Kass-it
Noun, Noun (plural)
A cassette is a set of sprockets that fit onto the rear wheel of a bicycle.
Example usage: I need to replace my cassette because my chain is skipping.
Most used in: Mountain biking, road cycling and touring.
Most used by: Cyclists who ride in hilly areas or those who want to be able to switch gears quickly.
Popularity: 9/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
What is a Cassette?
A cassette is a cluster of sprockets that make up the rear gearing on a bicycle. It is mounted onto the rear wheel hub and can be changed to give a variety of gearing options for different terrain. It is the most popular form of gearing for a bicycle and is found on most bikes.
The number of sprockets on a cassette varies depending on the purpose of the bike, with road bikes typically having 11-12 sprockets and mountain bikes having 8-10. The range of sizes available also varies, with most cassettes having a range of 11-36 teeth. The number of teeth on the sprockets determines the gear ratio, with larger teeth giving a lower gear ratio and smaller teeth giving a higher gear ratio.
The cassette is an important component of a bicycle as it affects the performance of the bike. It is important to select the right cassette for the terrain you are riding and the type of riding you are doing. For instance, if you are riding on steep hills then you will need a cassette with a larger range of teeth to give you a lower gear ratio.
Cassettes are one of the most common components of a bicycle and are an important part of the overall performance of the bike. Choosing the right cassette for your bike and the terrain you are riding can make a big difference to your riding experience.
.The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Cassette'
The term 'cassette' has been used in the cycling world since the late 1970s. It is believed to have originated in France and was first used to describe the gear clusters on the rear wheel of racing bicycles.
In the past, the gear clusters were attached to the rear wheel with a freewheel, which was prone to slipping and breaking. To overcome this issue, the French company Simplex developed a system that was able to attach the gear cluster to the rear wheel with a threaded sprocket. This system was dubbed the 'cassette'.
The cassette system allowed for more reliable shifting and more efficient pedaling. It quickly became popular among racing cyclists and soon spread to other parts of the world. Today, cassettes are a standard component of most road, mountain, and hybrid bicycles.
