Shimano 8-speed

[litespeed]

My beloved old Sampson knockaround/training bike has Shimano 105 8-speed. I can get an 8-speed SRAM chains and cassettes from Nashbar but I can't find retail Shimano anywhere. I know they are still making them as bike shops are able to get them but I'd rather order direct. Does anyone know of any mail order outfit that sells Shimano 8-speed cassettes and chains. 

[waynemyer]

Universal Cycles has Shimano 8-speed cassettes.

You know that the SRAM cassettes and chains are compatible, right?

[DaveB]

Here is a source for shimnano 8-speed cassettes from 12x23 to 11x34.  Take your pick: http://www.thethirdhand.com/index.cgi?c=Cassette&sc=Complete%20Shimano&tc=8%20Speed&id=206328719818

And here are a variety of Shimano 8-speed chains: http://www.thethirdhand.com/index.cgi?c=Chain&sc=Complete%20Chains&tc=Shimano&id=206328719818

BTW, the "IG" chain works just fine on "HG" cassettes.

[litespeed]

Thank you gentlemen. Yes, I know that SRAM cassettes and chains are compatible. I just put them on my bike but I'm used to Shimano and prefer them. Thanks again.

[BluesDawg]

Bikeman has some.
http://www.bikeman.com/store/merchant.mvc?

[BrianW]

I have a couple used, but in excellent condition, 8-speed Shimano XT cassettes for sale if you are interested. They are 11-28 (or 12-28, can't recall). Looking to get $25 each + shipping. E-mail me if you are interested.

[paddleboy17]

Thank you gentlemen. Yes, I know that SRAM cassettes and chains are compatible. I just put them on my bike but I'm used to Shimano and prefer them. Thanks again.

I would consider SRAM chains to be superior to a Shimano chain.  SRAM has a master link that allows you to easily make or break your chain.  I carry a spare should I have to make a repair.  This just seems to be a better way to do things than the Shimano hyperglide pin.

SRAM cassettes have a good reputation.  I don't currently have any SRAM cassettes, but I would not be opposed to buying one.

[Joe B]

....SRAM has a master link that allows you to easily make or break your chain.....

Note : The SRAM PowerLink is NOT reusable like a standard master link . You can easily add one and if you need to break the chain it is the obvious choice to have its rivit driven out, but a new one is required each time.

[Pat Lamb]

....SRAM has a master link that allows you to easily make or break your chain.....

Note : The SRAM PowerLink is NOT reusable like a standard master link . You can easily add one and if you need to break the chain it is the obvious choice to have its rivit driven out, but a new one is required each time.

When I was waxing chains, I re-used the link for the life of the chain, and then carried the master link as an emergency repair item.  Typically disassembled/reassembled 4-5 times for each chain; never had any problem.

(Now I'm just too lazy.)

[paddleboy17]

....SRAM has a master link that allows you to easily make or break your chain.....

Note : The SRAM PowerLink is NOT reusable like a standard master link . You can easily add one and if you need to break the chain it is the obvious choice to have its rivit driven out, but a new one is required each time.

I don't have any problem breaking the SRAM master link.  The task is easier to do when the chain is clean, but I can always break the chain at the master link.  Now if you want to break it anywhere else, that requires driving the pin/rivet out with a chain tool.

[ochsen]

....SRAM has a master link that allows you to easily make or break your chain.....

Note : The SRAM PowerLink is NOT reusable like a standard master link . You can easily add one and if you need to break the chain it is the obvious choice to have its rivit driven out, but a new one is required each time.

How is the PowerLink not reusable? Not reusable, as in it's difficult to take apart, or not reusable, as in you're not supposed to take it apart? If it's the latter, I've never heard of that. That practically defeats the purpose of having the link. I've never had problems taking SRAM links apart and putting back together for the last 12 years I've been using them.

I'll admit the 10-speed chains are difficult to take apart after the 1st time, but after that no problems. No problems w/ 8 or 9 at any point.

If you don't know how to take them apart: you squeeze the plates together, and push the opposing ends of the link together, pushing the "rivit" through the larger hole on either side of the plates, allowing you to take it apart. (OK, it'd be easier to show you).

[DaveB]

SRAM specifically recommends that their 10-speed "PowerLock" master link should not be reused.  Here is a direct quote from their catalog:

"While PL does not require special tools for install, the especially tight tolerances of 10 Speed drive trains mandated that each PowerLock is good for a one-time application only."

That said, many owners do remove and replace these master links successfully.  Remember the 10-speed Powerlock is different from SRAM's earlier 8 and 9-speed master links which are specified as reusable by SRAM.

[BrianW]

FYI, Park makes a very useful and reasonably priced tool that makes it much easier to remove a master link like the SRAM models. It's made my life a lot easier ever since I picked one up!

http://www.parktool.com/product/master-link-pliers-mlp-1

[ochsen]

"While PL does not require special tools for install, the especially tight tolerances of 10 Speed drive trains mandated that each PowerLock is good for a one-time application only."

Huh. I did not know this. I might have to rethink my chain cleaning methods. Or, look into other brands that do allow you to take them apart.

[tsteven4]

I have had plenty of luck removing and reinstalling 8 and 9 speed SRAM links.  All my links have had this done ~twice before I retire the chain. With a dirty chain you can use this trick

SRAM Master Link Removal:
Squeeze side plates together with thumb and index finger, and pull ends of string (which may take two more hands!)