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Bike Cassettes Buying Guide

On every bicycle there is a cogset at work on the rear wheel. A cogset is a set of sprockets which attaches to the rear wheel's hub that not only acts as a place for the bike chains  to mesh, but also works with the derailleur  in order to maneuver the multiple gears. The bike cassette  is the newest form of cogset available.  It is an improvement on the earlier design that is the freewheel 

Cassette Anatomy

  • Cassettes differ from freewheels uses a threaded lockring to hold on to the hub of the wheel. It has a series of splines that connects between the gears.
  • There are a series of sprockets in a cassette and they are held together by either bolts or rivets. This is to keep the sprockets in correct order when they need to be removed from the freehub. 
  • The cassette system has a drive-side axle bearing that can be out near the frame instead of towards the center of the axle. The keeps axles in good conditions by greatly reducing the stree on the axles. 

Types of Cassettes

  • There are many types of cassettes in terms of size, strength, weight, material, and durability. Pick the cassette most compatible to your drive train. Picking the right one will increase its performance period.
  • There are several speeds for cassettes whether it is seven speed, eight speed, or nine speed. The speed determines how many positions are available on your bicycle's gear shifter and therefore what speed cassette you need. 

Top Manufacturers

Quick Picks

Shimano Dura Ace CS-7800 10SP 

  • Made from titanium at only 173 grams, one of the lightest cassettes on the market.
  • Increased durability due to new surface treatment.

SRAM PG-990 Special Edition 9 Speed 

  • Five arm spider supports five or six largest cogs.
  • Great for mountain biking.

Shimano Deore XT M770 

  • Compatible with 9 speed drivetrains.
  • Fits all Shimano and Shimano compatible 8/9sp cassette bodies.
  • Spider arm design.
  • Aluminum lock ring.

SRAM Powerglide PG-850 8SP 

  • 8 speed.
  • Stiff componentry.
  • Lightweight.

Shimano HG50 

  •  8 speed.

Related Guides

Derailleurs

Bike Chains

Disc Brakes

Bike Seatposts

Bike Stems

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