Hello:

I am very new to either biking or triking and my grasp of basics is not strong... the following questions are likely to reflect that.

I currently have a 9 speed cassette, a Shimano rear derailleur and a single front chainring (with a Schlumpf Mountain Drive hub). The chain deflection from chainring to the outer cassette sprockets seems a bit extreme, though all appears to work just fine.

I'm considering other cassette possibilities, but I've been told the type of cassettes compatible with the ASE machined splined carrier is limited, and I don't know by what factors (e.g. make, number of speeds, etc.).

Can anyone enlighten me on those factors?

Is a Shimano cassette characterized by wider (physical) spacing between individual sprockets? Do other makes have closer spacing?

Is a special tool required to remove and replace a cassette? Is the tool 'generic'?

What I'm trying to do is identify what my actual choices might be with respect to alternate gearing and shifter possibilities.

Thanks much for any/all replies.

Peter B.

-----

Hi Peter,

Not sure what exactly your trike's adaptor will be compatible with, but this page should get you going identifying it:

[sheldonbrown.com]

Mine came with a 7-speed cassette, still in place currently, but I also have a spare adaptor which IIRC was described as nine-speed.

Cheers

Peter

Coincidentally, I was just at the linked page this morning... and saved it to disk.

I'm learning... slowly.

Thanks, Peter.

Peter B.

-----

Just read it myself and it seems that yes, there are two lengths of adaptor; either 7 or 8/9.

The tool you need is I think pretty standard (and reasonably priced) - google "Shimano Cassette Lockring Tool".

Obviously you need to remove the RH drive shaft before you can use it...

Re limitations on cassettes, any 8 or 9-speed cassette will fit the adaptor you have. ISTR there is a limit on the largest sprocket you can have - maybe 32? - before the chain gets a bit close to the cross beam behind the cassette. But I can't seem to find a reference to that in Rob Mackinnon's manual. I'll try to take a look in my original manual and see if it's mentioned there.

Cassettes normally only go up to 34T so if it can handle that then you're pretty much free to choose any. What's the largest sprocket on it currently?

What I learned this morning informed me that my questions were largely academic. And the chain deflection 'problem' one merely of perception... not something that needs fixing.

For what it's worth, I always seem to spend (and waste) massive amounts of time 'personalizing' my possessions.

Nor is that to be helped it seems.

Thanks for your time...

Peter B.

--

PS - The 'big' sprocket on the current cassette is 23 T. With a 46 T chainring and the Schlumpf, I have (roughly) 15-78 gear inches. Good enough for someone who has no 'legs' as yet.

-----