Bicycle Mechanics - how do I get this cassette off!

hello, i have a wally world special, a mongoose d40r 21 speed dual suspension. My problem is that my 24" back tire has popped about 8 spokes, really don't like riding a half crooked wheel. I know that you have to have a special socket to get down into the cassette deal to get it off the hub, but I don't have the tool, and the nearest bike shop is 100 miles away, and I don' t have a running vehicle at the moment. any methods of removing it any other way? I have another 24 wheel, but it still has it's 5 set cassette on it, and it's a different socket than my cassette, can I just put it on and make it a 15 speed instead of 21, or will it screw it up, i have had this bike for two years, put three sets of tires on it, and this is the first problem I have had with it. I also have a 26" tire that I scabbed off a dead bike, but it's awfully close to everything, I could grind away some metal to make it fit, but am I just hurting it, this wheel has a 6 set cassette, which would bring it back to an 18 speed. if any one knows how to get these things off easier, pleeeeeeeeease let me know.:confused: :mad: :irritated

I don't know of any way without the tool. If you have the money, I would order a tool and and the correct cassette for your bike. You could get a SRAM cassette which is really good for not much money. I have a D70R which I put a SRAM cassette on and it works great. Plus it would save you having to buy two tools since you said yours were different. Check out Pricepoint, Performance, etc. for prices on tools and cassettes.

Nearest bike shop is 100 miles away?

I guess you got no choice then. Either buy the tool online or bring your bike to the shop somehow, maybe borrow your neighbour's car.

You can put the 5 speed wheel on with no problems, but you must reset the limit stops on the Rear Derailleur or you will have the same problem with damaged spokes when the chain over shifts.
You'll need a chain tool and a lockring cassette tool. to get the old cassette off to repair the wheel. Mail-order is the easiest way. Shouldn't cost more than $20. or so.

I agree that the 5 speed maybe the best way to go. I was going to give you some suggestions but the chance that you will badly cut your hands our damage your wheel has made me reconsider. The tool is cheap only about 10 bucks.

thnx for your advice, guys, just one more ?, can you give me a reputable online dealer to get these tools that I need? I've really never bought much online, and don't trust very many places on the net, so if you could help me out on that. Also, a friend of mine just brought by a rear suspension fork, complete with crank, pedals, deralliuer, wheel and tire, except it is for a 26" It looks like it will just bolt on right at the pivot point, but the bottom of the crank is where the SN# is, and i really don't know where my friend got this stuff, I would really like to keep my # on my bike, as it is registered with the police. Is there any way to use the forks part, and weld it onto my bike, to extend the clearance of the tire, or should I just give it back to him. if anybody has tried this, just let me know. I have converted diesel pickups to regular gas engines that were easier than this to figure out.

Nashbar