1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your microSHIFT Acolyte H-Series 8-Speed Cassette. Designed for challenging terrains, this cassette offers a wide range of gears for various cycling conditions. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your product.
2. Product Overview
The microSHIFT Acolyte H-Series 8-Speed Cassette is engineered for durability and precise shifting. It is compatible with standard HG freehub bodies and a normal 8-speed chain, making it a versatile upgrade or replacement component for your bicycle's drivetrain.
Key Features
- Carbon steel cogs are continuously forged for strength and shifting accuracy.
- Cogs are ED coated for added durability and corrosion resistance.
- Compatible with standard HG freehub bodies.
- Drivetrain Speeds: 8.
- Wide Range: 12-46 teeth.
Components
The cassette consists of multiple carbon steel cogs of varying sizes, assembled onto a carrier or individually, secured by a lockring. The specific cog combination is 12-15-18-21-24-30-37-46 teeth.

Figure 2.1: Full view of the microSHIFT Acolyte H-Series 8-Speed Cassette. Note the lockring with '40 NM' torque specification.
3. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for the performance and safety of your cassette. If you are unsure about any steps, consult a professional bicycle mechanic.
Tools Required:
- Cassette Lockring Tool (compatible with HG standard)
- Chain Whip (for removing old cassette)
- Torque Wrench (recommended for lockring)
- Grease
Installation Steps:
- Remove Rear Wheel: Carefully remove the rear wheel from your bicycle frame.
- Remove Old Cassette (if applicable): If replacing an old cassette, use the chain whip to hold the cassette steady and the lockring tool to unscrew the lockring counter-clockwise. Remove the old cassette cogs and spacers.
- Clean Freehub Body: Thoroughly clean the freehub body on your rear wheel hub. Ensure there is no dirt, grease, or debris that could interfere with the new cassette's seating.
- Apply Grease: Apply a thin layer of grease to the threads of the freehub body and the inside of the cassette lockring.
- Install New Cassette: Carefully slide the microSHIFT Acolyte cassette onto the freehub body. Ensure the wide spline on the cassette aligns with the wide spline on the freehub body. All cogs and spacers (if any are separate) must be correctly oriented and seated.
- Install Lockring: Thread the cassette lockring onto the freehub body by hand, turning clockwise. Once finger-tight, use the cassette lockring tool and a torque wrench to tighten the lockring to the specified torque of 40 Nm.
- Reinstall Rear Wheel: Reinstall the rear wheel onto your bicycle frame, ensuring it is properly seated and secured.
- Adjust Derailleur: After installation, it is highly recommended to check and adjust your rear derailleur for optimal shifting performance across all 8 speeds.

Figure 3.1: Close-up view of the cassette cogs, showing the tooth profiles and spacing for 8-speed compatibility.

Figure 3.2: Detailed view of the cassette's internal structure and assembly, highlighting the robust construction.
4. Operating Instructions
Once installed and the derailleur is adjusted, your microSHIFT Acolyte cassette is ready for use. The 12-46t range provides a wide selection of gears for various riding conditions, from steep climbs to flat sprints.
Shifting Tips:
- Anticipate Shifts: Shift gears before you encounter a steep climb or a sudden change in terrain.
- Ease Off Power: Briefly reduce pedaling pressure while shifting to allow the chain to move smoothly between cogs. This prevents excessive wear and improves shift quality.
- Avoid Cross-Chaining: Try to avoid using the largest cog with the largest chainring, or the smallest cog with the smallest chainring, as this can cause premature wear and inefficient power transfer.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance will extend the life of your cassette and ensure consistent performance.
Cleaning:
- After each ride, especially in wet or dirty conditions, clean your cassette.
- Use a degreaser specifically designed for bicycle drivetrains and a stiff brush to remove grime from between the cogs.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely to prevent rust.
Inspection:
- Periodically inspect the cogs for signs of wear, such as hooked teeth or thinning. Worn cogs can lead to poor shifting and chain skipping.
- Check the lockring for tightness.
- Inspect your chain for wear. A worn chain will accelerate cassette wear.
Lubrication:
- While the cassette itself does not require lubrication, ensure your bicycle chain is regularly cleaned and lubricated with appropriate chain lube. A well-lubricated chain will reduce wear on the cassette.
6. Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chain skips on cogs | Worn chain or cassette, incorrect derailleur adjustment, bent derailleur hanger. | Replace worn components, adjust rear derailleur, check and straighten/replace derailleur hanger. |
| Difficulty shifting | Incorrect derailleur adjustment, dirty/worn shift cable, bent derailleur hanger. | Adjust rear derailleur, clean/replace shift cable, check derailleur hanger. |
| Noisy drivetrain | Lack of chain lubrication, dirty cassette/chain, incorrect derailleur adjustment. | Clean and lubricate chain, clean cassette, adjust rear derailleur. |
| Cassette feels loose | Lockring not tightened to specification. | Tighten lockring to 40 Nm using a torque wrench. |
7. Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | CS-H083 12-46 |
| Drivetrain Speeds | 8-Speed |
| Cassette Cogs | 12-15-18-21-24-30-37-46t |
| Range | 12-46 teeth |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Coating | ED Coated |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility | Standard HG Freehub Bodies |
| Item Weight | 0.69 Kilograms |
| Manufacturer | microSHIFT |
| UPC | 657993356241 |
8. Warranty and Support
This microSHIFT Acolyte H-Series Cassette comes with a Limited Warranty. For detailed warranty information, terms, and conditions, please refer to the official microSHIFT website or contact your authorized microSHIFT dealer.
For technical support or further assistance, please reach out to microSHIFT customer service or your local bicycle shop.
Manufacturer: microSHIFT
UPC: 657993356241





