Questions tagged [sprocket]

A sprocket or sprocket-wheel is a profiled wheel with teeth that meshes with a chain. Bicyclists normally call the front sprocket attached to the cranks the "chainwheel" and the rear sprockets either "sprocket" or "cassette."

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6 answers
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Are single chainring mountain bikes usual?

I just bought my son a typical+ mountain bike in a typical Frech sports shop (a BTWIN 530 at Décathlon) and realized that it has only a single sprocket at the front, and 9 sprockets at the back: I ...
WoJ's user avatar
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15 votes
5 answers
3k views

What are the disadvantages of having an old, worn cogset?

I'm always a little wary of people telling me I should replace things on my bicycle that aren't broken. Because of this, I'd like to know details and symptoms about what happens if I ride my bike with ...
biketoeverything.com's user avatar
15 votes
1 answer
2k views

What are the ridges seen on sprockets and chainrings for?

I've always wondered what these ridges below the teeth on sprockets are for. Can anyone enlighten me?
davidwilby's user avatar
14 votes
1 answer
4k views

Was I just sold a used cassette?

I just bought this Shimano HG41 cassette and I noticed that not all of the teeth and dips between them look the same. You can easily see this in the image that I included if you compare the teeth on ...
Jack N's user avatar
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10 votes
5 answers
24k views

How much distance can I put on drivetrain components?

I figure the jockey wheels on my derailer will last nearly forever, but what about the rest: cassette, chainrings, and chain? How many miles, kilometers, or furlongs do they normally last? I know ...
Drew Stephens's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
28k views

What are the widths of Shimano 8, 9, and 10 speed cassettes?

I was hoping that someone could provide me with the precise Shimano road-bike 8, 9, and 10 speed sizes for the following: Cassette Spacer Width Cog/Tooth Width Maximum Chain Width
Jonathan Mee's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

10-teeth/9-teeth Sprocket Efficiency Losses

Almost each time 10T (or 9T) sprockets on cassettes are mentioned, there are remarks about efficiency losses when such sprockets are used. But I haven't found quantified information about these claims....
Renaud's user avatar
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9 votes
5 answers
131k views

50/34 vs 52/36 crankset for 11-32 cassette (shimano 105 5800FC)

Following up on this enlightening answer, I would like to know the differences between 50/34(compact), 52/36(mid-compact) and 53/39 (standard). The cassette I am choosing is 11-32 to give me a wider ...
Sukhi's user avatar
  • 193
9 votes
4 answers
7k views

Bent front sprocket

My chain just started to slip off my front gears and it happens within a minute of riding. I discovered that the middle sprocket is bent. This leads me to my questions: How much should a LBS charge ...
carl's user avatar
  • 905
9 votes
3 answers
41k views

Which lubricant/grease to use for ball bearings?

A little mishap happened today during cleaning my bicycle. I tried to take off the sprocket wheel for easier access, but instead I opened the lock nut of the hub (cassette type) and the balls came out....
Ernst-Peter's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
2k views

How can I keep my chain from derailing from the front sprocket under load?

I've watched the chain derail from the front sprocket, and there is considerable flex that is causing it. I'm a big guy with an athletic build (6'7"/280lbs), and it's a big-box bike, so I'm not ...
bakoyaro's user avatar
  • 181
8 votes
3 answers
3k views

What does marking like "aq/ar" on the sprocket mean?

Shimano sprockets are marked with short strings like "aq/ar", "bg", "as/au/be" and others. For example, "bj bk" can be read on the image below: It looks like they mean the hyperglide series to which ...
Konstantin Shemyak's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
7k views

Switch to a larger sprocket on child bike with coaster brakes

I bought two used bikes for my children, both with 16 inch wheels. I was surprised to see that one child has to pedal much faster to go the same speed as the other child, and discovered the two bikes ...
Paul's user avatar
  • 83
7 votes
4 answers
3k views

Can you reverse the sprockets on a cassette to lengthen its lifespan?

