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My cassette and chain have worn so I need replacements, My cassette is a 10 speed 12-30 and it says on it shimano hyperglide cs 4600 - I have struggled to find this and I don't think they make it any more, but I don't know of one that will fit, and my second problem is how do I know what chain to get it to match my new cassette, what matters?


Ok thanks for the replies, I am not too bothered about the ratios a 12-28 or something would do me fine.

I did a bit of looking up on what you said and I found this http://wiggle.com/shimano-tiagra-hg500-10-speed-cassette-1 I don't know whether it would work, what do you think?

And any shimano 10 speed chain you say will work?

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  • You may have luck in buying from eBay and similar sites. However, at the moment you can get a good deal from: bike24.com/p263735.html (disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated to them)
    – EarlGrey
    Feb 22, 2021 at 13:12

2 Answers 2

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4600 is the previous Shimano Tiagra series (4700 is the current version).

As far as I’m aware all 10 speed cassettes have the same cog spacing, so you should be able to use any 10 speed cassette and chain. More expensive cassettes are usually lighter and maybe stiffer which makes them shift ever so slightly better. They are a wear part, I wouldn’t spend too much money on them.

Note: The current Tiagra 4700 groupset has different pull ratios for the derailleur and shifter, but that doesn’t affect the cassette spacing.

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  • Ok thanks for the replys, I am not too bothered about the ratios a 12-28 or soemthing owould do me fine, I did a bit of looking up on what you guys said and I found this,wiggle.com/shimano-tiagra-hg500-10-speed-cassette-1 , I don't know whether it would work, what do you think?
    – Charlie
    Feb 22, 2021 at 11:28
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The logical place to start looking for replacements is current gen Tiagra, i.e. 4700. A quick look for 4700 (really HG-500 cassettes) shows that there is no direct replacement in 12-30; however there are Ultegra 6700 12-30 available which will be compatible, although the price is higher. I assume this is the source of your frustration.

When choosing a replacement cassette the important thing to consider is the largest sprocket and smallest sprocket size compatibility with the derailleur. The maximum sprocket sizes can be found on Shimano's website: for the mid cage (RD-4601-GS) is 32T (assuming you're not running a triple crankset), or 30T for the short cage. I am intentionally ignoring tooth capacity because that shouldn't be an issue. It is also possible to exceed these limits in some circumstances but this is a trial and error process and I couldn't recommend it.

In terms of compatibility, Shimano and SRAM cassettes and chains are interchangeable. Campagnolo cassettes will not fit your hub. Any '10 speed' chain should work with this set up barring a few outliers. Manufacturers will recommend a certain chain but this is unlikely to significantly impact performance provided the number of speeds match, although mixing Campagnolo and Shimano/SRAM is definitely not recommended.

So to answer your question, you have the option of the same effective range (thought not necessarily ratios) from the Ultegra 6700 12-30, you can replace with a Tiagra HG-500 with a max sprocket size of 32, depending on your derailleur type, or you can go with a SRAM (e.g. PG1050) or any compatible 3rd party cassette, with the obvious exception of Campagnolo. The same applies to chain selection, there are a lot of chains manufactured by, for example, KMC that will work.

In addition to the above I would recommend replacing your front chainrings at the same time. If your chain and cassette is worn, it is likely that the rings will need changing as well even if the wear is not so noticeable.

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    With Shimano gear, stay away from Campagnolo chains (and cassettes, that won't fit your hub anyway). There may be compatibility issues.
    – Carel
    Feb 22, 2021 at 11:19
  • @Carel excellent point I don't think I was sufficiently clear on this, have updated my answer. Feb 22, 2021 at 11:23

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