New cassette = new chain as well?

yorkshireraw
yorkshireraw Posts: 1,632
edited May 2008 in Workshop
I've just bought a new set of wheels as the ones that came with my bike were a bit ropey and thought it handy to have a spare set (esp. given LBS seen to take 4 days to true a wheel or replace 1 broken spoke, but that's for a different thread). Should I be adding a new chain as well to run on the new cassette?
The new cassette is SRAM PG950, should I be using an SRAM chain or any recommendations?

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    depends on how stretched your current chain is

    either measure it or better still invest in one of these

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=5784
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • topdude
    topdude Posts: 1,557
    You will have to measure how worn the old chain is ie, use a steel rule and check a 12" section as accurately as poss.
    12" + 1/16 is ok.
    12" + 1/8 is too worn.
    Chains are not expensive and any make will do but SRAM comes with a Powerlink for quick removal for cleaning, just make sure it matches the gearing ie, 8spd / 9 spd / 10 spd.
    He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy !!
  • yorkshireraw
    yorkshireraw Posts: 1,632
    cheers - I'll probably just get a new one anyway - as you say they're not that exepensive, just wondered if it was 'best practice' to get a new one with a new cassette so neither is worn from the start. Was also wondering if it was best to match cassette and chain brand or if most are compatible (noting the point about sizing).
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    you can mix and match chains without issues.

    I use SRAM myself.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    topdude wrote:
    12" + 1/16 is ok.
    12" + 1/8 is too worn.
    Au contraire - 1/16" wear over 12" (0.5%) is the point I change my chains - at that point you shouldn't get significant cassette wear. Wait until 1/8" (1%) and the chances are you'll need a new cassette too.

    In answer to the original question, I'd always use a new chain with a new cassette unless the existing chain had negligible wear.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    KMC seem to make the best chains - I use them on all of my bikes.
    I like bikes...

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  • Tom Butcher
    Tom Butcher Posts: 3,830
    I normally go with the 1% to replace the chain - that's what Park recommend anyway - there's a balance between spending a fortune on new chains to make your cassette last longer and wearing out your drivetrain because you never change the chain.
    it's a hard life if you don't weaken.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    You don't actually get significantly more life out of the chain by waiting though - certainly nowhere near twice the life, and I don't think even 50% longer. That's because by the time you get to 0.5% you've already worn off the hard surface coating on the wear points. Meanwhile, at least for the parts I use, chains are a lot cheaper than cassettes (and chainrings) - even more of an issue now I have Campag on the best bike.
  • yorkshireraw
    yorkshireraw Posts: 1,632
    thanks all. now in possession of a new chain after lunchtime shop visit. Now just need to get the old one off & new one on... My multi-tool has a chain tool (& instructions thankfully!)

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