MTB chains and cassettes

The MTB chain and cassette are key components of an MTB transmission.

Constitution of a cassette and a MTB chain:

The MTB cassette is a set of sprockets fixed on the freewheel, it allows to obtain a different ratio depending on the sprocket on which the MTB chain is positioned.

The MTB chain is made up of a set of links that are positioned in the teeth of the MTB cassette sprockets and chainrings to transmit the power supplied by the cyclist to the rear wheel.

Choice and compatibility of a MTB cassette and chain:

The characteristics of an MTB chain and cassette depend on the transmission. Indeed, these parts are designed for the operation of a number of speeds. The MTB chain and cassette must be designed for the same number of gears as the gear controls, the freewheel body, the derailleurs and the chainrings that make up the drivetrain of the MTB.

It is also necessary to check the compatibility of the rear derailleur with the number of teeth of the smallest and largest sprocket of the MTB cassette because if the capacity of the MTB rear derailleur does not correspond to that induced by the cassette then there is a risk. MTB chain jump or blocking that could cause the MTB derailleur to break.

For an optimal functioning of the drivetrain of the MTB, the brand of the cassette and the MTB chain must match. However, component brands offer compatible MTB cassettes and chains such as BBB, Sunrace, YBN, ...

Compatibility and choice of a 9s MTB cassette:

A 9s MTB cassette is designed according to the Shimano standard, in fact, the spacing between the sprockets and the width of the freewheel have been defined by the transmission specialist for Japanese mountain bikes. Even if the derailleur and the shifters of the MTB are not Shimano brand, the cassette could be a shimano or an equivalent.

The drivetains manufacturers for MTB are Shimano, Sram and Microshift, for optimal operation of their drivetrains models they recommend using a chain and a cassette of their brand because the shape of the teeth are optimized according to their requirements. But compatible alternatives can be used, such as BBB or Sunrace, which offer models that can operate with a freewheel and a Shimano standard chain.

On the other hand it is necessary to compare the admissible capacity of the rear derailleur compared to the number of teeth of the small pinion and of the largest of a 9s MTB cassette, indeed if the number of teeth is too large or insufficient the derailleur will not be able to operate correctly and ensure constant chain tension.

A 9-speed mountain bike drivetrain usually consists of a 9-speed cassette and 3 chainrings.

Choice of a 10s MTB cassette:

It must be compatible with the freewheel body on which it will be assembled. The number of teeth of the smallest and largest sprocket must match the architecture of the derailleur. The range level of the 10s MTB cassette should match that of the MTB drivetrain for optimum efficiency and performance.

For example, a Shimano XTR drivetrain may not work properly with a Sram brand 10s MTB cassette because the shape of the teeth on each sprocket is slightly different.

A 10-speed MTB cassette is generally used with a crankset equipped with two chainrings.

Maintenance of a MTB chain and cassette :

The MTB chain and cassette assembly is subject to strong environmental constraints: the mechanical force applied by the cyclist, mud, sand, water are all constraints that can reduce the life and performance of the drivetrain of your MTB and therefore that of the MTB chain and cassette.

The MTB chain and cassette assembly is subject to strong environmental constraints: the mechanical force applied by the cyclist, mud, sand, water are all constraints that can reduce the life and performance of the transmission. of your MTB and therefore that of the MTB chain and cassette .

Inspection criteria for a used MTB chain and cassette :

All parts and accessories for MTBs in used condition which are offered in our shop are cleaned and rigorously checked before they are put on sale.

Here are the checkpoints that we apply for each MTB cassette and each MTB chain:

• visual inspection to detect possible defects
• checking the state of wear of each sprocket of the MTB cassette
• measurement of the stretch of the mountain bike chain

Our observations and our experience allow us to determine our corresponding to the level of wear of each part, the scale extends from 0 (for parts) to 10 (new in its packaging). This rating appears in each product sheet.

Components in addition to a cassette and a MTB chain:

Many MTB drivetrains parts, complementary to a MTB chain and cassette are offered in our shop such as derailleurs, MTB cranksets, MTB gear controls or freewheels. The components in new condition are from stock clearance and offered at the best price !