cassette and chain quality
JamesB
Posts: 1,184
Having got to replace chains, and possibly cassettes also, soon on two bikes 
I`m wondering about the difference in lifespan of the cheaper cassettes and chains v the more expensive..
Granted the expensive ones may be lighter and slicker shifting
but will for example a cassette / chain set up costing twice the price considerably outlive a cheaper one? Or is it more down to keeping everything clean? I can`t imagine that Shimano or SRAM would nowadays produce anything but generally good quality drive train kit, so what`s the benefit of the more expensive units?
ta
James
I`m wondering about the difference in lifespan of the cheaper cassettes and chains v the more expensive..Granted the expensive ones may be lighter and slicker shifting
but will for example a cassette / chain set up costing twice the price considerably outlive a cheaper one? Or is it more down to keeping everything clean? I can`t imagine that Shimano or SRAM would nowadays produce anything but generally good quality drive train kit, so what`s the benefit of the more expensive units?ta
James
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Comments
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More expensive cassettes are lighter, and tend to have nickel or other coatings to make them lest prone to corrosion. Better chains have these coatings too.0
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But does the nickel coating enhance durability? The corrosion issue can be offset surely by a good cleaning and oiling schedule after riding, hence a well looked after non nickel coated unit shouldnt corrode??0
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True, a good routine is essential. Nickel is also hard and smooth, ideal for this application and will probably outlast budget cassette. Some are even chrome plated, which is harder still. XTR cassettes have 4 titanium cogs, and XT and XTR both have lightweight alloy carriers which are stiff, and kind on soft freehub bodies like a Hope Pro.0
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No. Expensive cassettes have loads of benefits as described but you won't notice any greater life."Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."0
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So best really then, as with other bike bits, to have a winter cheap block and enjoy benefits of more expensive kit in summer, if there is no big difference in durability??0
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Well, if you got a poshbikes titanium carbonitride cassette i'm pretty sure it would be much longer lasting, but will set you back £3500
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All Shimano 9 spd cassettes are coated anyway. Its only the cheaper ones that arent, and some seem to be made of a softer metal too.0
