Howdy all,
Is there a forum entry for what sprockets/chain length go on each generation for different sprocket usage? I searched and searched without luck.
Mine is a 5th gen and I'm wondering what my sprocket options are with a stock 530 108 link chain. 17/43 obviously works. How about 17/44, 17/45, 16/43, 16/44, 16/45 etc.
You've probably guessed by now, but I have a new 530 chain with stock size sprockets ready to go in and may go with a 44 or 45 rear if they will fit.
(I suspect that owners of all generations may find this info helpful too.)
Thanks!
b
How does that help? They list stock sprockets.
A stock 6th gen front sprocket will bolt right on and is a 16t which is like having a 2-3 tooth larger rear sprock for a lot less money!
Not sure how much bigger of a rear sprocket will work with the stock 108 link chain?
Right. That is what I am after. Sprocket options for the 108 link chain.
In case anyone cares, I installed it all tonight...finally. RK1086980W Silver Chain:530XSO-108 came with 17/43 sprockets. I ordered a 45T rear from Sprocket Specialists and installed the chain and 17/45 combo. The 108 link chain is perfect for 17/45. I know that many go down to 525 or smaller adn aluminum, but I wanted this to last forever so I stuck with steel and 530. So...this combo works!
Congrats!
So how does it feel?
Just a short test ride for dinner today. It is certainly smoother. I'm not sure that I even noticed the gearing change, which may be good or bad! Ths weekend mountain ride will be more telling. I did notice the Dunlops. I wish I tore the Michelins off last year!
So you added two teeth, that will make a slight noticble power differnce to the ground, But your top speed will be stronger having the lower gearing. Stock gearing is normally over geared to tall to reach top speed, but if you gear it too low, you'll lose top speed. You probably killed about 10mph off first gear run out.
I had a 16/43 setup on my 5th gen and had no problems with the 108 link chain. I have heard you do not want to go smaller than 16 on the front though because it is too tight of a turn for the chain to make without losing power.
If you are going to larger sprockets, and want to know how many extra links to order your chain, do this:
stock frt sprocket+stock rear sprocket/2=X
larger new frt sprocket+new rear sprocket/2=Y
Y-X=number of extra links you will need in your chain.
For example: my 800 is 17/43, if I wanted to go 18/46, this is the math:
Stock: 17+43/2=30
New: 18+46/2=32
32-30=2
You would need a chain with 2 extra links. No guesswork.
18/46 would give you longer chain and sprocket life, and almost the same gearing as stock (1% lower actually).
But I can't find anyone who makes a steel 46t rear besides Chain Gang in Australia, and I think it's a custom item with a big price tag.
Plenty of aluminum ones though.