In this guide
Speed in cycling means the number of sprockets on your rear cassette — 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Getting it right is the single most common fit mistake on a parts order, and it’s also the easiest one to get right yourself. Here are the three methods that work every time.
Method 1 — Count the rear sprockets
Lean your bike against a wall, look at the rear wheel, and count the metal sprockets on the cassette (the stack of gears on the right side of the rear wheel). That number is your speed. Done.
This is the most reliable method because you’re measuring the part you’re going to replace, on the bike itself, with no room for the wrong information.
Method 2 — Read your shifter
Most modern shifters have the speed printed right on them. Shimano shifters often carry a model number like "ST-R8000 11-speed" on the housing. SRAM might say "Force 12s" or similar. Look for a model number, a sticker on the side of the shift lever, or text moulded into the plastic body.
This is a great double-check if you’ve already counted the sprockets — and it’s the easiest method when the bike is built up and you don’t want to flip it.
Method 3 — Check the chain
Chains are speed-specific because chain width narrows as the number of sprockets increases. The packaging from your last chain replacement (if you kept it) will list the speed clearly. The chain itself sometimes has the speed engraved on the outer plate, though it’s usually hard to read once installed.
What’s the difference between speeds?
An 8-speed setup is robust, cheap, and forgiving — great for commuters and entry-level bikes, and parts are widely available. 9- and 10-speed are the older modern standard, still on plenty of bikes. 11-speed is current on most performance road and MTB builds. 12-speed is the latest generation, with closer gear ratios and finer shifting but more expensive components.
None is universally "better." The right speed is the one that matches what you already have on the bike — mixing speeds across the drivetrain is what causes problems.
“A wrong-speed chain wears out faster, can skip under load, and in the worst case throws itself off the cassette.”
When in doubt, send us a photo
If you’re still unsure, take a clear photo of your rear cassette and shifter and message us on WhatsApp — we’ll confirm the speed before you order. We’d rather answer a 30-second question than process a wrong-fit return.
That’s it. Two minutes of looking saves a return shipment — and it’s the difference between a part that drops in and a part that doesn’t shift right from day one.
