When to change a cassette?

Pep
Pep Posts: 501
edited April 2011 in Workshop
Measured my Ultegra 10sp chain, is longer by 0.75 (what, percentage?), not not 1.00 yet.
So bought a new one online last night. Will change it soon.

I think the cassette is still ok, only the chain needs to change, simply because since changing cassette last time did less than 1000miles on it.

How will I know when changing only the chain will not be enough, but I must change cassette too?

Comments

  • Twostage
    Twostage Posts: 987
    When the chain jumps when under stress i.e. going up hill. It goes 'clang', very disturbing when it happens.
  • Pep
    Pep Posts: 501
    Thanks.
  • Nigel Bennett
    Nigel Bennett Posts: 653
    Changing cassettes is governed by how hard you've treated it - if it's constantly bombarded with wet pooh and grit off the roads, the chain and cassette will wear a lot more rapidly than if you stick to nice dry roads.

    I've had well over 4000 miles out of some cassettes - but not usually on my winter bike. That's with at least six chains - don't let them wear too much before chucking them!

    Examine the teeth of each sprocket with a magnifying glass. If you can still see the stamping marks on the tooth profiles, it should be fine.

    The only real test is to fit a new chain on the worn cassette and give it a bit of welly - but I suggest you don't try any out-of-the-saddle efforts unless you're wearing some thick titanium underwear. If it runs, then fine, you're good to go.

    Modern cassettes are sooooo much better than the old 1980's ones for longevity - then you had to change both chain and sprockets together.

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