Do I need to replace my chain with my cassette?
05-07-21, 08:53 AM
#1
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Do I need to replace my chain with my cassette?
Just swapped out my 11-34T cassette with an 11-28T because the jumps were pretty big on an 8-speed. I've read that I should be changing my chain, too, as it could quickly wear out my new cassette. My chain is around 2000 km old. Is this necessary?
05-07-21, 08:56 AM
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Depends on how worn your chain is.
05-07-21, 09:04 AM
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I doubt it based the mileage it can happen if the chain is too far stretched for a length of time. Frankly put a new chain on the bike and if it does not skip you are good to go. If it skips you need a new cassette but I highly doubt it.
05-07-21, 09:49 AM
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Although it might not be necessary, but since you have a new cassette, I would put on a new chain, too. Might as well start with a fresh set of cassette and chain.
As mentioned, as chains wear over time, they tend to "stretch" such that they no longer match the cogs of the cassette, and skipping occurs when pedaling with power. Your old chain may or may not be "stretched" to cause this condition. You can measure the length of your current chain (12 links should equal 12" exactly) or just pedal around and see if the chain skips. If it doesn't skip, then you should be fine.
However, I put on a new chain when replacing a cassette. More of a peace-of-mind thing for me.
As mentioned, as chains wear over time, they tend to "stretch" such that they no longer match the cogs of the cassette, and skipping occurs when pedaling with power. Your old chain may or may not be "stretched" to cause this condition. You can measure the length of your current chain (12 links should equal 12" exactly) or just pedal around and see if the chain skips. If it doesn't skip, then you should be fine.
However, I put on a new chain when replacing a cassette. More of a peace-of-mind thing for me.
05-07-21, 10:49 AM
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Do I need to replace my chain with my cassette
Do I need to replace my chain with my cassette
I think you should replace your chain with a chain. <grin>
05-07-21, 10:53 AM
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I believe the conventional wisdom is that if you have a worn cassette, it will have worn your chain as well. If you're changing a perfectly good cassette just to get different gearing, that's not the same reason. Racers swap wheels with different cassettes back and forth regularly. Some people have a different wheel with its own cassette for the stationary trainer. Others will change cassettes for the different terrain they are about to ride in. Never heard any of them claim it wore the chain more quickly.
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05-07-21, 11:19 AM
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Generally, my friends and I get a cassette to last through two chains.
05-07-21, 11:31 AM
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I believe the conventional wisdom is that if you have a worn cassette, it will have worn your chain as well. If you're changing a perfectly good cassette just to get different gearing, that's not the same reason. Racers swap wheels with different cassettes back and forth regularly. Some people have a different wheel with its own cassette for the stationary trainer. Others will change cassettes for the different terrain they are about to ride in. Never heard any of them claim it wore the chain more quickly.
05-07-21, 11:37 AM
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I've heard of that, but is there documentation of that doing anything good? Maybe it's because I grew up racing in a time when you had to push a little (easily lost) pin just right in order to change chains, but it seems like a hassle to do that unless there were some serious wear problems if you didn't.
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05-07-21, 11:39 AM
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I've heard of that, but is there documentation of that doing anything good? Maybe it's because I grew up racing in a time when you had to push a little (easily lost) pin just right in order to change chains, but it seems like a hassle to do that unless there were some serious wear problems if you didn't.
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05-07-21, 11:41 AM
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Anyway, I agree that a new chain with the new cassette is a good idea. Start fresh as the cost isn't that much.
05-07-21, 12:36 PM
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You answered the opposite of the OP's question. He has a new cassette and wants to know if he should replace the old chain. You recommended replacing an old cassette if he fitted a new chain.
Anyway, I agree that a new chain with the new cassette is a good idea. Start fresh as the cost isn't that much.
Anyway, I agree that a new chain with the new cassette is a good idea. Start fresh as the cost isn't that much.
05-08-21, 07:21 AM
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Chains are consumables, so feel free to also put a new chain on, but keep the not-old old chain perhaps for the next time you need a 'new' chain.
05-08-21, 10:11 AM
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A new cassette will not damage a used chain.
Shifting might not be quite as good as putting on a new chain though... that's kind of always true.
Shifting might not be quite as good as putting on a new chain though... that's kind of always true.
