Bicycle Mechanics - Ultegra cassette life span?

:mad: Looks like my Ultegra cassette is history. The chain (newly installed, proper length) skips when hammering on the smaller cogs. On my training ride this morning I stopped at some bike shop. A quick look by the shop owner and the diagnosis was there: worn cogs, also the larger ones (on which the chain did not--yet--skip). :(

The cassette lasted some 11,200 km (6,960 m). I have ridden also in pretty dreadful weather, but regularly took care of the drive train. Maybe should have replaced the chain earlier? :o

The shop owner said that my problem is common. His advice is to replace cassettes every 10,000 km (6,214 m) and chains every 5,000 km (3,106 m). I wanted the cassette to last two seasons, not one. :( Am I expecting too much; should I just accept and spend the bloody money?

Does a short life span like this seem feasible to you people? I realise that it is hard to come up with some standard mileage which should be in a new cassette, with so many varying factors at hand. But I would appreciate getting an indication.

10000km is good for an ultegra..

your newly installed chain skips, matting is not good bec. of your worn cogs.

I usually replace my chain every 2000~2500kms, and my cogs every 5000kms.. @ 5000km, it can still used w/ a new chain.. I just sell my old cassettes cheap. ;)

And BTW, my chain, cogs and chainwheel is maintained by my LBS.. They do a thorough cleaning and lubrication every week.

They use "pedro's" lubes, and degreasers. works well.. :)

Wear and tear will depend much on maintenance..

You cant go by a flat mileage.Weather,dirt,rider weight and maintence all make a difference.

The cassette lasted some 11,200 km (6,960 m). I have ridden also in pretty dreadful weather, but regularly took care of the drive train. Maybe should have replaced the chain earlier? :o
.

Seen the movie, got the t-shirt. Your cassette would have suffered more abuse with a stretched chain. Even more so with the harsh riding conditions.

Your replies are highly appreciated!


Wear and tear will depend much on maintenance...

Thanks for your input, dexmax. You are so right: (talking to myself now) taking good care of your bike makes all the difference. Yet, I seem to get twice the km's out of my (neglected?) cassette, and that without the weekly intervention of a pro (you must be getting a huge discount) mechanic. ;)


You cant go by a flat mileage. Weather,dirt,rider weight and maintence all make a difference.

Cheers. I knew that you cannot predict a cassette's life span by mileage alone, but if someone would have replied that her/his cassettes work flawlessly for, say, 30,000 km, I could have reached some conclusions... I am not particularly heavy, by the way. Nor am I a pedal mesher.


Seen the movie, got the t-shirt.

Haha. From now on, I will take off the chain and cassette more often and subject them to even more thorough inspection and cleaning routines. Can't promise anything about water and dirt. Because I am to cycle under all circumstances.

You dont need to take the chain off. I use the park chain cleaner and got the bruch and after using it,it all looks shiny new,lubu,wipe,lube and let it set overnight and its on.

If you consider the small cost of the cassette just replace it. You got just shy of 7000 miles from it for a cost of about $40. Change it out and put another 7000 miles on it.

No need to ask this question just change it.

I get a good bit more from my cassettes, but I 1) keep my chain pretty clean and lubed, and 2) rarely ride in the rain.

I think the water from riding in rain accelerates wear a lot. Same principal as wetting a stone when sharpening a knife. It increases the ability of the abrasives to remove metal.

You cant go by a flat mileage.Weather,dirt,rider weight and maintence all make a difference.

Certainly agree. Just inspect and replace only as needed, not on a mileage basis. Can't fault the LBS for wanting sell cassettes and chains though....that's their business after all.

Your replies are highly appreciated!
Thanks for your input, dexmax. You are so right: (talking to myself now) taking good care of your bike makes all the difference. Yet, I seem to get twice the km's out of my (neglected?) cassette, and that without the weekly intervention of a pro (you must be getting a huge discount) mechanic. ;)


huge discount, yes... :)
They only charge me US $0.50.. this includes pedro's lube, bio degreaser, and labor.

Oh, they use a park chain cleaner. they just attach it, a few turns and its clean.. they also clean my cogs, chainwheel and derailers. And the LBS is just a block away from my store.

And occassionally, they wash my bike, free of charge, when I take it in after riding in the rain. I just tip the wash boy though..

And that's why we should support our LBSs... Prices might be a few dollars higher, but service is outstanding!

to all LBS employees and owners.. cheers!

Well said dexmax! I took my bike to have a wheel truing. He did it ina bout 2 minutes

"How much?" says I
"300 Yen (about $2.75)

Me (a bit surprised even though it took just 2 mins) "er, do you take Visa?

LBS "Ah, forget it, just buy stuff from me next time you need anything"

Me (Gobsmacked) "Oh OK" (Walks out of store slightly dazed) (If anyone lived here they would know why, benevolent acts are as rare as rockinghorse manure :) )

And i can read 10 stories that are not like that. Not all lbs are the same.