Advice on replacing chain set

[Cp40Carl]

I have a Felt QX60 Hybrid (2012) and want to replace or upgrade the cassette (Shimano HG30 7 Speed cassette 11-28T) and chain set. The chain set is a SR-Suntour XCT-T208 (48X38X28T) and I cannot seem to find a like for like replacement anywhere.

However, I am happy to replace it with an alternative chain set, perhaps a Shimano or similar but am not sure what type of bottom bracket I have and understand that this may affect or limit my choices. Is there any way I can find out what type of chainset might fit?

Apologies for the amateur knowledge level but this bike is a bit of a learning project for me. Any advice gratefully received....

 

[adamhearn]

Suntour's site doesn't list the chainset but its probably just because it's an older model. I would imagine it's a standard Shimano BB fitting (square taper). You're going to need a crank puller (£15) and a BB tool (£5) to do the job yourself in about 20 minutes (+ any extra time wasted by attempting to undo the left handed thread the wrong way). You can pick up a cheap chainset with the same chainrings (normal size for a hybrid) for approx £40 (Shimano Acera on ebay).

The [exact same] cassette is readily available [Amazon £15] and you'll need a cassette tool £5 and a chain whip £10 to fit in about 10 mins.

if you're replacing those items then you'll need a new chain £10 and, to remove the existing chain, a chain tool £10.

Upgrading a chainset isn't something I'd consider unless there was a problem with the existing one. Chain rings last ages and cranks don't wear out unless you've left the crank bolts loose and elongated the square taper. I stripped the threads on my drive side crank a year back so had to replace. My hybrid came with a cheapy Suntour with fixed/welded rings and replaced it with a Shimano Acera as still available on ebay. It's less flexy than what was on there before and looks better too.

Prices and times are approximate Good luck!

 

[Brommyboy]

If it aint broke, don't fix it! I run a 7-speed Shimano cassette on my tourer and find it ideal for that purpose. Your hybrid is not a performance bike, so why fit anything 'better' !

 

[Cp40Carl]

Thanks for the advice, really appreciated. Maybe I'll just throw a new chain on it and give it a clean then!

More money for the beer / coffee fund.

Thanks again.

 

[Pale Rider]

Thanks for the advice, really appreciated. Maybe I'll just throw a new chain on it and give it a clean then!

More money for the beer / coffee fund.

Thanks again.

Unless the gears are slipping, the only good reason for changing the cogs would be to alter the gear ratios of the bike.

A clean and a new chain is a reasonable course of action, although it sounds like you could get more life from the existing chain if you want to.

 

[Cp40Carl]

Unless the gears are slipping, the only good reason for changing the cogs would be to alter the gear ratios of the bike.

A clean and a new chain is a reasonable course of action, although it sounds like you could get more life from the existing chain if you want to.

Yes, you're right. I think I'm just in fettling overdrive after replacing my brake pads and cables! Thanks. I think I'll just spend my time riding the damn thing.