Watch That Manual | How to replace a cassette?
11 October 2024
Manuals, you often get them with your new products, but who actually reads them? And even if you do, how much can you still remember of it? Exactly! That's why we make working on your own bike a bit easier, with Watch That Manual! In this series, we show you exactly what to do and what not to do.
Maintaining your bike can seem intimidating, but when it comes to replacing your cassette, it's easier than you might think! With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you'll be back on the road in no time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from removing the cassette to reinstalling it, whether you have an HG or an XDR cassette.
1. Disassemble the wheel
First things first, let’s get that rear wheel off. Start by shifting your chain into the hardest gear (the smallest cog). This will make the removal process much easier. Once the chain is on the smallest cog, remove the rear wheel from your bike. Maybe you need a hex or torx key to remove the thru-axle from the wheel before taking it out.
2. Remove your cassette
It’s easiest to place the wheel against your legs and lean over it, using your body to apply the necessary force. Use the T-Rex grip to hold the cassette firmly in place. If you're right-handed, use your left hand to hold the grip and position the tool on the middle cogs. Grab your LockOut tool and position it on the cassette’s lock ring, applying force with your dominant hand. It’s not uncommon to use your body weight to push down as it can be quite tight. With the lock ring off, you can now remove the cassette.
3. The difference between a HG and XDR cassette
There are two main types of cassettes: HG (Hyperglide) and XDR (XD Driver Road). XDR Cassettes typically come off in one piece. Installation is simple: you slide the cassette onto the freehub body in one go. HG cassettes come off cog by cog. Each cog needs to be removed separately, and they need to be reassembled with proper spacing, often requiring spacers between them.
4. How to mount an XDR cassette?
Place the entire XDR cassette onto the freehub body. It only fits in one direction, so make sure the splines are aligned. Use your LockOut tool to screw the lock ring back into place. When you feel resistance, tighten it firmly. For precision, use a torque wrench to ensure it's tightened to the manufacturer's specifications (around 40 Nm).
Once everything is in place, ensure there’s no movement in the cassette. It should sit tight and secure.
5. How to mount an HG cassette?
Begin by placing the largest cog on the freehub body. Align the remaining cogs, ensuring each one fits perfectly. You can tell by checking if the numbers are facing outward. Don’t forget the spacers between each cog. Usually, only the last two cogs don’t need spacers.
Tighten the lock ring: Just like the XDR cassette, use the LockOut tool to tighten the lock ring to about 40 Nm.
6. Wrap up
And that’s it! With your cassette securely fastened and your wheel back in place, you're ready to roll. Whether you bicycle is mounted with an XDR or HG cassette, changing your cassette doesn't have to be a daunting task. Just follow these steps, and you'll be riding those carefree kilometers once again.