Cassette questions

apple eater

My bike is a hardtail carrera vulcan from 2011. It should have and 8 gear cassette but the previous owner has either changed it to 7 or thrown out the 8th gear.

I'm now wanting to put an 8 speed cassettte back on. i have a shimano m 475 hub on the back which is wearing very well so i'm sticking with it until it finally packs up.

Is there a certain type of cassette i need or in the 8 speed bracket they are all pretty much basic and standard fit? What is the difference between 30 / 32 / 34 teeth on the largest cog, in terms of effort / ease of pedalling etc ? They seem to only have 11 teeth on the smallest cog.

Any recommendations?

cooldad

Any 8 speed will work. Bigger cogs, lower gear, and slightly bigger jumps between ratios.

Buckled_Rims

Most Shimano type 8 speed cassettes will fit, they are pretty cheap if you look around the internet (£9.99 from CRC). You should NOT really use the big front ring with the big rear cog - it's called cross chaining and it's a bit naughty. It'll twist and rub against the chain and cogs. Likewise, the small front ring should not be used with the small rear cog. For the most efficient use try the middle cogs on the rear cassette, this keeps the chainline straightish.

There is a big difference between 30t and 34t on rear using the small front ring. 34t will make you be able to climb steep sections, but by peddling fast (but moving very slowly). As for the 11t you will rarely use that, I probably don't use mine for about 99.95% of the time.

If you are unsure, go for a 11-34 and get a new chain fitted. The old chain might (most probably will) wear out a new cassette prematurely.

The Rookie

1-34 is not commonly available in 8speed (if at all), so you have a choice of 11-30 or 11-32, the difference is minimal on either to be honest.

I have a couple of useable 8speeds, PM me if you want one cheap.

mister p

The Beginner wrote:

1-34 is not commonly available in 8speed (if at all).

CS-HG41 8 speed is available in 11-30, 11-32 and 11-34 combinations, see WIGGLE HERE

zx6man

Original is a SRAM PGM 830 or 850 I think. Can check tonight and post it if ya need to know.

cooldad

Makes no difference what the original was - any Shimano or Sram 8 speed will work.

zx6man

cooldad wrote:

Makes no difference what the original was - any Shimano or Sram 8 speed will work.

I know, just in case the orginal spec was required really with it being changed to something dodgy.

supersonic

1-34 is not available in owt ;-)

apple eater

So if i go for the HG 8 speed cassette with the ratio's 11 - 32 they will be the same as my sons bike which i find comfortable to ride, gears wise.

It is recommended on the wiggle link ^^^ up there, that i should use a HG chain. Anyone have a different recommendation for the chain or is it just a case of at this end of the scale choice is limited?

cooldad

KMC 8 speed. Whatever the cheapest you can find.

supersonic

Any 8 speed chain will be fine, SRAM chains are good kit.

11-32 will be the same range, but the steps in the middle may be different. And gearing depends on the front chainring size, and wheel size too.

apple eater

next question.

7speed shimano cassette and the lockring has 12 teeth grooves in it but when i look at park tools for the part i need they list them as sr-1 and fr-1 compatible.

What does this mean and how do i identify which one i need?

supersonic

I don't understand the question - why a seven speed cassette? What part do you need?

supersonic

Ah, you mean the tools to remove? Cassette remover, not a freehweel remover. Also need a chainwhip.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Icetoolz-Cass ... vi-content