Dumb Newbie Q - Swapping rear cassette

cookdn
cookdn Posts: 410
edited October 2012 in The workshop
I have been thinking of getting a 11-28 (or 12-28) SRAM Apex PG1050 cassette as an alternative to the 11-32 that came with my Boardman Team CX. For my commute I am not using the larger sprockets and would benefit from smaller jumps between gears but would switch the 11-32 back onto the bike if I was doing a v.hilly (or v.long) ride.

Questions :-)
  • Should I get a second chain so that each cassette is paired with it's own chain?
  • What chain tool would people recommend to split an SRAM chain?
  • I've got a chain whip and Shimano cassette tool for my MTB, I guess this is compatible with the SRAM stuff?
  • I keep reading references to Powerlinks in relation to splitting and repairing chains. What are they? Should I have them/use them?

Best regards
David
Boardman CX Team

Comments

  • arthur_scrimshaw
    arthur_scrimshaw Posts: 2,596
    1/ Ideally yes but it would depend how often you'll be swapping back to the old cassette?
    2/ My CX came with a powerlink already fitted, have you checked your chain?
    3/ yes it will be fine as long as it's compatible with 10 speed.
    4/ see 2 above, SRAM http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... odelID=871 but only removable up to 9 speed, the 10 speed connector is called a powerlock and isn't removable. I'd recommend the KMC 10 speed version which is removable http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=25439
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    As above for the chain. If you get a new one you'll need a chain tool to shorten it, the park tools one comes well recommended, I just use an icetoolz one and it's grand.

    +1 for a KMC chain link, makes removing the chain dead simple.
    Orbea Alma Team Carbon - Strava -Specialized Allez Sport
  • cookdn
    cookdn Posts: 410
    Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:
    1/ Ideally yes but it would depend how often you'll be swapping back to the old cassette?
    Not sure at this stage. If this is the way to go I'm quite happy for the small extra expenditure as the chain for the 11-32 will also act as a spare.
    Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:
    2/ My CX came with a powerlink already fitted, have you checked your chain?

    No I haven't looked in detail (wouldn't have known what to look for). Looking on the Internet there seems to be an argument for chain splitters still being useful. Would the splitter on a multitool such as the Topeak Hexus be OK?
    Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:
    4/ see 2 above, SRAM http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... odelID=871 but only removable up to 9 speed, the 10 speed connector is called a powerlock and isn't removable. I'd recommend the KMC 10 speed version which is removable http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=25439

    Looks like I'l be getting hold a couple of KMC Connectors. Thanks for the suggestion. :D

    Best regards
    David
    Boardman CX Team
  • cookdn
    cookdn Posts: 410
    Greer_ wrote:
    As above for the chain. If you get a new one you'll need a chain tool to shorten it, the park tools one comes well recommended, I just use an icetoolz one and it's grand.

    +1 for a KMC chain link, makes removing the chain dead simple.

    Thanks for that. Can't find the Icetoolz chain tool but the X-Tools one seems to be rated ok and isn't too much money.

    Best regards
    David
    Boardman CX Team

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