Originally Posted by skanking biker
Ok--about this replacing the chain thing? I heard that you werent suppossed to replace your chain unless you also replace your cassette. Is this true?
Not true.
If you replace a chain before it is completely worn out, typically the cassette will last a few chains. If, however, you've ridden the bike for a while with a very worn chain, then the worn chain will in turn place additional wear on the cassette, so you will have no choice but to replace both at the same time. A new chain on a worn cassette (or vice versa) will not mesh properly and skip badly.
Chains are typically around $20 or less. Cassettes for low end MTBs maybe $20-40, depending on where you buy it (plus installation if you don't do it yourself).
seems like an aweful lot of $ for a $350 bike
Doesn't matter what the price of the bike... parts still wear out if you ride it.