Installing Ultegra cassette on smart trainer
03-27-20, 08:34 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Installing Ultegra cassette on smart trainer
I'm thinking about buying a smart trainer online to ride during the epidemic lockdown. I'm not allowed to go out, period, including to bike shop. Most smart trainers do not come with a cassette. I'm wondering how difficult it will be for me–to call me "not mechanically inclined" is an understatement–to install the cassette. I can sometimes follow directions, and I have occasionally successfully used a tool.
03-27-20, 08:42 AM
#2
The dropped
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If you have tools to maintain your own bike, it's a snap. You'd want the shimano lock ring removal tool and at least an adjustable wrench with a jaw capacity of at least 1". To remove a cassette lock ring on a freehub, you'll also need a chain whip. I prefer to use a ratchet and socket so it doesn't slip. Installing a cassette will be very difficult without appropriate tools.
Park tool sells the lock ring tools, as well as publishing tutorials and videos for basic maintenance tasks, like replacing cassettes.
Edit: Shimano and the other manufacturers recommend a torque wrench to install the lock rings to the appropriate torque. It is very high, so the risk is that the cassette will be too 'loose'. Many members here don't use one and make the lock ring as tight as they can with the tool they're using. I wouldn't worry buying a torque wrench for this job.
Park tool sells the lock ring tools, as well as publishing tutorials and videos for basic maintenance tasks, like replacing cassettes.
Edit: Shimano and the other manufacturers recommend a torque wrench to install the lock rings to the appropriate torque. It is very high, so the risk is that the cassette will be too 'loose'. Many members here don't use one and make the lock ring as tight as they can with the tool they're using. I wouldn't worry buying a torque wrench for this job.
Last edited by Unca_Sam; 03-27-20 at 08:48 AM.
03-27-20, 09:37 AM
#3
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Actually, on a direct drive trainer you need a chain whip to install as well as to remove the cassette. Unlike a wheel which you can hang onto while installing, the only way to keep the cassette from spinning forwards is to hold it with a chain whip
03-27-20, 10:04 AM
#4
Full Member
If you look on Amazon/Ebay there are cassette removal tool kits which include a chain whip and splined tool for $10 or so. You will also need a large adjustable wrench as well or buy one of the more inclusive tool kits that are about $40 up and which will include tools for many other common repairs. You can get away without a torque wrench and there are probably a 100 youtube videos showing you how to do so. Park tool videos tend to be the gold standard of repairs using the exact brand new (Park) tools and meticulous process on brand new bikes.
03-27-20, 04:13 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks so much for this information! I'm gonna pull the trigger.
