I need a crash course on sprockets and chains. I've never had to change them so I don't much about them. All I know is what sizez I want.

1. what material gives a good compromise for weight and durability on sprockets?

2. I'll cop to stupidity on this question: what do the numbers 520 & 530 for chains mean? I have searched the web and can't find a thing on this.

3. are there any brands I should stay away from?

Conrad

 

Aluminum will be lighter, but teeth will wear a bit sooner. For the fairly low cost of either go with what looks best to be honest.

520/530 is the size/wgt. of the chain. A 520 conversion is a little lighter which means less rotating mass and more power. If you have a bike with much more than 120 HP (and/or ride extremely hard), sometimes it's not recommended because of the lower tensil strength of 520 chain

Vortext sprockets seem okay and make the chain D.I.D.

IF you want more acceleration/wheelies go bigger in the back. If you top speed go smaller

That's all I have, good luck.

Opps, also it recommended that you change both sprockets at the same time.......i.e. don't use worn and new together.

 

Yup what Dan said is all true.

They make some "Stealth" sprockets that have aluminum center and steel outer ring (teeth) abit more but work pretty well. I have a Driven front and rear sprocket now that seems to be holding up pretty well.

On all my last three 1000cc bikes that had 530 chains I did a 520 conversion and they all held up well. Some people say the 520 wont hold up on a 900-1000+ bike but I have never had an issue or many others that have done it. The R1 dynoed at 160+ HP and it has a 520 DID chain on it now... no problems (cross fingers).

Also going up in back and down 1 in front is a popular mod. Bit more torque and lose a bit on top end depending how much you go up in the rear. There are many online sprocket calculators that will tell you how much you will gain or loose with a different sprocket conversion.

 

Thanks Tony and Dan. that was exactly the kind of info i needed.

yeah, I am going to replace both sprockets. btw, I got 33,000 miles on this chain and sprockets. From what I hear, that means I'm a wussified rider.

My sprockets are 19/43 now. I blame the sprockets for my inability to do 2nd gear wheelies.

So I'm planning to switch to 18/43 to increase accel. Do ya'll think that is enough or should I go up in the back also?

Dan, do you use a 520 conversion?

 

I usually do -1 front and +2 back... Dan has a belt drive haha...