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1 Climbing aids
Grooves in the sprockets help the chain to climb upwards when shifting. The chain can hook on here like a climbing grip. Only in this way is shifting under load possible.
2 spacer rings
The smallest sprockets are usually mounted individually on the freewheel. In some cases, spacer rings ensure the correct distance between the sprockets. These must be in the correct position during assembly.
3 End ring
Shimano-compatible cassettes are fixed to the freewheel by means of an end ring. The cassette cannot be released from the freehub without a special nut (sprocket puller) that engages with these teeth. Incidentally, Sram uses the same standard here.
4 Interlocking
Freewheel and cassette with Shimano standard have irregular teeth. This ensures that the cassette can only be placed on the freehub in one position.
5 Freewheel
While Shimano relies on a classic freehub for all cassettes, Sram 11-speed cassettes are bolted directly to the freehub via a thread on the rear. The taper at the end of the freehub allows the use of the smallest sprocket with ten teeth.
SUITABLE TOOL
You only need a few tools to change the sprocket set and chain. But they are special. Chain riveters, sprocket pullers and chain lock pliers don't always have to be expensive professional tools. We show you affordable and recommendable alternatives.
Per chain riveter
The Pro chain riveter is available for around 20 euros. Its rubberised handle sits comfortably in the hand. A spare rivet pin can be stored at the bottom of the handle. The riveter opens and closes 8-/9-/10- and 11-speed chains. What more could you want?
IceTool sprocket tools
The Rose online shop is always a good place to go for inexpensive tools. Sprocket puller and -opponent from Icetoolz are available here for just 6.90 or 9.90 euros. Every household should have a suitable open-end spanner.
BBB Linkfix BTL-77
With the Chain lock pliers from BBB All standard chain locks can be opened without too much fiddling. The pliers make perfect sense for around 10 euros, especially for non-reusable chain locks.
Shimano TL-CN42
Admittedly, around 20 euros is not exactly cheap for a piece of sheet metal. But the Chain wear gauge from Shimano is one of the few that really measures the chain length accurately and without the gap between rollers and pins.
INSTRUCTIONS CHANGE CASSETTE & CHAIN
WORKSHOP TIPS
Check or measure wear
The easiest way to check chain wear is with a special measuring gauge. You can read about what you need to bear in mind in our service article here (click). The wear of the cassette can also be checked with a tool. The Rohloff HG-Check However, this requires some experience and is recommended too soon. Another indicator: If the new chain jumps on the sprockets, the cassette should be replaced. If you change the chain regularly, a cassette can last for around five to eight chain changes.
Extend bandwidth
Numerous manufacturers now offer replacement sprockets that can be used to extend the range of 10 and 11-speed drivetrains. In addition to sprockets between 40 and 50 teeth, One Up Components also offers an attachment with a 10-speed sprocket. However, this requires a special freewheel.
Affordable replacement?
Sram no longer allows individual sprockets to be replaced. Even the cheapest 10-42
cassette therefore costs at least 90 euros. Shimano, on the other hand, also offers individual replacement sprockets. This is particularly practical if only the most used sprockets need to be replaced.
Rivets and locks
Whether 9-, 10-, 11- or 12-speed - every chain requires a matching rivet pin or chain lock, as the chains differ in width. 10-, 11- and 12-speed locks are also disposable and have a predetermined running direction.
Caution when shortening the chain
To lock the chain with a rivet pin, you need one end with an inner link and one with an outer link. If you are using a Sram chain lock (also suitable for Shimano chains), the chain must be shortened so that it has an inner link at both ends.
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Stefan Frey
Editor
