Shimano Cassettes
Shimano makes many different products, from fishing gear to bicycle components. Shimano is considered one of the giants of the bicycling industry and most bicycles come with Shimano cassettes or components. The Shimano 7-speed cassettes use their hyperglide technology, which has a threaded lockring to hold the sprockets (toothed wheels on the cassette) to the wheel. Shimano cassettes spin freely and last a long time with proper care and use. Because Shimano parts are readily available, using Shimano cassettes for longer tours or trips is beneficial because you can find replacement parts easily. Shimano 7-speed cassettes come in a variety of rations.
SRAM
SRAM cassettes use their proprietary Powerglide technology for meshing chain teeth into the sprockets on the cassettes. A variety of rations are available for the 7-speed SRAM cassettes. SRAM components work best when used together but the SRAM cassettes will accept Shimano chains. The cassette attaches to the wheel via threads, assuring a solid connection to the freewheel. SRAM is American made and the cassettes are made to endure the rigors of mountain trails and climbing.
Older Shimano Cassettes
For bicycles built prior to 1984 and with Shimano components, the cassettes did not use the Hyperglide technology. Shimano used uniglide cassettes. Uniglide cassettes use a "twist tooth" method of connection and have spacers between sprockets on the cassette. Older uniglide cassettes require more maintenance and do not shift as easy as the modern Hyperglide Shimano cassettes or the SRAM Powerglide models.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
