Your bike cassette is a vital part of your drivetrain. Whether you're climbing steep hills, cruising on flat roads, or training indoors, the right cassette ensures smooth gear shifts and optimised pedalling performance.

In this guide, we explore how cassettes work, the types available, and how to choose the right one for your riding style and conditions.

What Is a Bike Cassette?

A bike cassette is a set of sprockets (gears) mounted on the rear hub of your bike. Working with the derailleur and chain allows you to shift gears and manage resistance levels while riding.

• Smaller sprockets provide less resistance, ideal for speed on flat terrain.
• Larger sprockets offer more resistance, making them suitable for climbing hills.

A well-functioning cassette is key to a smooth and energy-efficient ride.

How a Cassette Works

As you change gears, the derailleur guides the chain across the cassette’s sprockets. This movement adjusts the gear ratio, helping you maintain a comfortable cadence. Whether you're powering up a climb or accelerating on a descent, your cassette ensures you're pedalling efficiently.

Types of Bike Cassettes

Road Cassettes

Designed for smooth cadence and high-speed efficiency, road cassettes often come in gear ranges like 11–25T or 11–28T. These cassettes are ideal for road cyclists who value quick, precise gear transitions. Pair them with the right wheels, pumps, and drivetrain care tools to keep your setup in peak condition.

Mountain Bike Cassettes

Built for technical terrain, mountain bike cassettes feature wide gear ranges like 10–50T or 11–52T. They provide the low gears necessary for climbing while maintaining control on steep descents. These are essential for trail, enduro, and XC riders who may also need tyre repairs and tubeless-ready components.

Gravel and Cyclocross Cassettes

These cassettes balance the features of road and MTB setups. With ranges such as 11–36T, they offer low gears for off-road climbing and smooth transitions for flat and paved surfaces. Ideal for mixed-terrain riders who carry gear with bags, hydration setups, or use carriers and car racks.

Single-Speed Cassettes

Featuring a single sprocket, these cassettes are lightweight and require minimal maintenance. They’re commonly used on urban commuter bikes or track bikes. Maintenance is simple with basic tools and maintenance kits.

How to Choose the Right Cassette

Match Your Riding Style

Select a cassette based on how and where you ride.

• Road riders benefit from close-range cassettes for smoother transitions.
• Mountain bikers need wider ranges to manage varied terrain.
• Commuters or casual riders may prioritise simplicity.

Consider Gear Range

A wider gear range allows for more versatility, particularly in hilly or mixed-terrain environments. Narrower ranges offer smoother, more consistent cadence in flatter areas.

Check Compatibility

Ensure the cassette matches your drivetrain brand (Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo) and hub type (HG, XD, or Micro Spline). Proper fitment is essential for clean, accurate shifting.

Factor in Materials and Weight

Steel cassettes are durable and cost-effective. Aluminium and titanium offer performance advantages by reducing weight, though they often come at a higher price. Keep spare cassettes or drivetrain parts organised in proper storage solutions.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean Regularly: Remove dirt and debris using a degreaser and brushes to maintain optimal shifting performance.
• Inspect for Wear: Look for teeth that appear sharp, hooked, or worn down—these are signs your cassette needs replacing.
• Lubricate Properly: A well-lubricated drivetrain reduces wear and enhances shifting accuracy.
• Use Proper Tools: Include a cassette lockring tool and chain whip in your bike tools and maintenance kit for regular servicing.

Improve Every Ride with the Right Cassette

A well-chosen cassette improves efficiency, comfort, and overall performance. Whether you're sprinting on a flat road, grinding up a hill, or training on an indoor trainer, having the right gearing setup allows you to ride smarter and more confidently.

Explore our complete range of bike cassettes along with essential accessories like tools and maintenance gear, tyre repairs and tubeless kits, hydration, storage options, and more—everything you need to keep your drivetrain dialled in and your rides uninterrupted.