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Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 1:33pm
by Mike777
Hi all
I recently checked my chain with a Parker tool which suggested it needed replacing (actually then broke the next week) it is a new bike and I had done about 1500 miles on it since last November.
Question is should I replace the cassette at the same time (I am lead to believe this is normal practice) or with that I am good to go just for the new chain.
Would appreciate any advice or comments
Regards
Mike
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 2:44pm
by TrevA
How worn was your chain. 0.75% and you should be ok with the same cassette but anything over that and it's best to change the cassette too. The sure test is when you ride it with the new chain and old cassette, does the chain jump? If so, then you need a new cassette too.
Rule of thumb is that a cassette will last 2 chains if chain not too worn before changing.
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 2:52pm
by RogerThat
If it's a Shimano cassette the wear is probably comparable to the chain. I can run two Campag chains through a cassette before having to change it.
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 3:15pm
by Mike777
Many thanks for the replies.
I will give it a go and see if I get any slippage.
Appreciate your time
Regards
Mike
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 4:06pm
by Vantage
The first cassette on mine was changed after 3125 ish miles as I wanted lower gears. The HG41 that replaced it was replaced after 3400 ish miles and the current HG41 has 3200 ish miles on it. The chain on that one was replaced about 200 miles ago roughly without issue.
I'm fairly sure I could have had a few more miles out of those cassettes but I like to play it safe. I'm not a particularly strong cyclist so that may help to extend my components life, but using cheapo KMC chains, of 6 none have snapped.
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 4:44pm
by mercalia
The Shimano HG50 8 speed cassette on my Dawes 1-Down has done approx 3000+ miles and still ok. It can be hard to tell by inspection whether the cassette is worn too much as the smallest rings on such cassettes are made with teeth that look a bit worn ( one side more curved than the other )
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 4:50pm
by Mike777
Sorry have another question what is the best way to calculate how long Chain length should be....
Been told various ways and there is apparently a on line tool which also can be used...,!
Regards
Mike
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 5:02pm
by RogerThat
I just use my eye. When the chain is on the bottom sprocket and the inner chaining, the rear derailleur cage should be at about 8 o'clock. Works for me!
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 5:14pm
by Vantage
I can't say I bothered to measure any of my last 6 or so chains.
Out of the packet and straight onto the bike does it for me.
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 5:21pm
by reohn2
Mike777 wrote:Sorry have another question what is the best way to calculate how long Chain length should be....
Been told various ways and there is apparently a on line tool which also can be used...,!
Regards
Mike
At 1500miles if the chain hasn't been totally neglected the cassette should be OK for a further two chains.
Calculate chain length by putting the chain on the big ring and biggest rear cog pull tight without it going through the dérailleur.It's that length + two links.
BTW what make of chain is it and how many cogs on the cassette?
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 6:17pm
by kylecycler
reohn2 wrote:Calculate chain length by putting the chain on the big ring and biggest rear cog pull tight without it going through the dérailleur. It's that length + two links.
This is how reohn2 and I do it - Sheldon's way - wrap the chain around the big ring and the largest rear sprocket with 2 links (an inner and an outer link) overlap (
without it going through the rear mech, as reohn2 says):
http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.htmlMind you, any time I've taken off the original chain on a bike, it's longer than that, as if it was never cut. I think you should always err on the side of too long than too short, though - if it's too short, and you select the lowest - i.e. largest - rear sprocket when you're on the big chainring - a gear combination you should never use but you might be distracted or tired and we're all fallible... - you could rip the rear mech off; it could go into the spokes - bottom line, you could break your neck. Also, if the chain is too long, at least if it breaks you could cut a couple links off to get you home, as long as you're carrying a chain tool and, preferably, a joining link.
Incidentally, in case you think me and reohn2 are pally, forget it -
he doesn't like lurchers. 
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 7:00pm
by Mike777
Thanks the make of chain is a Wippermann Connex 10S0....rear cassette is a shimano 11-32
Thanks again
Mike
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 8:20pm
by pwa
I find Shimano cassettes last okay, usually 2 or 3 chains per cassette. As others have suggested, try a new chain on the old cassette, and if it works okay it's fine. And if your new chain comes with the sort of quick tools-free release link that most have, just put the chain on as it is and see if it works without shortening. If you have to shorten it, it will be because the derailleur closes up too much when you have the smallest sprocket with the smallest chain ring (which, of course, is a combination not to be ridden). Try it and see, then shorten only if necessary.
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 9:38pm
by Mike777
reohn2 wrote:Mike777 wrote:Sorry have another question what is the best way to calculate how long Chain length should be....
Been told various ways and there is apparently a on line tool which also can be used...,!
Regards
Mike
At 1500miles if the chain hasn't been totally neglected the cassette should be OK for a further two chains.
Calculate chain length by putting the chain on the big ring and biggest rear cog pull tight without it going through the dérailleur.It's that length + two links.
BTW what make of chain is it and how many cogs on the cassette?
Re: Cassette replacement after 1500 miles
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 11:41pm
by willcee
IME cheap shimano cassettes will just about last 2 chains if they have had decent cleaning regime and aren't being ridden hard over dusty environs.. however that can be shortened if the OP is a hard and strong pedaler, sometimes a lighter cyclist can get away with it if you can suffer the bedding in process.. except top gear.. with an 11 t bottom sprocket remember that when the chain is on these teeth maybe only 4 or 5T are getting a grip on all that torque you are mustering.. i find that the clubmen i help wear these out and many of the other mid range sprockets would last much longer. will