Bicycle Mechanics - How difficult is putting on a new rear cassette?

So Im getting a second set of wheels - the same I have on my mountain bike right now. I will need to get and install a cassette. Im not gifted with bike knowledge, I do have the Zinn book and it details a few good tips, the tools needed, but Im I setting my self up for troubles?

It is easy. You just need a chain whip, lock ring tool, and something to turn the lock ring tool with, a wrench or ratchet. Get a lock ring tool with a centering pin, this will remove the step of using the QR to hold the tool in place,

1. Remove rear wheel from bike.

2. Remove QR, springs and spacers from hub.

3. Insert appropriately splined removal tool.

4. Reinstall QR w/o springs and spacers and tighten just enough to be sure removal tool doesn't fall out.

5. Apply chain whip to cassette so that you can apply clockwise counter pressure. This is a normally threaded nut, so removal will be counter-clockwise.

6. Use adjustable wrench or equivalent to loosen nut applying counter-force with chain whip.

7. Loosen nut just a little, then remove QR, then remove nut.

8. Installation is same except in reverse and you don't really need chain whip b/c you're working against the free hub.

Tips:
Make sure chain is appropriate length for new cassette if different size.

Many people replace the chain when they replace the cassette as there is supposed to be some amount of "mating" between the two.

Good luck!

Nikos,

The above instructions are very good. The only thing I can add
is that I am also very new to working on my bike and I had no
problem doing it myself. I bought the chainwhip and lock ring
removal tool and the instructions on the packaging for the tools
was enough for me to figure it out.

Go for it.

Steve

Cost of the tools will probably be more than what you'd pay to have the shop do it for you. ONCE! Get the tools, it's easy and will pay for itself the 2nd time you need to swap a cassette!

L8R

If you buy the cassette from them, they should put it on for free. So it may not be worth it, unless u have cassettes lying around, and you want to eventually buy wheels for them.:rolleyes:

Hey, Nikos, you only need a chainwhip to remove a cassette. To install one you need a lockring tool and a wrench. I agree with my boyfriend, Rev. Chuckles, the lockring tool with the stabilizer makes the job a lot easier. Anyway, boyfriend, if you want to save a couple of dollars, you don't need to buy the chainwhip until you have to remove a cassette.

:love: :love: :love:

You see...A Troll actually read the question, unlike me prior to my first response.

You didn't ask about removing a cassette, just installing one.

Here's another tip (which you'll no doubt figure out quickly enough)....one of the tabs on the cassette is a little wider, so each sprocket will only fit on the hub in one position.

Fear not. It's one of the easiest on/ offs on the bike, and once you have the lockring tool & whip you can pop it off for cleaning. When you do take it off, an unnatural amount of force may be required. On is a breeze.