New Cassette and Chain for my Road Bike

[LooseFur]

I’ve been commuting on my Giant OCR2 road bike (circa 2001 or so) and since I bought a standard SRAM cassette and chain I’ve busted through the quick release link a few times and then yesterday broke a regular chain link. I don’t want to do that anymore. I need to upgrade, and in particular go with a stronger chain, and I’d like a little nicer cassette while I’m at it.

I like the idea of going to a Shimano Tiagra cassette and a matching, more durable chain, but I’m finding it difficult to know what I need and find it online. I’m very comfortable with my current 9 speed 11/25 gear ratio. Any good recommendations for what parts and where best to get them?

Topic

[Greasemonkey]

Unless your current cassette is worn out I don’t know why you would change it, unless you really want a different ratio. As for the chain, I’m not sure why you would be breaking links unless its really worn or was not put back together right after it was fit to the bike. I always get some good results from KMC chains you could get a x9 and it comes with a nice quick link.

[valoflyby]

The several times that I’ve broken a chain – it has never been at the quick link, always a regular link. In fact – my Xtracycle currently has three quick links on it (the chain *is* due for replacing at this point) and that chain sees a tremendous amount of stress.

[Powerful Pete]

Keep in mind that the longer you ride with a used/trashed chain, the quicker you will wear the teeth on your cassette (and cranks).

[Raymo853]

If you have run the same chain since 2001, your chain, cassette, and chain-rings should all be replaced together.

[Author]

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