Cassettes and pinions for bicycles

The cassette and pinions are part of the drivetrain of the bicycle. The cassette is a solid unit that is mounted on the rear hub by a nut and consists of several pinions. Pinions are individual gears that are connected to the chain and allow it to move.

Cassettes and pinions are divided according to the number of gears – speeds. Most commonly used are cartridges with 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 speeds. The more speeds a cassette has, the wider its gear range and the better it adapts to different terrains and riding styles.

Cassettes and pinions are also divided by bike type. Road bikes usually use cassettes with fewer speeds (7 to 10), which have a smaller range. Mountain bikes and trekking bikes typically use cassettes with a larger number of speeds (8 to 12), which have a wider gear range.

There are several factors to consider:

Number of gears: The more gears a cassette has, the wider the gear range and the better it adapts to different terrains and riding styles.
Type of bike: Road bikes typically use cassettes with fewer gears (7 to 10), which have a smaller gear range. Mountain bikes and trekking bikes typically use cassettes with a larger number of gears (8 to 12), which have a wider gear range.
Material: Steel cartridges are the cheapest, but they also have the lowest lifetime. Titanium cartridges are the most expensive, but also have the longest life. Aluminium cartridges are in the middle price range and have a good lifespan.

The cassettes and pinions need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly. Cassette and pinion lubrication is important to keep the chain running smoothly and to extend the life of the chain.

Check out our video "What's the difference between a cassette and a freewheel?"