Cassette and Chain Replacement

sketchley

Hi,

My sirrus comp currently used for commuting is slipping in a gear. Time for new cassette and chain.

Current I have Shimano RS20 wheels on it, a HG-80 11-28 cassette and HG-73 chain.

Am I best off simply replacing like for like and sticking with Shimano products at this level or would I be better with a different manufacturer or model? Note I'm averaging around 100 miles per week so far this year.

Also what tools do I need to change the cassette and chain myself. I'm guess in cassette lock nut tool, a torque wrench and chain tool?

How much would an LBS charge to fit these? Is it even worth doing this myself?

Thanks in advance.

desweller

Freehub tool.
Big spanner or adjustable.
Chain breaker.

I've never used a torque wrench on a cassette locknut. Just whale on it.

And, it's always worth doing it yourself!

pdw

Definitely worth doing yourself.

Tools will pay for themselves the second time it needs doing, if not the first, and at that sort of mileage, you'll probably be doing it at least once a year. Being able to get the cassette off is also useful if you ever need to replace a spoke.

You'll also need a chain whip to stop the cassette spinning when you undo the lock nut. Although torque wrenches are a good idea for lots of things, I don't think this is one of them. Anywhere between quite tight and very tight should do fine

veronese68

I think I got a KMC chain. It's got a split link thingy so much easier to split and rejoin than a Shimano chain. Supposedly better quality for the price as well.
Worth doing it yourself. Where are you if you need help. I get the impression I'm not a million miles away, I'm in Kingston.

cyberknight

DesWeller wrote:

Freehub tool.
Big spanner or adjustable.
Chain breaker.

I've never used a torque wrench on a cassette locknut. Just whale on it.

And, it's always worth doing it yourself!

And a chain whip to hold the cassette still as you undo it.
I find that you really do not need a torque wrench as the cassette lick ring clicks when it is tight enough and pedalling helps to keep it tight as it rotates theway it tightens up.

cjcp

@Sketchley - I've got the various tools if you want to borrow them.

sketchley

Veronese68 wrote:

I think I got a KMC chain. It's got a split link thingy so much easier to split and rejoin than a Shimano chain. Supposedly better quality for the price as well.
Worth doing it yourself. Where are you if you need help. I get the impression I'm not a million miles away, I'm in Kingston.

Would be grateful for help. I'm in Worcester Park.

ref KMC chain I guess I need this one? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-x9-93-9-speed-chain/ I assume it'll work fine with Shimano Cassette?

sketchley

cjcp wrote:

@Sketchley - I've got the various tools if you want to borrow them.

I probably take you up on that. Thank you. Once I've got the parts I'll let you know.

cjcp

Okey dokey.

veronese68

That chain looks like the 9 speed equivalent to mine. I have an 8 speed on mine. You'll need a chain tool to shorten it to match your old chain, but then you'll need one of those anyway to get the old chain off. Should be fine with a Shimano cassette. PM me if you want any help.

mtb-idle

sketchley, I also have the tools and I'm in Ewell. Dunno where cjcp is based but i could be closer.

Happy to do it for you/show you what to do for next time.