Cassette compatibility
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2022
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Cassette compatibility
Hey my cassette is worn out and I'm looking to replace it. The stock part on my 2014 REI Novara Buzz is an SRAM PG-830 11-32.
Only ones I'm seeing are PG-820 11-32 and PG-850 11-32. Is PG just the part number or are those incompatible with my bike?
Also are there any Shimano casettes (for example) that I could use as a substitute if I can't find the SRAM part I need?
Only ones I'm seeing are PG-820 11-32 and PG-850 11-32. Is PG just the part number or are those incompatible with my bike?
Also are there any Shimano casettes (for example) that I could use as a substitute if I can't find the SRAM part I need?
#2
Guest
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,886
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PG 850 is lighter, but any of the Srams will be compatible. According to Sheldon Brown, a Shimano 8-speed cassette's spacing is the same as Sram.
#4
Method to My Madness

Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4,731
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From: Orange County, California
Bikes: Trek FX 2, Cannondale Synapse x2, Cannondale CAAD4, Santa Cruz Stigmata 3
If cassette is worn out and chain has not already been replaced recently, chain most likely needs to be replaced too.
#6
...The stock part on my 2014 REI Novara Buzz is an SRAM PG-830 11-32.
Only ones I'm seeing are PG-820 11-32 and PG-850 11-32. Is PG just the part number or are those incompatible with my bike?
Also are there any Shimano casettes (for example) that I could use as a substitute if I can't find the SRAM part I need?
Only ones I'm seeing are PG-820 11-32 and PG-850 11-32. Is PG just the part number or are those incompatible with my bike?
Also are there any Shimano casettes (for example) that I could use as a substitute if I can't find the SRAM part I need?
In your case (PG 830), the first digit 8 implies 8-speeds and the last two digits 30 imply the grade of cassette. The 830 is low(er) cost, the 850 mid-cost and the 870 is high(er) cost. But all are 8 speed cassettes that will be a direct substitute for you.
The 11-32 is the teeth range of the cogs, smallest having 11 teeth and largest 32 teeth. If you keep this range the same as stock, then you won't have to shorten or lengthen your chain for the new cassette.
(The SRAM 10-speed and above cassettes uses a four digit code, like PG 1070 (10 speed, better grade than the PG 1050).)
That said, any 8 speed cassette made by SRAM or Shimano would work fine. The higher grade (high cost) cassettes typically are lighter and may have a different material and finish. However, all 8 speed cassettes by SRAM or Shimano have same fit/form/function. There are other brands out there, but I only have experience with SRAM and Shimano.
Last edited by MudPie; 06-28-22 at 11:55 PM.
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,162
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From: Brooklyn NY
Bikes: Kuota Kredo/Chorus, Trek 7000 commuter, Trek 8000 MTB and a few others
If SRAM is like Campy or Shimano, the higher grade cassettes get expensive really fast. I usually go for the lower grade Campy, either Centaur or Veloce, since I'm not racing. On the usual ride I'd never notice as long as the shifting is smooth, which it is. You would never notice on your bike either so get the less expensive one. And yes, replace the chain too. KMC is fine.
#8
Yes, SRAM follows that business model, too. The high end SRAM PG1190 cassette is machined from a single block of steel and cost about $350. They start with a piece of steel, mill it down to what we recognize as a cassette, and there is likely more wasted material than actual material in the final product.





