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Chain Sprokets
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I need to change my chain sprockets but the choice has overwhelmed me. I
have a choice of sprockets from between 42 teeth and 48 teeth going up in
increments of 1.
Could someone please explain what the difference is (apart from teeth count)
and what differences it will make to the handling/speed of the bike.
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As you don't understand the effect that changing sprocket size will
have, I strongly recommend that you stick to the standard sizes (i.e.
those fitted by the manufacturer).
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The more teeth on the rear sprocket the lower the overall gearing would be
... so if you use a sprocket with more teeth than currently fitted you'll
get faster [1] acceleration but slower top-end. If you use a sprocket with
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Oh no. Can open, worms everywhere...
If the stock gearing is a little too tall, then the point at which
power and wind resistance cancel each other out (i.e. the top speed)
may be a little further down the rev range than ideal. Shorter
gearing could move this point up the rev range, where more power is
developed, allowing the bike to attain a higher top speed...
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less teeth it's going to make the bike slower when accelerating but faster
overall, assuming the power is there to counteract wind resistance etc. ;)
Note, just one or two teeth difference *can* make a huge difference to
'feel' and if you have the choice it's well worth experimenting with
different sprockets to find what suits you, the bike and your riding
environment best.
[1] For varying values of 'faster'.
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Depends. A sprocket change which affected handling is hard to imagine.
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Not so quick.
My Gixxer was "really quite lively" on Jurby Road circuit with a 48
tooth rear sprocket. Changing it to a 45 added a useful half inch to
the wheelbase and made it slightly less manic wheelying off the bumps.
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So a new chain could possibly result in a perceptible change in
handling. Never thought of that.
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The Roadster has benefited greatly from a change from a 40 to 42 rear
sprocket. Much more responsive but still not revving too hard. The bike
is general considered 'overgeared' as standard though.
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Go and ride a bicycle fitted with derailleur gears. You'll quickly figure
it out.
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A helpful suggestion which makes sense.
What have you done with the real UKRM?
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