one. See this.