Luther Blissett
New member
I have a ridgeback genesis day03 hybrid road bike, the chain is pretty new (about 2 months of riding up to 2 miles per day, so I'd say it's done around 120 miles max) but now I think the cassette needs replacing because every now and then when I'm pedaling the drive completely loses resistance and just goes round very easily with no weight, the chain is still on. After a few turns, perhaps pedaling backwards a bit, it seems to drive the back wheel again, or catch. This is quite dangerous, it's happened to me in the middle of a big roundabout while my left foot was going down so the whole bike and me veered sharply to the left and I just about managed to stay up and make it to the middle of the roundabout, at the time there was a big cement truck behind me!
Anyway, I have the tools to change the cassette and I can get a new cassette (not sure what all the numbers are with cassettes though, I know 9 speed etc but what does the 11/32 11/34 34t etc numbers mean?) but I'm wondering if I really need to change the chain as well at the same time? Lots of people say you always should don't they.
What is the tool called that lets you measure if the chain is worn or not? If that tool tells me the chain is ok can I just fit a new cassette and leave the chain? I've looked for that tool on ebay and bike shop websites, haven't found it yet.
Thanks!
Anyway, I have the tools to change the cassette and I can get a new cassette (not sure what all the numbers are with cassettes though, I know 9 speed etc but what does the 11/32 11/34 34t etc numbers mean?) but I'm wondering if I really need to change the chain as well at the same time? Lots of people say you always should don't they.
What is the tool called that lets you measure if the chain is worn or not? If that tool tells me the chain is ok can I just fit a new cassette and leave the chain? I've looked for that tool on ebay and bike shop websites, haven't found it yet.
Thanks!