Can I Change My Rear Sprockets?

crosstownk

I've a 2014 Giant Defy 4 which has an SRAM cassette, a Shimano Claris derailleur and a compact 34/50 FSA crankset. The rear cassette is 11-32 which I was very grateful for when climbing when I started back cycling seriously 6 months ago.

Lately I find I don't use the 32 sprocket anymore although for now I'll keep it as a trusty back up.

However, if things progress and I continue to not use the gear, have I an option to change it? Can the sprockets be changed individually or would I be better off with a new cassette?

I won't change it just yet but I'm trying to get a handle on my options should I decide to change in the near future.

Any comments or suggestions appreciated.

ford2600

crosstownk wrote: »

I've a 2014 Giant Defy 4 which has an SRAM cassette, a Shimano Claris derailleur and a compact 34/50 FSA crankset. The rear cassette is 11-32 which I was very grateful for when climbing when I started back cycling seriously 6 months ago.

Lately I find I don't use the 32 sprocket anymore although for now I'll keep it as a trusty back up.

However, if things progress and I continue to not use the gear, have I an option to change it? Can the sprockets be changed individually or would I be better off with a new cassette?

I won't change it just yet but I'm trying to get a handle on my options should I decide to change in the near future.

Any comments or suggestions appreciated.

Get s tiagra 28/12 or similar, chain whip, lockring tool; YouTube or park tools website willgive you all the info you need.

All in €35ish

crosstownk

ford2600 wrote: »

Get s tiagra 28/12 or similar, chain whip, lockring tool; YouTube or park tools website willgive you all the info you need.

All in €35ish

Thanks - I'll look into that. I've a chain whip in my parents house..... finding it might be tough. Can I get the lockring tool from my LBS?

happytramp

crosstownk wrote: »

Thanks - I'll look into that. I've a chain whip in my parents house..... finding it might be tough. Can I get the lockring tool from my LBS?

Yeah probably about a tenner.

Wishbone Ash

crosstownk wrote: »

Can the sprockets be changed individually or would I be better off with a new cassette?

On some of the larger cassettes (30,32 etc) most of the sprockets are fused together so not suitable for individual changing.

Cassette removal tool:http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/x-tools-pro-cassette-remover/rp-prod55936

Chain Whip: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/x-tools-chain-whip/rp-prod10184

iwillhtfu

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

On some of the larger cassettes (30,32 etc) most of the sprockets are fused together so not suitable for individual changing.

Cassette removal tool:http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/x-tools-pro-cassette-remover/rp-prod55936

Or save yourself a few quid and just buy the cheap version



http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/s?q=cyclo+pro+series+cassette+lockring+remover

cdaly_

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

On some of the larger cassettes (30,32 etc) most of the sprockets are fused together so not suitable for individual changing.

They're riveted together but you can drive out the rivets with a parallel punch. That said, you won't get individual sprockets at any reasonable price.

@OP, if you haven't been changing chains regularly, you'll need a new cassette when next you change your chain. If you do change chains, you'll get 3-4 chains per cassette but will need to change the cassette in the end. I'd wait until then and choose a tighter cassette.

crosstownk

cdaly_ wrote: »

@OP, if you haven't been changing chains regularly, you'll need a new cassette when next you change your chain. If you do change chains, you'll get 3-4 chains per cassette but will need to change the cassette in the end. I'd wait until then and choose a tighter cassette.

Thanks - Thats makes perfect sense.

check_six

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Or save yourself a few quid and just buy the cheap version



http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/s?q=cyclo+pro+series+cassette+lockring+remover

I have the older shimano cassette removal tool. It looks like the device above, but the splines are a bit shallower(FR1 I think). Will it work on the current ultegra cassettes?

Follow up question, if I do need a new cassette removal tool, is there anywhere in Dublin city centre that stocks them?

Wishbone Ash

check_six wrote: »

... if I do need a new cassette removal tool, is there anywhere in Dublin city centre that stocks them?

Most city centre cycle shops will have them. Try Cycleways (Parnell St), Buildabike (Mary's Abbey), McDonald's(Wexford St).