Changing the Front Sprocket

[CornishGreig]

Hi guys, Just ordered a new front sprocket with -1 tooth to make my 6th gear more usable, How to i change it and can i keep the old chain or will it need to be a different length? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Mervin]

depends a lot on how worn it is , if it is good you maybe able to remove a couple of links and rejoin it , with a new rivet link , if not it maybe better to get a new chain of the correct length , and a new rear sprocket at the same time ,because it will wear things out faster matching old and new,

[CornishGreig]

So get the full kit? Also, any recommendations on gold chains?

[billinom8s]

they look nice, if looked after.

they also don't make it go any faster though


make sure you have a read on changing the sprockets first, if you don't follow the right order it an be a real pain in the ass.

[Millsyboy]

Take a look at BikeTorqueRacing (they have eBay site) as they allowed me to purchase on of their sprocket/chain kits but customize it a bit. I got a standard size front sprocket and +1 rear sprocket (AFAM steel) as well as DID gold chain 112 links (standard is 110) and it was under £100.

[badgerKDD]

Always use DID chain myself now, tried a few cheaper ones but never got the mileage out of them. Oh and yes CG, best get a full kit, much better value for money. I've got a heavy duty chain splitter if you need it, in fact I've got a dry, well equipped workshop if you need a hand and some tools .

[billinom8s]

careful, that's how he got his last victim.

[DynaMight]

Unless your current chain/rear sprocket is totally knackered you should be fine just changing the front sprocket. Look at the rear, do you have much adjustment left? You'll probably need atleast half the adjust left.

Last time I went down a tooth on the front, I just loosened off the chain & changed the sprocket on the front. No need to remove the chain, remove a tooth, break a link or any of that crap. Cost like £15 for the sprocket and went faster.

[badgerKDD]

careful, that's how he got his last victim.

that was no victim, that's my wife! , now where did I put my banjo .......

[ptolemyx]

One less tooth on the front sprocket with the same chain will mean moving the wheel back half a link length, which for a 530 chain is 5/16" (8mm). If your chain and old sprockets are in good condition then you're ok just changing the sprocket for now. It's normally best to change all sprockets and chain at the same time. Normally when the chain is obviously knackered it needs careful examination to detect the wear on the sprockets, it's then a false economy to change the chain only as the part worn sprockets will accelerate the wear on the new chain.

Personally, when lowering the gearing on a bike I look at increasing the rear sprocket. Reason being larger diameter sprockets are easier on the chain and you have more free space between the chain and the swingarm (or swingarm protection block if fitted) at the extremes of suspension travel.