Mountain Biking - Mountain Bike wheel parts... help... noob here

so I need new wheels for my Trek, front and back.

I chose this wheelset

Vuelta Zerolite Mountain Bike Wheelset (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_509008_-1#ReviewHeader)

hopefully those are 26"

and this cassette

SRAM PG-850 8 speed Cassette (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_200426_-1_201811_10000_202422#ReviewHeader)

which do I buy? 11x28 or 11x32?

My trek is a 7 speed...

Also... what do I need to install and remove the cassette?

questions to answer:
1. is the wheel 26"?
2. which size cassette do I buy?
3. which tool do I need to install and remove the cassette?
4. I'm assuming tire shouldn't be a problem: Nashbar Elevator Tread Guard (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_172915_-1)

thank you in advance

1. Yes
2. 11x32 will give you a lower 1st gear for climbing, if that's relevent to the kind of riding you do. It would be my choice.
3. Park FR-5 (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_184002_-1_201538_10000_202579). You'll also need a chain whip, but you can make your own with an old piece of bike chain, a small bolt and nut, and a wrench handle.
4. Correct.

Why are you buying an 8 speed cassette? You say your bike is 7speed...............?

Why are you buying an 8 speed cassette? You say your bike is 7speed...............?

according to the reviews of the wheelset, people are saying "These wheels fit an 8/9 speed standard"

so I'm assuming the 8 speed will fit better than a 7 speed

according to the reviews of the wheelset, people are saying "These wheels fit an 8/9 speed standard" so I'm assuming the 8 speed will fit better than a 7 speed

You could use a spacer and 7 speed cassette on the new hub, but assuming your old cassette needs replacing (does it?), and also assuming you can't find a cheap 7, then yes, you might as well go 8 and tune out the extra gear. Also would mean you're only a right shifter away from upgrading to 8 speed (you'd just need to make sure your rear derailleur will cover the extra gear).

I dont know what kind of ride you do, but double check in getting those Zerolites. I had a set on my roadie and when it was time to overhaul they ended up in the trash as no bike shop carry the hub.

How many miles on the chain? Might as well buy one and replace everything.

How many miles on the chain? Might as well buy one and replace everything.

+1

If you replace the cassette I'd definitely replace the chain with it. A worn chain will cause accelerated wear on a new cassette.

I have a set on a bike with spacer and 7 speed cassette. I found it easiest to take the old wheel and the new wheel up to a shop and have them move the cassette over and fit the spacer. Easy enough to do at home, but that way I walked out and just had to slap the wheel on the rear of the bike and start riding.


They have been rock solid for about 900 miles so far.

(you'd just need to make sure your rear derailleur will cover the extra gear).



By and large, rear deraillers don't care how many speeds/cogs the cassette has.

By and large, rear deraillers don't care how many speeds/cogs the cassette has.

I agree, but I've done a few 7-to-8 speed conversions where an older derailleur didn't quite want to climb that tallest gear, and so the caveat.