Cassette Question.

[Maximus Decimus Meridius]

Guys, I need a new chain and cassette for my MTB.
Existing chain is a Shimano HG53 and I am able to source a direct replacement relatively easily.
The original cassette is a Shimano HG50 9 speed 11 - 32 which I am struggling to find in stock.
I have found another cassette with a drive ratio of 11 - 34 (Shimano HG400).
Does this just mean that the lowest gear will be a bit lower but everything else will be good - no problems with shifting, etc ?

Thanks in advance from a very amateur DIY bike mechanic who is not fully versed in the witchcraft of bike gears.

[IJWS15]

Might need a long cage derailleur t cope with the biggest gear

[Maximus Decimus Meridius]

IJWS15 said:

Might need a long cage derailleur t cope with the biggest gear

Thank you. I see your point. I'm not too bothered about that TBH, I can't remember ever using the lowest gear and I prefer to cycle on the flat rather than embarrass myself trying to climb steep hills !

It's more what kind of effect changing the cassette from original spec may have on shifting (to any other gears) or anything else.
Nobody seems to have the original HG50 in stock.
Rear derailleur is a Shimano XT long cage.

Edited by Maximus Decimus Meridius on Sunday 25th July 13:15

[leyorkie]

Can I ask why are you changing? Rough gear changes or worn out. If it’s worn out you need to check the chainrings for wear too.
Any 9 speed chain will work not just Shimano and you can run other makes of cassettes.
I have a MTB that came with XT rear mech but SRAM cassette from new

[Maximus Decimus Meridius]

Yes, I'm changing due to a worn chain and thought it prudent to change the cassette at the same time.
Shifts are ok but used to be better.

ETA - found a Decathlon own brand 11 - 32 cassette at the bargain price of £15.00. Are these ok ?

Edited by Maximus Decimus Meridius on Sunday 25th July 17:05

[leyorkie]

If you have caught the chain soon enough then cassette and chainrings could be ok.
Try a chain and if it still mis-shifts then the cassette.
Decathlon stuff is good value and should work OK
Halfords have Shimano for £25

[Maximus Decimus Meridius]

Thanks very much for the advice leyorkie, much appreciated.
My friendly bike mechanic measured the chain last week with some fancy gizmo which apparently has 2 readings - one for chain only and the second with a recommendation to also change the cassette. Unfortunately it was at the second measurement so I'm taking his advice and also changing me cogs.
I'll take a look at Halfords Shimano, thanks again.

ETA the Shimano @ £25 is out of stock for home delivery and there are none available locally.
Looks like it's Decathlon own brand 11 - 32 or Shimano 11 - 34. Decisions, decisions 😄

Edited by Maximus Decimus Meridius on Sunday 25th July 19:07

[lufbramatt]

Halfords have the SRAM equivalent in stock

Halfords linky

[Harpoon]

Maximus Decimus Meridius said:

Thanks very much for the advice leyorkie, much appreciated.
My friendly bike mechanic measured the chain last week with some fancy gizmo which apparently has 2 readings - one for chain only and the second with a recommendation to also change the cassette. Unfortunately it was at the second measurement so I'm taking his advice and also changing me cogs.
I'll take a look at Halfords Shimano, thanks again.

ETA the Shimano @ £25 is out of stock for home delivery and there are none available locally.
Looks like it's Decathlon own brand 11 - 32 or Shimano 11 - 34. Decisions, decisions ??

Edited by Maximus Decimus Meridius on Sunday 25th July 19:07

Handy to have a chain checker in your toolbox to keep an eye on things yourself - £10 or less eg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJfTulNH4sk

[yellowjack]

Maximus Decimus Meridius said:

Thanks very much for the advice leyorkie, much appreciated.
My friendly bike mechanic measured the chain last week with some fancy gizmo which apparently has 2 readings - one for chain only and the second with a recommendation to also change the cassette. Unfortunately it was at the second measurement so I'm taking his advice and also changing me cogs.
I'll take a look at Halfords Shimano, thanks again.

ETA the Shimano @ £25 is out of stock for home delivery and there are none available locally.
Looks like it's Decathlon own brand 11 - 32 or Shimano 11 - 34. Decisions, decisions ??

Decathlon don't make anything themselves anyway. So the cassettes? They're often Microshift or Sunrace branded when you get beyond the packaging. I use Decathlon's "own" chains with my Ultegra road bike. But they're made by KMC, so a top brand as far as chains are concerned. I've also used their road cassettes with my Ultegra mechs and shifters. They used to be Sunrace, but the last two I've bought have been Microshift. All combinations of chain/cassette from Decathlon have worked together, and they are always cheaper than a LBS. And they are usually available from stock too. The only negative about them is that they weigh a little more, due to more steel/less aluminium, and less material cut out of the back of the larger cogs. On the whole I'd rather buy Shimano branded stuff (for purely vanity reasons) but I can't really afford to spend a penny more than absolutely necessary to keep the bike in good running order.

And definitely grab a chain-checker tool. Park Tools make a good one, but they all do the same job - drop them in between links, and if the "loose" end drops into the chain it's worn. If the other side of the tool drops in it's "well past worn". The first wear indicator and you'll probably get away with just a new chain, but the second one usually means a chain AND cassette.

[hyphen]

Maximus Decimus Meridius said:

ETA the Shimano @ £25 is out of stock for home delivery and there are none available locally.

Massive Shimano stock shortages. The factories were closed for a while due to covid. They are opening up a new factory to cope with demand but lead times will be there a little while.

Go for the better chain (XT) so it lasts longer.

Maximus Decimus Meridius said:

My friendly bike mechanic measured the chain last week with some fancy gizmo which apparently has 2 readings - one for chain only and the second with a recommendation to also change the cassette.

The chain measure tool is £10, Park tools etc. You should get one. As per vid below.

The second reading doesn't mean you need to change the cassette - look at the cassette and see if it looks worn to you. If not then don't. Otherwise why not the chain ring too!

Edited by hyphen on Monday 26th July 16:28

[Maximus Decimus Meridius]

Guys, thanks so much for the advice and the info. It is much appreciated.

Ended up getting the Decathlon BTwin cassette (same size as original Shimano) @ £15 and found that the original spec chain (Shimano HG53) was in stock and on offer in Halfords @ £14.

Not too bad all things considered. As mentioned though. there are problems with stock both online and in store.

Just need to fit 'em now. I may be back for more advice !

[yellowjack]

Maximus Decimus Meridius said:

Guys, thanks so much for the advice and the info. It is much appreciated.

Ended up getting the Decathlon BTwin cassette (same size as original Shimano) @ £15 and found that the original spec chain (Shimano HG53) was in stock and on offer in Halfords @ £14.

Not too bad all things considered. As mentioned though. there are problems with stock both online and in store.

Just need to fit 'em now. I may be back for more advice !

Removing and fitting cassettes? This...


https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/chain-whip-cassette-...

...will be your best friend.

You'll also need a cassette lockring tool too. Something like this...


https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/hg-bike-cassette-rem...

...if you have a socket set with which to use it, or alternatively a tool with a handle like... https://www.parktool.com/product/lockring-tool-wit... ...if you just want an easy, ready to use cassette tool.