Replacement bike parts - will they work OK?

Gandorf

My dad has just inherited a 06 specialized crossroads. It has a slipping chain and a LBS recommended the replacement of the chain, cassette, middle and outer chain rings. The cost is a bit high so we thought we might buy them off CRC for half price and try and replace them ourselves.

Can any bike experts tell us if the replacements will work before we buy?

This is the bike: http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?arc=2006&spid=21612

The original parts are:
- CASSETTE Shimano HG-40, 8 speed, Mega Range 11x32t
- CHAIN Shimano HG-53 8 speed
- CHAINRINGS 48Sx38Sx28S, Hyperglide, w/chainguard

The replacements we intend to buy are:
- CASSETTE SRAM PG850 Cassette 8sp 11-32t http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5212
- CHAIN SRAM PC830 Chain 8sp http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26313
- CHAINRINGS
Middle - Shimano Alivio Chainring Middle M410 38t 8 spd http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19106
Outer - Shimano Alivio Chainring Outer M411 48t 8 spd http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19105

The 38t middle chain ring is out of stock. They have a 32t one in stock, would this work (it would make the chainrings 48t-32t-28t) and what would be the difference?

Thanks for the advice!

Gandorf

kona

Gandorf wrote: »

My dad has just inherited a 06 specialized crossroads. It has a slipping chain and a LBS recommended the replacement of the chain, cassette, middle and outer chain rings. The cost is a bit high so we thought we might buy them off CRC for half price and try and replace them ourselves.

Can any bike experts tell us if the replacements will work before we buy?

This is the bike: http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?arc=2006&spid=21612

The original parts are:
- CASSETTE Shimano HG-40, 8 speed, Mega Range 11x32t
- CHAIN Shimano HG-53 8 speed
- CHAINRINGS 48Sx38Sx28S, Hyperglide, w/chainguard

The replacements we intend to buy are:
- CASSETTE SRAM PG850 Cassette 8sp 11-32t http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5212
- CHAIN SRAM PC830 Chain 8sp http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26313
- CHAINRINGS
Middle - Shimano Alivio Chainring Middle M410 38t 8 spd http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19106
Outer - Shimano Alivio Chainring Outer M411 48t 8 spd http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19105

The 38t middle chain ring is out of stock. They have a 32t one in stock, would this work (it would make the chainrings 48t-32t-28t) and what would be the difference?

Thanks for the advice!

Gandorf

You need specialist tools too, you can buy these on chain reaction also. No reason why you couldnt do it yourself. IMO dont bother with the chainrings, and if you do chances are youll only need to replace one. The cassette and chain should work.

Youll need a chain splitter and a cassette removal tool and a chain whip.

Cookie_Monster

you could ask a couple of shops will they do the work if you supply the parts rather the buying the tools either...

Gandorf

Cheers Kona,

So this chain whip and this lockring remover should do the job?

I can't find a chain splitter on CRC - do I need one of these if the chain comes with a powerlink connector?

Any idea on the 32t vs 38t middle chainring?

Gandorf

Ah, good thinking, never thought of that cookie monster!
Although they all seem to change 35 euro for labour and the tools cost about a tenner.....

kona

Gandorf wrote: »

Cheers Kona,

So this chain whip and this lockring remover should do the job?

I can't find a chain splitter on CRC - do I need one of these if the chain comes with a powerlink connector?

Any idea on the 32t vs 38t middle chainring?

Yup those tools are fine, 95% of the time you need a chain splitter as the chains are usually too long and need to be shortened. Sram chains come with powerlinks anyways.

Paul Kiernan

If you're planning on doing ongoing bike maintenance you might consider this tool kit from Halfords - excellent value.

Paul Kiernan

Also while you probably don't need to replace the chainrings if you decide you do want to change them then it is often cheaper and easier to replace the whole crankset e.g. http://www.woollyhatshop.com/Cranksets/Mountain-Bike-Cranksets/Shimano-Tourney-FCM131-Bike-Crankset-170mm-48t-With-Chainguard/prod_3150.html

Holyboy

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

Also while you probably don't need to replace the chainrings if you decide you do want to change them then it is often cheaper and easier to replace the whole crankset e.g. http://www.woollyhatshop.com/Cranksets/Mountain-Bike-Cranksets/Shimano-Tourney-FCM131-Bike-Crankset-170mm-48t-With-Chainguard/prod_3150.html

Not forgetting you will need extra tools if you do decide to replace the whole chainset, if you end up doing the work your self.
As for the smaller middle chainring, it'll work but the shifting from middle to large ring may suffer a bit.

Holyboy

kona wrote: »

Yup those tools are fine, 95% of the time you need a chain splitter as the chains are usually too long and need to be shortened. Sram chains come with powerlinks anyways.

You could always go "old skool" on the chain and use a hammer and punch:D

Gandorf

Thanks lads, loads of good info there.

So if I did end up getting the 32t middle chainring, then I should get the 42t outer to match?

cdaly_

kona wrote: »

IMO dont bother with the chainrings, and if you do chances are youll only need to replace one. The cassette and chain should work.

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

Also while you probably don't need to replace the chainrings

Gandorf wrote: »

Thanks lads, loads of good info there.

So if I did end up getting the 32t middle chainring, then I should get the 42t outer to match?

Not a good move to replace the chainring. Do the rest, see how it goes. If it's still a problem, then go looking for a 38t chainring...