Will changing my chainset and cassette make my bike faster and smoother to ride?

Question

I have a Batavus and want to change the chainset and cassette. Can i put on a road chainset and can i do it all myself. I don't have any experience but think it looks straight forward enough. Also what kit would i need? And would it make a lot of difference to the cycling experience?

Answer 1

Possibly. It depends on the condition of your current chain and cassette. The chain is the part that wears out the fastest. A cassette should last a very long time if it's cared for. But, if you rode for a long time on a worn chain that would damage the cassette.

To perform the repair you'd need a chain tool and a cassette removal tool. Both are specialized tools that are only for those tasks. The cassette tool is made for either Shimano or Campagnolo. Be sure your chain (new or old) is adequately lubed too. That will make a big difference in the quality of the ride.

Answer 2

you will need a crankset removal tool, these come in two sizes for different bottom brackets (square taper or splined). its probably a square taper on an older bike as splined is more recent. you will also need a cassette removal tool and a spanner/wrench to turn it. you may also need a chain whip to hold the cassette in place while you turn the spanner 9to prevent just turning the cassette). allan keys will likely be needed for the new crankset bolts, while a spanner is probably requires for undoing the old bolts.

when changing parts of the drivetrain, a new chain is recommended.

it will likely make the ride smoother and quieter. newer components tend to be lighter and will possibly make your ride quicker from reduced weight but it will only be a small reduction and won't make much speed difference. new cassettes should reduce the occurrence of ghost shifting or chain slipping which can be annoying.

so you can do it yourself, but for all the tools you need, unless you have them, its not really worth buying them to use once, unless you put them on ebay afterwards and get some money back. check prices for the work at a bike shop. if you have the componants they will usually fit them for you