replacing my chain, cassette and front outer cog

[Matt1243]

Hey guys, for the last few weeks my chain/pedals have been slipping whenever I put some serious pressure down and sprint or climb.

I've been led to believe by my lbs to replace my chain, cassette and front outer cog. However they have ripped me off before and it takes 4 weeks on average to get the bike back!!

I'm pretty handy with general mechanics so I want to do it myself.

If anyone can offer me advice on good products It would be great.

Here's the bike http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/road/2428/32463/

It's an 8 speed and double compact on the front. Any help would be great, my budget is £150

 

[02GF74]

for chain, use KMC - these have a split link so do not require any tools to fit. ... but you will need a chain splitter to get the chain to the correct length.

you wll need a cassette removal tool and chain whip to remove the cassette. 8 speed shimano/SRAM will do you - depends on how much you wnat to pay. you may take h opportunity to change the gearing if you want.

the front chain ring is removed using 5 mm allen key and I reckon will come off the crank without having to remove the crank; again you can change te gearing by buying ring with different number of teeth.

expect to pay not more than:
chain: £ 15
cassette £ 40
chainring £ 40

 

[smokeysmoo]

You need a cassette like THIS

A chain like THIS

And a chainring like THIS - just remember you need a chainring with a BCD of 110mm for a compact.

All links are for example only, but will give you an idea of what to search for accordingly.

Tool wise you'll need a CHAINWHIP, LOCKRING TOOL, and whatever your chainring bolts use which be either an allen wrench or torx drive.

Oh yes, you'll need a CHAIN SPLITTER to remove the old, probably Shimano), chain, but you won't need it to fit the new chain if you get a KMC one as they come with a tool free MISSING LINK.

 

[02GF74]

You need a cassette like THIS

but you won't need it to fit the new chain if you get a KMC one as they come with a tool free MISSING LINK.

tis true if the new chain is exaclty the same length as the old one, which it won't be!!

 

[Matt1243]

Cheers guys! Didn't want to order things then get the wrong size.

I imagine this job will require lots of patience and swearing!

 

[smokeysmoo]

tis true if the new chain is exaclty the same length as the old one, which it won't be!!

Good call 02 I forgot about that. @Matt1243 you'll have the chain splitter anyway to enable you to adjust the new chain.

Remember, YouTube is your friend in all matters of fettling, and if in doubt just shout up on here

 

[Steve H]

I imagine this job will require lots of patience and swearing!

First time is a bit tricky, but once you've done it once, subsequent changes are fairly easy. Watch plenty of YouTube clips to get a feel for what you are doing.

 

[Scoosh]

Shouldn't do ... even I have managed to do all these things but not all at the same time (which should actually make it easier for you !)

I find it very helpful to have a good look at videos on t'internet beforehand, to get a clearer picture of what needs to be done - and I make some notes as reminders as I stand, wrench in hand ... wondering how much more this could cost me !

 

[smokeysmoo]

It can also be useful to take pictures of things before you take them off/apart

 

[snorri]

Buying the tools for this job may burst your budget, but think of it as a long term investment.
This might help for a starter

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_nV3Qyn_vE


Consider buying one of the smaller cycle tool kits, although the cheaper kits may not be of the best quality they should be adequate for amateur use.

 

[Matt1243]

Looking at thishttp://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/fsa-super-compact-road-chainring/rp-prod69023

But confused by the "5 bolt s-10" and "5 bolt n-10" options

Edit: sorted now!

 

[slowmotion]

Be careful when you use the chain-whip to hold the cassette. It's really easy to skin your knuckles if the tool slips. Have a look at some YouTube clips. It might be an idea to get a cheap and cheerful tool kit from Aldi or Lidl. Park Tools will void your wallet in short order, although they are excellent.

 

[Somewhere]

However they have ripped me off before...

What makes you say that?

 

[02GF74]

I don't bother with chain whips anymore - I wrap a short length of chain around the smallest sprocket to protect the teeth, then hold it from moving with a set off adjustable pliers, like these :

 

[Matt1243]

What makes you say that?

I've taken my bike in for a service before and they literally did nothing to it and charged me £30 for the privilege. They're not all good!!