Putting 8-sprocket cassette on a 18-speed bike
5 min read
Asked by: Diane Cessna
Can I change cassette size?
Yes, you can. If a smaller cassette suits your needs and terrain more, there’s no reason why you can’t put it on your bike. It doesn’t affect the function of your bike or drivetrain in any way and shifting will not be different.
Are bike cassettes interchangeable?
In some cases, it is possible to run a cassette from a different brand than the rest of your drivetrain. SRAM and Shimano cassettes, on either road or mountain bike, are interchangeable with each other as the spacing is the same between the sprockets.
Can I put a 9 speed cassette on a 8-speed hub?
Yes. 8 and 9 speed cassettes are interchangeable.
Can I put an 11 speed cassette on an 8-speed hub?
An 11-speed road cassette cannot be installed on an 8-speed hub. The hub is too narrow and creates rubbing between the chain and the spokes when riding in the smallest gear.
What cassette is best for climbing?
All other things being equal, the 34T sprocket on the 11-34T cassette is going to give you the easiest gear. If your bike is currently fitted with an 11-28T cassette, switching to an 11-34T cassette will make climbing less of a struggle.
What gear ratio is best for climbing?
The best mountain bike gear ratio for climbing is 46 to 49 on a chainring and 16 to 18 on a cassette. For more diverse rides, mountain bike gears of ratios 46/17 to 42/17 are what work for flatter terrain or occasional hills. However, with that being said, the perfect ratio usually depends on the terrain you’re riding.
Does the number of teeth on a cassette matter?
The tooth count does not matter, but the cassette on the trainer may be in slightly different position in relation to the derailleur than the cassette on your wheel. This is true even if they were the exact same cassette.
Do I need a longer chain for a bigger cassette?
You need a bit longer chain for a larger cassette. All things remaining the same, if your chain was the correct length before, adding the 34t gear increases the diameter of the low gear. That increases the total gear length, so you would have to have more chain to keep the adjustment correct.
Do I need to change chain when changing cassette?
You should change your chain at the same time as the cassette and/or chainset. “A worn chain on a new cassette or chainrings will only accelerate the wear,” says Chris McKenney.
Can you replace 8 speed cassette 9 speed?
Since the 8-speed sprocket and the 9-speed sprocket are the exact same size, it is possible to convert to 9-speed without changing the wheel. Simply remove the current 8-speed cassette sprocket and replace it with a 9-speed cassette sprocket to convert to 9-speed.
Are 8 and 9 speed chains the same?
7, 8, and 9 speed chains have the same inner width, but 9 speed chains have thinner outer plates for a thinner overall chain. So while a 9 speed chain works fine on a 7 or 8 speed drivetrain, it will be a weaker chain that tends to “stretch” faster.
Are Shimano 8 and 9 speed compatibility?
Shimano derailleur compatibility
Most 8- and 9-speed Shimano mountain bike and road kit is inter-compatible because they both use the same cable pull ratio. This means that you can use an 8 -or 9-speed mountain bike derailleur with road shifters or vice versa.
What cassette do pro cyclists use?
The most common cassette size used in the peloton is an 11-28t. That is positively humongous compared to the 11-21t cassette that was common a few decades ago when you’d be lucky if you got an 11-23t for the mountains. Since Shimano went to 11-speed though, the 11-28t cassette has become popular.
Which gear is best for cycling uphill?
Low Gear = Easy = Good for Climbing: The “low” gear on your bike is the smallest chain ring in the front and the largest cog on your cassette (rear gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the easiest and you’ll be able to pedal uphill with the smallest amount of resistance.
How do I make my bike hill easier?
How to cycle uphill techniques
- Avoid going into the ‘red’ too early on the climb. …
- Maintain a reasonable cadence of 65-80 rpm. …
- Anticipate steep sections in advance by getting into lower gear before.
- Traffic permitting, avoid the steepest apex and go wide around corners to maintain the best rhythm and constant speed.
Can I change cassette ratio?
Cassette Ratio
The only part to change when increasing the ratio is the rear-derailleur. You can adjust the derailleur to shift to the big cog of the cassette by using a derailleur extender like this, it will allow the derailleur to ability to access and shift the big cogs.
Can 9 speed cassette change to 10?
9 speed and 10 speed cassette are the same size.. they fit all the same wheels N hubs. only diff is the spacing between the rings and the thickness of the chain. you’ll need a new shifter, derailleur and chain to make a 10 speed work on a 9 speed.
Does a larger cassette require a longer chain?
You need a bit longer chain for a larger cassette. All things remaining the same, if your chain was the correct length before, adding the 34t gear increases the diameter of the low gear. That increases the total gear length, so you would have to have more chain to keep the adjustment correct.
Can you upgrade bicycle cassette?
Cassettes (and freewheels) come as a complete set; in most cases, it’s not possible to swap individual cogs; you have to replace the entire cassette. To explain how you can get easier gears by swapping cassettes on your road bike, we’ll have to delve into some of the technicalities of how rear derailers work.
Do I need to change chain when changing cassette?
You should change your chain at the same time as the cassette and/or chainset. “A worn chain on a new cassette or chainrings will only accelerate the wear,” says Chris McKenney.
How do I make my bike gears harder?
Shifting into the larger gears with your LEFT hand will make it HARDER. Small lever*: The smaller of the two shifter levers will move the chain into smaller rings. So, small=small. Shifting into smaller rings with your RIGHT hand will make the pedaling HARDER.