What chain and rear sprocket?

Kerrmit1992

Hi guys,

So there is apparently a lot of stretch in my chain so need new chain and sprocket.

Do I need to match them up or will any chain go with any sprocket?

What are the best ones to go with at the moment? My bike is a 3x8 and I notice there are a lot less for x8 bikes than there is for x9 and upwards.

I don't want anything to heavy as I'm a bit of a weight freak haha

The Rookie

You can match any correct speed chain to its same speed rear sprocket, although as you have 8 of them it would be a cassette. In your case any 5,6,7 or 8 speed chian (they are all the same) will mtach to an 8 speed cassette.

Not much higher end stuff is made in 8 speed anymore, so instead of new either find good used or consider switching to x9 (you just need a shifter as well as your new 9 speed chain and cassette - an 8 speed mech will be fine) 9 speed chains are lighter (mostly) anyway as the side plates are thinner.

Kerrmit1992

Well I've been looking at 9 or 10 speed at the back but thought it was more complicated to change it over than that, may have a look at that then :-) ... What make and models would you suggest?

Cheers

thelonegroover

Kerrmit1992 wrote:

Hi guys,

So there is apparently a lot of stretch in my chain so need new chain and sprocket.

Do I need to match them up or will any chain go with any sprocket?

What are the best ones to go with at the moment? My bike is a 3x8 and I notice there are a lot less for x8 bikes than there is for x9 and upwards.

I don't want anything to heavy as I'm a bit of a weight freak haha

If you have a stretched chain, what makes you think you need a new sprocket or cassette?

Kerrmit1992

The guy in the bike shop says I can't just change the chain without changing the cassette?

Guessing this is not the case?

Chunkers1980

It depends how stretched the chain is. The more stretched it is the more damage it does. But if it is not slipping or causing problems ATM it may be worth just leaving it.

The Rookie

Either the worn chain (it doesn't stretch as such, the joints wear allowing some play) has damaged the cassette or it has not
1/ If it has, you may as well use it until it causes a problem, though it may wear the chainrings as well
2/ If it has not you only need to change the cassette.

Going from 8 to 9 (Shimano) is easy, chain, shifter and cassette, very occasionally the front mech will not work 'quite as well' due to the thinner chain and you may want to change it, other times it works fine.

Kerrmit1992

Yes I may just upgrade them all to 9 speed :-)

And the guy just used a wee metal thing and goes "you're chain is stretched"

The Rookie

Thats' the correct way to determine hcain 'stretch', not to determine if the cassette is worn as well, although for stretches over 1% it would be likely.

Kerrmit1992

Think ill just upgrade the whole lot :-)

Chunkers1980

Extra sprockets are not always an upgrade you know?

jairaj

If upgrading the whole read transmission just note to match a Shimano rear shifter with a shimano rear mech. Or a Sram rear shifter with Sram rear mech.

thelonegroover

This all depends on how much you want to spend, note I said want and not need to. It should be quite easy to see if the cassette is damaged or worn. Admittedly, 9 speed shifters and cassette won't cost a lot.

Kerrmit1992

Well if i'm replacing the chain I might as well replace the whole lot :-)

I've not really thought about price really, would definetly want good quality gear but I'll start pricing things shortly.

So what kind of things am I looking for when picking new rear cassette, rear mech and chain?

Ouija

You can use 9 speed chains on 8 speed cassettes (i did for many years). They actually work better and produce less rub on the cassette, front derailleur and cranks (fatter 8 speed chains can just catch the outside ring on some crank rings when in the middle ring on the front and the smallest on the back).

So i'd buy a 9 speed chain, try it out on your current setup and if it turns out the cassette really is worn you can buy the 9 speed cassette and shifter at a later date and upgrade the whole system without having to fork out on yet another chain.

Chunkers1980

I'd do nothing as I don't think you've actually got a problem?

Kerrmit1992

Yes I may try the 9 speed chain then.

Will I not ruin a new chain on a worn cassette if that is the case?

Ouija

You could do. But there would be indications if it's not meshing with the cassette almost as soon as you fit it (the chain appearing to 'slip' and odd grating noises). You can pick up a 9 speed SRAM chain on ebay for the £10 mark these days and 9 speed cassettes can be had for just £12/14, especially if you get them from the major German sites (Rose, Bike24, Bike-Discount etc). Just make sure you get them sent Royal Mail, as UPS/DHL can add an extra £7.

thelonegroover

What sort of shifters/brakes do you currently have. They're not integrated are they?

Kerrmit1992

I have shimano 445 brakes and shimano Altus shifters

Ouija

Well, if their integrated brake/shifters in one unit your best looking at Rose bikes again. 9 speed versions of the Altus can be had for £20. About the cheapest i've seen. Or you could take the opportunity to go with separates.

Chunkers1980

Don't think 445s hydros will be integrated.

Still say do nothing until it causes a problem, which I don't thin it is?

Kerrmit1992

I may not have a problem but the chain has been on the bike 2 years now so I think it's due a change. plus I have wanted to change a lot of these components anyways so I might as well do it just now.

I will have a look on rose bikes mate, thats quite a good price so might go with that. will also take a look at other shifters while I'm there.