Originally Posted by Al Downie

I'm deeply skeptical of everything Shimano since I once walked into a bike store with my '84 Stumpjumper:

"I need a new 14t sprocket to replace the worn one on this cassette"
"Sorry sir - we can't get sprockets for that kind of cassette any more"
"Well, how much is a new cassette then?"
"The new cassettes won't fit on that hub - it's got the wrong number of splines"
"Jeez! How much for a whole new back wheel then?
"Well, the thing is, Shimano only make 8-speed cassettes now, so your derailleur won't work properly"
"Are you saying I need a new wheel AND a new derailleur???"
"And a new shifter."

At that point I declined and converted the bike into a singlespeed.