I need to replace my cassette (Shimano HG30 8speed 11-32) and chain (KMC Z7) that is currently on my bike (pinnacle Aura), however these parts are now discontiuned and I need to find the replacments. I have been recommended the HG51 cassette but don't know which chain to get. Can anyone help?
3 Answers
Any 8-speed chain should work. If you want to be absolutely sure, get one made by the same company that made the cassette. I believe Shimano still makes several 8-speed chains.
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1I used to use Shimano IG-51 with HG cassettes. As pointed, any 8speed chain work. Nowadays, KMC has having the best cost-benefit for me, specially considering its Power Link (makes life MUCH easier, I take the chain out of the bike for cleaning) Commented Mar 7, 2012 at 17:01
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I once had a compatibility problem with a Surly fixie cog and a KMC chain. Theoretically, they should have meshed perfectly, but they didn't, and I have no idea which one was at fault. So that's the only reason I recommend getting the same brand for the chain and the cogs. Commented Mar 7, 2012 at 17:44
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I ride fixie, and my cog is thicker than mtb so that it won't fit an 8 speed chain (these were named "narrow" some time ago...). I have to use a common BMX chain. Was this your case? Commented Mar 7, 2012 at 18:50
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I'd have to go home and check, but I'm pretty sure my bike has an HG51, and I'm using an SRAM 8-speed chain. Have had no problems. Commented Mar 7, 2012 at 20:19
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I was using a single-speed BMX chain. So like I said, it should have fit. I realize that this sort of problem is pretty rare. (Also, now that I think back, it wasn't a KMC chain, it was something else.) Commented Mar 7, 2012 at 22:30
I have just purchased Shimano HG51 (11 - 30 tooth) casette and HG50 chain... I haven't fitted them yet but I have been advised they are compatible... see original post here.
Difference between Shimano HG51 8-Speed Cassette and Shimano HG50 8-Speed Cassette
Shimano HG-XX cassettes are definitely not discontinued; just the numbers have changed. HG-30 became HG-40, and now HG-50. You can find an 8 speed HG50 cassette in the gearing ranges from 11-28T to 11-34T ("Mega Range"). You can also replace with a non-Shimano cassette, which is compatible with the HUB. For instance SRAM PG-850 and others.
The cheap KMC 6-8 speed chains are everywhere. Maybe not exactly the "Z7", but some other number like "Z51".
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I've had no luck with KMC chains, and would not consider them in the future. One lasted three weeks before throwing a side plate. Chain is like brake pads and tyres, not a place to save money.– Criggie ♦Commented Mar 30, 2016 at 1:41
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1@Criggie Indeed, KMC chains are the bottom-of-the-line cheapest stuff.– KazCommented Mar 30, 2016 at 18:47