Re: A problem with gears.

Quoted message said:

The small cog definitely has some teeth that look more shark-finny than
the others; I reckon I need to replace it.

The two smallest cogs on the cassette are separate from the rest so
hopefully I could just buy replacements for these?

Hopefully you can and this might be your cheapest option but also
consider changing the smallest sprocket size if it has more than 11
teeth if you want to go abit faster. You might also want to consider a
whole new cassette if this option isn't much dearer. You'll definitely
need a new chain. I don't know what the current best value chain is
for quality and competitive pricing but it probably won't be a shimano
at least at the bottom end of the price scale.

Donny popped their head over the parapet saw what was going on and said

Quoted message said:

The small cog definitely has some teeth that look more shark-finny
than the others; I reckon I need to replace it.

If only some teeth (on each cog) are affected
perhaps they are meant to be that shape as an
aid to shifting. Wear would show on ALL teeth
(on one cog)

--
yours S

Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione

"Donny" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

soup said:

[snippage]

4,000 miles and never a new chain/cassette, is the small cog worn at
all
(shark finning of the teeth) has the chain stretched? If either of
these
apply maybe it's time to think of new ones .

The small cog definitely has some teeth that look more shark-finny than
the others; I reckon I need to replace it.

This is almost certainly how they're supposed to be - some of the teeth will
be shaped to encourage easy gear shifting. Have a look at a new cassette
before writing yours off.

Quoted message said:

The two smallest cogs on the cassette are separate from the rest so
hopefully I could just buy replacements for these?

Not economically.

Quoted message said:

I guess I'll need a new chain as well?

This is what should be driving your purchasing decision. If the chain is
worn/knackered, you should replace it. If it's too far gone, you'll need a
new cassette as well. But try a chain first.

I'd recommend an SRAM chain - PC58 or PC59 depending on whether you're 9
speed or not, and make sure you get the funny link with it. (and practice
using it off the bike - there is a bit of a knack).

cheers,
clive

Donny said:

soup wrote:

Quoted message said:

The two smallest cogs on the cassette are separate from the rest so
hopefully I could just buy replacements for these?

Theoretically, but I don't think you'll be able to get them easily or
economically.

Quoted message said:

I guess I'll need a new chain as well?

I'm certain you do. The question really is whether you also need a new
cassette. If you just change the chain you'll know soon enough as it
will skip worse than ever if the cassette is worn out. Are you happy
about tackling these jobs yourself or do you need some advice?
--
Dave...

dkahn400 said:

Donny said:

I guess I'll need a new chain as well?

I'm certain you do. The question really is whether you also need a new
cassette. If you just change the chain you'll know soon enough as it
will skip worse than ever if the cassette is worn out. Are you happy
about tackling these jobs yourself or do you need some advice?

I think I'll go for a new chain to start with then. What determines the
type of chain to get, it is just the number of sprockets on the cassette?

Cheers,
Donny

Donny said:

I think I'll go for a new chain to start with then. What determines
the type of chain to get, it is just the number of sprockets on the
cassette?

Basically, yes. Go for the lowest available number that fits. You
cannot use a 7/8 speed chain on a 9 speed cassette, for example, but
you can use a 9 speed chain on a 7 speed cassette. A 7/8 speed chain,
however, would be slightly better.

There's also a tremendous range of prices. I personally don't think
there's an awful lot to be gained in spending £30 on a chain rather
than £10. Sachs/SRAM chains are very good. These come with a special
link that enables you to break and remake the chain without special
tools, once you have the knack. You will, however, still need a chain
link extractor when you first put the chain on if you need to remove
any links, and of course to remove the old chain.

--
Dave...

Donny said:

I think I'll go for a new chain to start with then. What determines
the type of chain to get, it is just the number of sprockets on the
cassette?

It is really. Cassette manufacturers tell you to use only their make of
chain but that's not essential in practice.

SRAM chain is pretty good. PC41, PC48, PC58, PC68 suits 8-speed and
7-speed; PC49 etc suits 9-speed. Make sure you get a "Powerlink"
connecting link as they're not always supplied with the chains.

~PB