New Chain, Old Cassette

[Plax]

Okay I have committed the cardinal sin of replacing the chain but not the cassette. The old cassette and chain did approx 1105 miles.

Cassette looked fine. New chain fitted fine, including a powerlink. Went through all the gears totally spiffy on the stand. Just took it for a test ride and it rides perfectly in all the gears apart from the smallest sprocket on the cassette. It feels like the chain is slipping/jumping when on this sprocket. Further inspection once home shows that one of the teeth on this sprocket appears chipped (not shark finned). So a new cassette is required.

My question is, can I ride the bike if I don't use the smallest sprocket? Then when the new cassette arrives (*Mental note to self - must also purchase lock ring tool*), can I just swap everything over with no detrimental effect? It'll probably only be for 16 miles or so if I do use the bike. It's my old hybrid which I save for rainy days.

 

[HLaB]

I wouldn't have thought it'd be a problem for such a short distance. Whwne I replace a chain I always keep the old cassette on until I discover if that need replaced too. I think my last time I changed the chain on commuter I would have done circa 50-75 miles before I replaced the cassette. I don't think the delay has caused a problem.

 

[John the Monkey]

What size/format is the sprocket, Plax? I've got a shimano HG (Tiagra) cassette with a 12 tooth that shouldn't have too much wear on it in the garage, if you're interested.

If you still have the old chain, you could try measuring it using the sheldon brown method, that should tell you whether it's likely to have worn the cassette.

 

[gbb]

I certainly wouldnt say you commited a cardinal sin...you were being thrifty and careful in these credit crunch times.
I replaced an 8 speed chain at 3500 miles...didnt change the chainrings or cassette....no problems and still running fine 1 year later.
Cos its your hybrid, i assume its maybe 7 or 8 speed...the chains are heavier and stronger, and so are the cassettes etc (i assume)
Are you sure its a chip in the small cog, and not one of the machined bits to lead the chain in.

Whichever way....i certainly wouldnt lose any sleep after a few hundred miles, let alone only 16 miles. Replace the cassette when you can, and all will be well with the world.

 

[Plax]

What size/format is the sprocket, Plax? I've got a shimano HG (Tiagra) cassette with a 12 tooth that shouldn't have too much wear on it in the garage, if you're interested.

If you still have the old chain, you could try measuring it using the sheldon brown method, that should tell you whether it's likely to have worn the cassette.

Thanks for the offer but it is a Shimano 8 speed casette, 11-34 I think (Alivio groupset). So don't believe it will fit?

I've binned the old chain (shimano - new chain is SRAM). It was exactly the same length as the new chain. Don't know if that makes any difference! Not a very scientific method in determining chain length I'll warrant .

 

[Plax]

I certainly wouldnt say you commited a cardinal sin...you were being thrifty and careful in these credit crunch times.
I replaced an 8 speed chain at 3500 miles...didnt change the chainrings or cassette....no problems and still running fine 1 year later.
Cos its your hybrid, i assume its maybe 7 or 8 speed...the chains are heavier and stronger, and so are the cassettes etc (i assume)
Are you sure its a chip in the small cog, and not one of the machined bits to lead the chain in.

Whichever way....i certainly wouldnt lose any sleep after a few hundred miles, let alone only 16 miles. Replace the cassette when you can, and all will be well with the world.

I'd say it was a chip, it does look like the tooth is a machined bit, but with a chip in it if you follow me! It's not on top it's on the side of the machine bit just to confuse you some more.