Bicycle cassette

The right bicycle cassette must match your gear system, freehub body, and intended use. In this category, you will find bicycle cassettes for various gear ratios. Before making your selection, check not only the number of sprockets but also the manufacturer's specifications for the drivetrain, chain, and rear hub.

Choosing a bicycle cassette to match your drivetrain

A cassette is part of the drivetrain and sits on the rear wheel's freehub body. It differs from a freewheel, where the sprockets and freewheel mechanism form a single, screwed-on unit. Therefore, first check which design is mounted on your bicycle.

Matching the number of gears and gear system

The number of sprockets must match the intended number of gears for the gear system. For example, a 10-speed bicycle cassette is designed for a 10-speed drivetrain. However, the entire system—including the shifter, rear derailleur, cassette, and chain—is crucial. Do not rely solely on the number of gears or visual similarity.

Choosing sprocket ratios to suit your usage

Specifications such as 11–28 or 11–34 describe the smallest and largest sprockets. Tighter spacing generally allows for smaller gear jumps, making it easier to maintain a steady cadence. A larger largest sprocket can provide an easier gear ratio for climbs. How the gear ratio actually feels also depends on the chainrings and wheel size.

For a road bike cassette, consistent gear jumps are often particularly important. For mountainous routes, a wider range can be useful. Before switching to a larger sprocket, the permissible sprocket size and total capacity of the rear derailleur, as well as the required chain length, must be verified.

Checking the freehub mount and chain

Not every cassette fits every freehub body. Standards and required spacers can differ depending on the system and design. Therefore, compare the exact designation of your existing cassette, rear hub, and groupset with the manufacturer's compatibility specifications. The chain must also be suitable for the specific number of gears and the intended gear system.

When should a bicycle cassette be replaced?

If the chain skips under load, individual gears run roughly, or a new chain does not run smoothly on the existing cassette, wear may be the cause. However, similar symptoms can also be caused by an incorrectly adjusted derailleur, a damaged derailleur hanger, or an unsuitable chain. When in doubt, have your drivetrain checked before ordering parts. You can find other suitable components in our bicycle spare parts section. You can also find assistance with inspection and replacement through the bicycle service offered by Fadu Bike in Vienna.

Frequently asked questions about bicycle cassettes

Which bicycle cassette fits my bike?

Check the model designation of the existing cassette, the number of sprockets, their ratios, the freehub standard, and the requirements for the rear derailleur and chain. When changing the system, all involved components should be checked together.

Can I mount a cassette with a larger sprocket?

Only if the rear derailleur, freehub body, and the rest of the drivetrain are approved for it. Additionally, a different chain length or further adjustments may be necessary. The maximum permissible sprocket size and total capacity of the rear derailleur are particularly important in this regard.

Should the chain be replaced together with the cassette?

Not automatically. The condition of both parts should be checked. A heavily worn chain can accelerate wear on the sprockets, while a new chain may skip under load if placed on a cassette that is already significantly worn.