Specialised hardrock cassette Do i need to replace ??

c11r15

i have a hardrock sport disc. ive noticed than on a couple of the 8 sprockets there is a chain mark inprinted on it looks like its hit it or something. i'm new to moutain biking so any help would be nice.

What should i do ? do you think it needs replacing?

What casseste would fit my setup ? http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22092

Also could anyone explain the sizes of cassestes to me. mie is 11-32t :?

supersonic

What cassette do you have? Is the shifting impeded or slipping? If not it is probably fine. A new cassette will require a new chain as this age.

The sizes refer to the teeth ie 11 tooth high gear, 32t low gear. Other common sizes are 11-28, 11-34 and 12-30. Some prefer a lower gear, some prefer them closer together. Some mechs can not accept a 34t cog though.

c11r15

my cassette is a Shimano MFHG-40, 8-speed, 11-32t.
my rear derailleur is a Shimano Acera M-340
my chain is a Shimano HG-50, 1/2" x 3/32"

i dont have any problem with it slipping or anything. As i was cleaning my bike i noticed it was inprinted with a chain shape.

ok i understand now the sizes but would any cassette fit ok? i would i need a chain my bike is only 6 month old?

supersonic

New cassettes require new chains unless the chain is very new. Any cassette will fit, but might as well stick with the same as you have. Must be 8spd. But in all honesty I dont think there is anything wrong with what you have - carry on running it until it fails.

c11r15

ok thx a lot for advice. i'll just keep running them till they break.