Mixing a new Cassette with an older chain

I have two wheelsets and rather than swap the cassette every time I change the wheelset I was considering getting another cassette. I was also considering a cassette with either 11-27 or 11-28..currenlty I use 11-25.  I figured I could leave each wheelset with a cassette ready to swap out at anytime.   I'm after the 27 or 28 as I want to climb steeper hills and the 11-25 is damned hard at times with a standard crank up front.

So my question is ...when shouldn't you mix a new cassette with a used chain?? My current groupset has done around 4.5k..or do I need to get my current chain/cassette assessed for wear for the best answer? 

Should I just BTFU and stick with the 11-25??

All your thoughts and opinions much appreciated and taken on board.  

Cheers

Rich

Tags: cassette

Views: 609

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Matt Sandercock on May 18, 2012 at 13:44

I would say that if you have done 4500km on your current groupset (chain included) then your chain will almost definately be due for replacing, and possibly the current cassette as well.  If you put your old chain on a new cassette it will slip and feel horrible.  Likewise if you get a new chain and a new cassette (11-28) it is possible that the new chain will slip when you use the wheels with the old cassette.  Once a chain is worn out it starts to damage the cassette and chain rings, it just depends how stretched your chain is and how long it has been stretched for as to how much damage you do.  I struggle to get much more than 3000km out of a chain but would much rather pay $50 for a new one that $100 for a new cassette or $200 for new chain rings.  Chain measuring tools are great and pretty cheap, I recommend them!

I run 2 sets of wheels on my roadie and dont have any problems with swapping them as long as the chain is still OK.  Having said that, 2 chains is a good idea too, also gives you a good chance to clean the chain you are not using.

Permalink Reply by Frank on May 18, 2012 at 14:43

that is a very low mileage out of a chain!

I run campy record and caddette and chain last a very long time, i do maintain and use very high grade lubricant.

10 speed campy casstte is well over $200 bucks as would a Shitmano Durace be I guess so as the titanium will last longer if well maintained, run one chain and swap out wheels as you feel fit, I do it all the time.

 

I am sure I am approaching 15k km's on chain and casstte, key is lubrication and cleaning the fine sand out as that is where the wear comes from. Good alignment and quality parts assist of course.

Also, a chain wear gauge or go to a shop to have it checked! They do tend to try and sell you a chain though.

 

 

Permalink Reply by Matt Sandercock on May 18, 2012 at 16:49

yeah its not much, but wow 15,000km is a lot, almost makes campy worth the money (!!).

I have since started using KMC chains and so far so good, have done over 3000km and still less then 0.75% worn.

 

Permalink Reply by Richard Stevens on May 18, 2012 at 20:01

ok looks like I need another tool to add to my slowly growing collection.   I've only recently become a bit more fanatical about lubricating the chain etc so fair chance I've perhaps done more wear than I should have although I've never had any issues with slippage.

I'm now thinking I'll take Phil's advise and BTFU and then wait till my next chain n cassette change to consider going 28 and perhaps get two cassettes..

Permalink Reply by Frank on May 18, 2012 at 21:56
I have seen much higher than that, clean and lube but having a ti cassette does help!
Permalink Reply by Frank on May 18, 2012 at 22:03
Oh and u can check chain stretch with a ruler, it should be exactly 12 inches Between centre to centre of 24 links! Steel ruler is perfect for this!
I find my chain would stretch b4 it wears!
Permalink Reply by Phil Crick on May 18, 2012 at 14:08

BTFU - you know it's the right thing to do, spend the saved money on cake afterwards :-)

Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on May 18, 2012 at 22:53

If you are uncertain about measuring chain wear/stretch the bike workshop has a tool to measure this.

Permalink Reply by Richard Stevens on May 19, 2012 at 18:08

Ok thanks for that Don.  I might need to pop down there to get see how these tools work and then get me one.  Have been meaning to get down to the workshop and check it out.  Plus I have a bike or two that Mike might want.

Permalink Reply by Michael Bland on May 19, 2012 at 18:09

Thanks for starting this discussion Richard . I am considering buying a second set of wheels for my bike too, and all the replies from people have answered some of my questions ,, and given me some helpful advice to take on board .

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