Help choosing chain and cassette

[Graeck]

I have a ~2003 Marin Larkspur that needs a new cassette (8 speed) and chain.

How do I choose the right chain and cassette for this bike?

Are all 8-speed cassettes interchangeable and just differ in quality?

Do I just need to get a chain that says it's for an 8-speed cassette?

UPDATE: I found a manual online for a 2005 model of my bike. Says the chain is IG31 and the cassette is an 8-speed 11-32.

[1FJEF]

(06-27-2013, 04:37 PM)Graeck Wrote:  UPDATE: I found a manual online for a 2005 model of my bike. Says the chain is IG31 and the cassette is an 8-speed 11-32.

Yes, any 7 or 8 speed chain and any 8 speed cassette. 11-32 is the # of teeth, I don't climb hills, so I don't buy cassettes with an upper # above 28. Some of the guys here have favorite brands, but you can use any of the common ones, Shimano, SRAM even Sunrace.
I like a chain with a removable link for easy service & cleaning. Some of the links are flimsy IMO (Bell). The chain just has to be 3/32 x 1/2". which is super common.
You'll need a chainwhip, a cassette tool & a chain tool.

[nfmisso]

As Jeff says, almost any Shimano compatible 8 speed cassette will work.

I disagree with him chains - you need an 8 speed or higher rated chain - I found this out the hard way when I tried to use a 7 speed chain (with a 7 speed cassette) and 8 speed RD - lots of noise from the RD as the chain went through it. The 7 speed chain was too wide for the 8 speed RD. Many chains are rated for more than one speed, just make sure that the rating includes 8 speed.

Personally, I like SRAM chains, and am planning on trying KMC next time around.

On the cassette; which gears do you currently use? There are wider and closer ratio cassettes available. I do not have real hills to deal with on my rides, and am planning on going with this one when my green GT needs a new cassette:
http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Sunrace-Cassette-Shimano-Compatible/dp/B00BW4TPQ8/
Currently has a 11-30 Shimano, the closer ratios are appealing to me with my old knees.

These will fit:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_in_-2_p_lbr_brands_browse-_8?rh=n%3A3375251%2Cn%3A%213375301%2Cn%3A3403201%2Cn%3A3404731%2Cn%3A6389153011%​2Cn%3A3404771%2Cp_n_​feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A5112817011%2Cp_lbr_brands_browse-bin%3AOrigin+8%7CVentura%7CSturmey+Archer&bbn=3404771&ie=UTF8&qid=1372387227&rnid=2528832011#/ref=sr_nr_p_n_feature_keywords_4?rh=n%3A3375251%2Cn%3A%213375301%2Cn%3A3403201%2​Cn%3A3404731%2Cn%3A6389153011%2Cn%3A3404771%2Cp_lbr_brands_browse-bin%3AOrigin+8%7CVentura%7CSunRace%7CShimano%7CSram%2Cp_n_feature_keywords_two_b​rowse-bin%3A5112817011&bbn=3404771&ie=UTF8&qid=1372387313&rnid=5112813011


More info on your bike:
http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2003&Brand=Marin&Model=Larkspur&Type=bike#.Ucz5CRXn9jo

[1FJEF]

(06-27-2013, 10:41 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  - you need an 8 speed or higher rated chain - I found this out the hard way when I tried to use a 7 speed chain (with a 7 speed cassette) and 8 speed RD - lots of noise from the RD as the chain went through it. The 7 speed chain was too wide for the 8 speed RD. Many chains are rated for more than one speed, just make sure that the rating

Interesting. I have an acera RD that is noisy with a KMC 7.3mm heavy duty 8 speed (x8.99) chain. Perhaps I should try their 7.1mm models.