I commute on a 1988 Specialized Rockhopper. I am committed to vintage Mountain Bikes, even though I am just a commuter.
I currently ride with:
Shimano CN-HG71 6/7/8-Speed Chain (perhaps this is more durable since it is for e-bikes)
Shimano CS-HG41 Cassette - 7 Speed, 11-28t (I've heard these are not very durable)
Is "Shimano CS-HG70C" cassette that much better than the "Shimano CS-HG41" cassette?
Are the Connex by Wippermann chains that much better than "CN-HG71 6/7/8-Speed Chain"?
Should I focus on chain lube more than cassettes to get better shifting?
My priority is crisp/clean shifting. Durability is a secondary priority. I ride with Velocity Cliffhangers and Schwalbe Marathon Almotion (26 x 2.15, tubeless) - so I have to make somewhat regular trips to my LBS for sealant anyway (I prefer to make the decisions, but generally don't do the work).
There is a "Shimano CS-HG70C 7-Speed 11-28T Cassette Sprocket - NEW" on E-bay for $300. But that is more than I paid in 2017 for my Brooks B190, and that was a CUSTOM Apple Green with hand hammered copper rivets (and Brooks obliged my request for the left over leather to be used for a matching mud flap). And of course...that saddle is kinda/sorta still like new.
I know there are 7-speed options from IRD and SunRace, and I just stumbled across "WEEROCK" (https://www.amazon.ca/WEEROCK-Cassette-Sprocket-Freewheel-Replacement/dp/B0CLQYX4Q3?th=1).
I noticed a "SRAM PG-720 7-speed cassette for GX DH" that seemed interesting. But I don't know if "optimized for single-speed drives of the X01 DH series" is compatible with my vintage bicycle.
THANKS for your insight!
I currently ride with:
Shimano CN-HG71 6/7/8-Speed Chain (perhaps this is more durable since it is for e-bikes)
Shimano CS-HG41 Cassette - 7 Speed, 11-28t (I've heard these are not very durable)
Is "Shimano CS-HG70C" cassette that much better than the "Shimano CS-HG41" cassette?
Are the Connex by Wippermann chains that much better than "CN-HG71 6/7/8-Speed Chain"?
Should I focus on chain lube more than cassettes to get better shifting?
My priority is crisp/clean shifting. Durability is a secondary priority. I ride with Velocity Cliffhangers and Schwalbe Marathon Almotion (26 x 2.15, tubeless) - so I have to make somewhat regular trips to my LBS for sealant anyway (I prefer to make the decisions, but generally don't do the work).
There is a "Shimano CS-HG70C 7-Speed 11-28T Cassette Sprocket - NEW" on E-bay for $300. But that is more than I paid in 2017 for my Brooks B190, and that was a CUSTOM Apple Green with hand hammered copper rivets (and Brooks obliged my request for the left over leather to be used for a matching mud flap). And of course...that saddle is kinda/sorta still like new.
I know there are 7-speed options from IRD and SunRace, and I just stumbled across "WEEROCK" (https://www.amazon.ca/WEEROCK-Cassette-Sprocket-Freewheel-Replacement/dp/B0CLQYX4Q3?th=1).
I noticed a "SRAM PG-720 7-speed cassette for GX DH" that seemed interesting. But I don't know if "optimized for single-speed drives of the X01 DH series" is compatible with my vintage bicycle.
THANKS for your insight!
