Do freewheel/cassette/chains come as a set? I've a Marin San Rafael, 2005. The cassette is an 8 speed 11-28 shimano, exact model number unknown. The chain and freewheel are whatever came with the bike..

I've always thought the chain had a problem, stiff link perhaps, because it would feel like it skipped a tooth/jumped particularly when running on the smallest two cogs and pedalling hard.. everything else has been mechanically good, though lately the freewheel has developed a problem, probably stuck pawls. It's slipped and crunched enough times that I'd say it warrants replacing rather than cleaning and regreasing.. 
The bike has always been stored indoors, some use in wet weather but mainly dry, and has probably done about 2000 miles. I'm reasonably tall/heavy at 193cm/110kg and live in a hilly region which may have contributed to what I think is a premature failure

So, I'm setting about ordering bits but I'm not sure what to get - there aren't any obvious model numbers on these components and I can't find exact specs on what came as standard


If I replace like for like, do chain/free/cassette come as a set?
Will any shimano 8 speed cassette fit? 
Do chains have a standard length and need shortening to suit?
What keywords do I need to search (e.g. eBay) for to ensure I get the set of things I need? 
If I go for upgraded components (cos I don't think I'll be getting smaller any time soon), are there particular keywords to search/look in the tech specs for (e.g. Number of pawls-I've no idea what makes one freewheel more heavy duty than another)?
Are they a standard fitment hence a drop in replacement or do other things need to be changed too/do I need to match it to the hub? 


I don't use the bike enough to warrant eg a sprag hub and rear wheel rebuild, but l'll be using it regularly, soon

Note, I'm not after particular product recommendations, I'm after knowing how to search for and buy the right set things over the the internet, what things are called, what's needed to ensure the job can be done in one swoop working finding something missing - the mechanics of fitting them is not part of the question either
Your easiest solution is to simply buy another of exactly what you have


8 speed cassette, 11-28 teeth
8 speed chain.


They don't come as a set - you need to buy one of each.  Its up to you if you want to get cheaper or more expensive parts.  The lifespan and weight is what varies with price.

Depending on wear, your front chainrings might be getting tired.  But I've seen some severely worn ones still working fine.

Any 8 speed chain will be fine - you could even mix and match KMC chain with a Shimano cassette.   But you need 8 speed chain (possibly labelled as 6/7/8 speed) and you need an 8 speed cassette.

If you want to get a bit more adventurous you could look at a 30 or 32 tooth big cog.  This would give you a lower-low gear for hillclimbing.  Its totally up to you whether this is required.

Downside of enlarging the cassette is that your rear derailleur might not fit, or it might chatter on the lowest gear.

Chains come in lengths longer than what you need.  114 or 116 links (or half-links)   So you shorten them to the same number of links as your old chain.

You'll need tools to do this - there are some special bike tools.


Cassette lockring remover (Undoes the lockring retaining the cassette on the freehub)
Chain whip (to hold the cassette and therefore the freehub still while using the lockring remover)
Chain tool (to shorten and fit the new chain you need a chain tool.  Chain will probably come with a one-time use pin, or you can fit a master link to make life easier next time.)


Also need rags and cleaners etc, and possibly chain lubricant.