Replacing cassette - ok to buy better ?

Beansontoast
Beansontoast Posts: 75
edited April 2015 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi Everyone,

I am about to replace the chain and cassette on my trusty 2009 Specialised Pitch Pro.

This is the first time this will have been done on this bike as far I am aware (I bought it fairly new second-hand) and I've been out of action for a couple of years.

Anyway, I have two questions -

Firstly, just to be on the safe side, is there an easy-way if identifying the cassette, other than what is "supposed" to be on there.

Secondly, according to the website, the component is listed as a "Shimano HG-50, 9-speed, 11-34".
When I look this part up, I am wondering if this is a budget component, and if so what would the radar community be looking at if they were to go a step-up in quality so to speak?

For the record, the chain, is a "KMC HG 73". I will also be replacing this.

Help and advice appreciated.

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    You can fit any Shimano or SRAM 9 speed cassette you like, yes, Deore is good value but a little heavy, personally I prefer Shimano to SRAM.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • FishFish
    FishFish Posts: 2,152
    And get a KMC 9 speed chain because these have quick links - easier to get on and off for cleaning. You will probably have to re-index so get a new cable as well.
    ...take your pickelf on your holibobs.... :D

    jeez :roll:
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I doubt it will need that much indexing that a new cable is needed!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Beansontoast
    Beansontoast Posts: 75
    Ok, thanks for the replies.

    Daft question maybe, but if I needed to replace the cable and didn't, what symptoms might I see?

    Up until fairly recently, the bike was an absolute trojan in all conditions, never missing a gear-change so I will probably look at like for like and hope they match-up as good as last time.
  • jimothy78
    jimothy78 Posts: 1,407
    Beansontoast wrote:
    Daft question maybe, but if I needed to replace the cable and didn't, what symptoms might I see?

    Dirty or corroded cables might cause stiff or vague shifting - if you're not getting these problems, don't worry.
    Up until fairly recently, the bike was an absolute trojan in all conditions, never missing a gear-change so I will probably look at like for like and hope they match-up as good as last time.

    There's no need to go like for like - all 9 speed SRAM and Shimano cassettes have exactly the same horizontal spacing between sprockets. That said, apart from weight savings, there's very little to be gained by fitting a more expensive cassette, so if you're happy with your cheap one, then go for that again by all means.

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