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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on November 9, 2012 at 6:23am

Well there are plenty of Ti cassettes available, but they don't last very long. What are you using now? You could switch to a 8 speed drivetrain. The components are cheaper and last longer. I have no idea why'd you go through multiple rear mechs in one year... Again, what are you currently using?

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on November 9, 2012 at 6:40am

I am unsure of the make of either, but the cassette is a 9-speed and is typically used on folding bikes. I have had the trike four years and have replaced them at least twice in that time, not each year.

 
Kelvin Mulcky said:

Well there are plenty of Ti cassettes available, but they don't last very long. What are you using now? You could switch to a 8 speed drivetrain. The components are cheaper and last longer. I have no idea why'd you go through multiple rear mechs in one year... Again, what are you currently using?

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Permalink Reply by djm on November 9, 2012 at 7:52am

My experience is that if I replace the chain before wear exceeds 1% the cassette will last through many chains.  I think chain longevity is primarily a function of how well you keep it clean and lubricated — grit inside the rollers will wear it out in short order no matter what kind of chain it is.  Derailleur pulley bushings / bearings live in a dirty environment and need regular cleaning and lubrication, too — and more so on small-wheeled bikes.

Titanium alloys generally have a higher strength/weight ratio than cog steels but are softer.  People buy them to save grams, not maintenance.

I think Sheldon Brown planned to study chain longevity vs cost but didnt get to this.

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on November 9, 2012 at 7:55am

Steel gears are the most durable, but they are heavier than the typical aluminum.

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Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on November 9, 2012 at 8:35am

I'm curious why are you replacing the cassettes. Are the teeth in the cogs chipping? Are you riding in the same gear? A lot of times the smaller cog in the cassette gets the most use and wear, so one can switch up to the next cog up without much change in gearing and performance. How many cassettes have you gone through in 5000 miles?
The strange thing to me is the multiple derailleurs, which are more costly. What is failing here? How many have you gone through? I'm not seeing how the chain comes in play here. The pulley cogs shouldn't wear off so quickly, and the spring mechanism should be sturdy enough.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on November 9, 2012 at 8:47am

Mag, the teeth are rounding off and losing their edge. I typically am in the larger cogs, although I am a frequent shifter. I have over 20,000 miles in four years and replaced the cassette twice in that time. The derailleur sits very close to the ground, because length is needed to throw the chain up such a wide range. Sitting so close to the ground means it gets beat up a lot by twigs, leaves, branches, mud, sand, snow and ice. I just had to replace the bottom pulley wheel, because the bearings gave out.

MagMileMarauder said:

I'm curious why are you replacing the cassettes. Are the teeth in the cogs chipping? Are you riding in the same gear? A lot of times the smaller cog in the cassette gets the most use and wear, so one can switch up to the next cog up without much change in gearing and performance. How many cassettes have you gone through in 5000 miles?
The strange thing to me is the multiple derailleurs, which are more costly. What is failing here? How many have you gone through? I'm not seeing how the chain comes in play here. The pulley cogs shouldn't wear off so quickly, and the spring mechanism should be sturdy enough.

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