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Cassette 12-32t / 14-34t swap without chain modification?

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Cassette 12-32t / 14-34t swap without chain modification?

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Old 05-06-11, 02:34 PM
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pixelharmony
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Cassette 12-32t / 14-34t swap without chain modification?

Can I directly swap a 12-32t cassette with 14-34t without chain adjustment? Both 7 speeds.
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Old 05-06-11, 02:46 PM
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if the cassette is on the older side, a chain replacement might be in order anyway...
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Old 05-06-11, 02:47 PM
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pixelharmony
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I just don't have a chain tool, looking for that quick fix without having to buy one or bring it into a shop.
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Old 05-06-11, 04:34 PM
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Try it and see if it works. If the chain is worn, you may end up with a skipping chain on a new cassette.
Before riding, very carefully see if the chain is long enough for the big-big combo. If that doesn't work, the chain is too short.
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Old 05-06-11, 06:13 PM
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Replace your chain anyway and get an SRAM with a PowerLink standard. Break the old chain with a bolt cutter.
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Old 05-06-11, 06:15 PM
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If you have any doubt, get a new chain. An old chain will ruin a new cassette and then you'll have to buy both anyway. So save yourself the hassle.
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Old 05-06-11, 09:51 PM
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ditto
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Old 05-07-11, 12:45 AM
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Originally Posted by pixelharmony
... a 12-32t cassette with 14-34t ... Both 7 speeds.
Where did you find a 14-34 cassette? It is a custom combination? Neither Shimano nor SRAM make one. Shimano has a 14-32 and a 13-34, but not 14-34.

Perhaps you're talking about a freewheel, in which case 14-34 is "common". However 12-32 is not a common freewheel configuration.

---

To got from 32 to 34th max, needs one extra chain roller. (The chain goes half way around the gears.) Chain lengths can only be adjusted in two roller increments (unless you opt for a "half link".) Thus there is automatically a 50% chance that the chain is already long enough.

The other question is whether your rear derailleur can reach 34t. Many older ones cannot.
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Old 05-07-11, 01:05 AM
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pixelharmony
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Originally Posted by laura*
Where did you find a 14-34 cassette? It is a custom combination? Neither Shimano nor SRAM make one. Shimano has a 14-32 and a 13-34, but not 14-34.

Perhaps you're talking about a freewheel, in which case 14-34 is "common". However 12-32 is not a common freewheel configuration.

---

To got from 32 to 34th max, needs one extra chain roller. (The chain goes half way around the gears.) Chain lengths can only be adjusted in two roller increments (unless you opt for a "half link".) Thus there is automatically a 50% chance that the chain is already long enough.

The other question is whether your rear derailleur can reach 34t. Many older ones cannot.
You're 100% right it is a freewheel, I have two rear wheels... I was mislead because Specailized had it labeled under "cassette". I'll just give it a shot. Mainly the purpose of this is so I can interchange wheels between two bikes, for trails and for road, rather than swap tires every time.
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