New cassette

[RecordAceFromNew]

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).

Probably off-topic, but "in principle" imho all cassettes should starting with a 11T.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

+1 to KMC and all SRAM cassettes. Cheap Shimano chains aren't anywhere near as good.

You'll also need a large adjustable spanner of course to use the lockring. And...from a relative newbie to another if that's what ye are... make sure when you get the new cassette and fit it, that you look for the smaller gap on the freehub (the part of the hub where you slide the cassette on) which has a corresponding piece of metal on the inside of the new cassette. The gaps are generally around 3-4mm all around but there is one which is more like 1.5mm and that is your guide to installing each part of the cassette separately and correctly. That is, if you find the plastic guide that comes with the new cassette too confusing or unusable!

And remember grease.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Probably off-topic, but "in principle" imho all cassettes should starting with a 11T.

Ain't that just the case. I'm all for spinning but when you're descending that 11t makes a lot of sense.

Furthermore you know which riders are on a 12 because you've just gone past them.

 

[youngoldbloke]

+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

+3 - most cassette lockring tools are 1" or 25mm so you will need a hell of a big socket to fit them. Use a large adjustable or small Stilson if you don't have the correct size spanner.

 

[Jdratcliffe]

guys this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=387 is£10 less than what my LBS want to charge me parts wise, how hard for a noobie learning servicing ( got most jobs tick as DIY) to change one and what the best tool to make it the easiest?

 

[Bman]

Well, my £35 order has gone up to £75. Added grease, the KMC chain plus quick links, glasses and some lycra shorts.

This cycling lark is expensive!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

guys this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=387 is£10 less than what my LBS want to charge me parts wise, how hard for a noobie learning servicing ( got most jobs tick as DIY) to change one and what the best tool to make it the easiest?

See this regarding how and tools required.

 

[Tomba]

guys this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=387 is£10 less than what my LBS want to charge me parts wise, how hard for a noobie learning servicing ( got most jobs tick as DIY) to change one and what the best tool to make it the easiest?

Yes its fairly easy. I managed it after all

 

[Bman]

Well, changing the cassette and chain was much easier than I thought it would be.

Only took 15minutes and now the bike feels like new.

Transmission and gear changes are as smooth as a baby's bottom. I cant say for sure how much impact the KMC chain has had over the original Shimano one, but I like it

A small note to anyone reading this looking to buy a KMC chain: They come with a quick link, you dont need to buy a set!

 

[scouserinlondon]

I changed my chain at 0.75 and stupidly forgot my old chain this morning to change back if needed. Sadly urban riding had meant that a couple of cogs were knackered so went into an LBS for a new cassette. Part was £30 (ouch) but labour only a few quid.

Lesson learned on an urban commuter is to keep the chain going to 1 on the wear indicator and replace both cassette and chain at the same time. I could try riding across a wider gear range but it won't happen.