29 replies to this topic Post Order

[rckhpr29er]

Hi Hubbers,

I recently had my bike serviced and the mechanic suggested I replace the chain and the rear cassette.

The bike was bought in 2009 for the then owner to ride the epic. I have been riding it for the last 8 months and everything was cool until a month or so ago when the chain started jumping up the rear cassette. Is this a symptom of a tired chain and cassette?

I have looked around and a new XTR cassette, CRC sells for about R1371 before I have bought a chain or had the parts fitted. This is a little steep ne'

Based on the photos below do you think I need to replace the chain and the cassette or just the chain?






Many thanks,
Wesley

[NotSoBigBen]

I'm sure the 'techno' okes will be here to comment in a bit but if you're strapped for cash you don't HAVE to buy XTR

[Top Fuel]

I wouldn't buy XTR.

[CAAD4]

BigBen, on 01 November 2011 - 08:58 , said:

I'm sure the 'techno' okes will be here to comment in a bit but if you're strapped for cash you don't HAVE to buy XTR

I agree with BB. You can save quite a lot buy buying XT or one of the many SRAM cassettes, which will only be a few grams heavier.

Edited by caad4, 01 November 2011 - 09:02 .

[rckhpr29er]

Thanks for the inputs however, the bike was loaned to me to use and the problem has emerged 'on my watch' so to speak so I feel like it is up to me to maintain the bike. From the pics can you guys make out any wear or damage that may lead to a climbining / jumping chain.

I am certainly not a weight weanie (I can loose a lot around the mid section before I think about the weight of a rear cassette) and am more interested in reliability - It must be bullet proof!

caad4, on 01 November 2011 - 09:01 , said:

I agree with BB. You can save quite a lot buy buying XT or one of the many SRAM cassettes, which will only be a few grams heavier.

[Vinnydabutcher]

No need to pay more than R 500 for a cassette.

I usually also go for a lower grade chain aswell - only diff between SLX and XT is nickle plating that helps prevent rust.

wash and lube after every ride does the same - why pay R200 more for that? I also change my chain at .75mm wear so I go through them quick.

I - personally - dont see the benefit in that small weight saving vs price.

But that`s jut me!

[jimmy hardtail]

New chain on old cassette equals problems. By the cheapest new chain and cassette that is decent. Slx is good. Then just put the old one back on before you return the bike.

[rckhpr29er]

General consensus is that there is no need to go with the bling XTR cassette - XT or SLX is just as good, yes?

It also appears worthwhile to replace chain and cassette together, yes?

Many thanks for all your inputs. the bike belongs to my brother in law so I kinda need to discuss things with him first but am glad I have at least got some collective knowledge to aid in my decision.

Shot a lot!

Vinnydabutcher, on 01 November 2011 - 09:24 , said:

No need to pay more than R 500 for a cassette.

I usually also go for a lower grade chain aswell - only diff between SLX and XT is nickle plating that helps prevent rust.

wash and lube after every ride does the same - why pay R200 more for that? I also change my chain at .75mm wear so I go through them quick.

I - personally - dont see the benefit in that small weight saving vs price.

But that`s jut me!

jimmy hardtail, on 01 November 2011 - 09:29 , said:

New chain on old cassette equals problems. By the cheapest new chain and cassette that is decent. Slx is good. Then just put the old one back on before you return the bike.

[Nickzta]

Um... The question begs to be asked: Have you taken it to another Bike shop and asked them to just do a gearing selection setting?

Not saying anything more, than maybe your derailer setting has changed and it's not sitting perfectly over your cog. That's normally what to look for if you are only "skipping" on the one cog, The last (big) one.

Over the years my chain had streched a bit and I experienced "skipping" on the last cog. 3 bike shops wanted to change my Cassette (and therefor new chain too). 2 other shops looked at it and said they wanted to reset the derailer. The shop that did the job, was amazing. R50 bucks and the bike rides like new again.

[CAAD4]

Hey if it's done an Epic it's probably moertoe anyway. Maybe it's not an XTR. Check for the Shimano part number on the cassette after cleaning it nicely.

[rckhpr29er]

I was thinking the same thing. The last LBS I took it to did a nice job but it was the first time I had used them so perhaps a second opinion is needed.

What is actually needed is a series of workshops held around the country teaching weekend warriors basic bike maintenance!

Nickzta, on 01 November 2011 - 10:20 , said:

Um... The question begs to be asked: Have you taken it to another Bike shop and asked them to just do a gearing selection setting?

Not saying anything more, than maybe your derailer setting has changed and it's not sitting perfectly over your cog. That's normally what to look for if you are only "skipping" on the one cog, The last (big) one.

Over the years my chain had streched a bit and I experienced "skipping" on the last cog. 3 bike shops wanted to change my Cassette (and therefor new chain too). 2 other shops looked at it and said they wanted to reset the derailer. The shop that did the job, was amazing. R50 bucks and the bike rides like new again.

[rckhpr29er]

The bike also stoop around in a garage for a year or two but has not missed a beat until the chain started climbing.

Will have a good look later today.

caad4, on 01 November 2011 - 10:38 , said:

Hey if it's done an Epic it's probably moertoe anyway. Maybe it's not an XTR. Check for the Shimano part number on the cassette after cleaning it nicely.

[AndreZA]

caad4, on 01 November 2011 - 10:38 , said:

Hey if it's done an Epic it's probably moertoe anyway.

I don't think just because it's done the Epic is is finish. The epic is just 8 long tough rides one after another. Does if you do the same over 8 weekends the parts will be fine?

A chain will not just suddenly start jumping. The cassette and chain matches and will continue working until it starts slipping, not jumping. Then if you just replace either the jumping will start because they don't match.

[kosmonooit]

rckhpr29er, on 01 November 2011 - 08:53 , said:

I recently had my bike serviced and the mechanic suggested I replace the chain and the rear cassette.

Sadly 'they' will generally always say that, and its really not always necessary. Just check chain wear and replace chain before it goes over the edge, then it starts messing up chain rings and cassettes.

That cassette looks fine, gear problems might be with cables or RD setup.

Check out SRAM options as well. No need to go ultra high end like XX or XTR.

[The Drongo]

rckhpr29er, on 01 November 2011 - 08:53 , said:

Hi Hubbers,

I recently had my bike serviced and the mechanic suggested I replace the chain and the rear cassette.

The bike was bought in 2009 for the then owner to ride the epic. I have been riding it for the last 8 months and everything was cool until a month or so ago when the chain started jumping up the rear cassette. Is this a symptom of a tired chain and cassette?

I have looked around and a new XTR cassette, CRC sells for about R1371 before I have bought a chain or had the parts fitted. This is a little steep ne'

Based on the photos below do you think I need to replace the chain and the cassette or just the chain?

Cassette_1_S.jpg

Cassette_2_S.jpg


Many thanks,
Wesley

Wesley. Tha' thing looks almost new mate!

Checked:
Your derailleur hanger is not bent?
That your pulley wheels are aligned when looking from the back?
Your limit stop adjustment?
Adjusted the barrel adjusters (if you have) on the DR or shifters?

What percentage / measured wear did the Mech say your chain had?

EDIT: That setup needs some lube!

Edited by The Drongo, 01 November 2011 - 11:08 .

[TNT1]

rckhpr29er, on 01 November 2011 - 08:53 , said:

Based on the photos below do you think I need to replace the chain and the cassette or just the chain?

Cassette_1_S.jpg

Cassette_2_S.jpg


Many thanks,
Wesley

Based on those pics, I'd suggest some lube.