I know my bike's rear cassette needs replacing, but before I do that, is it feasible to dismantle the 8 sprockets to reverse their spin? Can you increase the lifespan of a cassette by letting the cogs ...
Marcos's user avatar
  • 235
7 votes
3 answers
5k views

What difference does the range of gear size matter?

I get the idea of ratios and the obvious that a smaller gear on the front and a larger one on the back will give you an easier end result but what difference does the range of a chainset or groupset ...
Greg B's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
706 views

Should the chain diverge that much?

I bought a new bike that has: 11-speed SRAM NX cassette. Single chainwheel: 36 SRAM NX teeth 11 / 42 cog. KMC X11 chain with quick-release. Rear derailleur: SRAM NX 11-speed. Anti-derailment ring. ...
WoJ's user avatar
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7 votes
4 answers
994 views

Guidance to replace cassettes sprockets "individually"

I've seen that sprockets were sold separately (or by "groups/spiders"). Given the small sprockets wear faster than the big ones, it could make sense to replace them at higher interval than ...
Renaud's user avatar
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7 votes
3 answers
26k views

Can an individual gear/cog on the rear cassette be replaced?

I'm trying to figure out how the rear cassette is put together, and I found this related question that suggests at least maybe the lowest gears can be replaced. I'm trying to figure out if in general ...
jxramos's user avatar
  • 203
7 votes
1 answer
300 views

Why do some people leave the chain sitting on the smaller sprocket when the bike is not used for a while?

I guess it is something related to the springs in the derailleur. But is it that important?
Vital V's user avatar
  • 357
7 votes
2 answers
1k views

How to remove this Mavic spoke cover from the rear wheel?

everybody How do I remove this spline cover from the rear wheel? I'm trying to replace a spoke, but I can't do so because the cover is blocking the way. I've tried using a flathead screwdriver to push ...
Alykin's user avatar
  • 103
7 votes
2 answers
6k views

What does "chain binding" mean?

I'm reading on chain tensioning, the generic idea is that if the chain is too loose it will fall off, if it's too tight it will "bind". I'm having an hard time understanding what "bind" means in this ...
Ende Neu's user avatar
  • 237
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

How do I properly torque a track cog lockring?

I see a torque rating is stamped onto a lot of track cog lock rings: However, I cannot find a way to use a torque wrench when tightening the lock ring. All the tools I've found, like Park Tool's HCW-...
pbnj's user avatar
  • 163
6 votes
1 answer
660 views

timing chain keeps dropping/derailing only with partner

For a volunteer project biking with blind riders (NiewidomiNatandemach.pl), we've been partnered up and provided a tandem bike, that seems new enough and in good condition. Unlike the guy behind me--...
Marcos's user avatar
  • 235
6 votes
2 answers
3k views

Lockring spacer Shimano cassette

I recently purchased and am now installing a 9 speed Deore XT cassette sprocket (CS-M770) on a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC. It's replacing a CS-HG50-9, and is mounted on a Shimano rear hub (FH-M525)...
Jeff's user avatar
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5 votes
3 answers
1k views

How do I remove the rear sprocket from a Gates Belt drive system

first question at this site. Hoping to get advice. Like many others, I am trying to learn how to service my bike, but when you get stuck.... I used a strap wrench and a cassette tool and I ...
Tom De Vries's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
7k views

Which jockey wheel on top?

I've just bought a new pulley set for my rear derailleur but do not know which one goes on the top (nearest derailleur) and which one goes on the bottom. The wheels have arrows on them;vI suppose they ...
Belgian rider's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
497 views

Is the same effort required to maintain a set speed using different sized chainring / cog combinations with same ratio

If I have a bike with the same cranks setup with a 36t (chainring) / 12t (cog) ratio and the same bike setup with a 48t (chainring) / 16t (cog) ratio, would the effort required to maintain a set speed ...
Benzo's user avatar
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5 votes
5 answers
339 views

GRX 2x11 - what causes the chain to bounce significantly when shifting the cassette into a higher gear (smaller sprocket)?

I recently set up a new gravel bike with all new components, including a 2x11 GRX DI2 drivetrain. 31/48 and 11-36t. It has ridden under 600 miles and only seen rain once. It is accident free and has ...
jonatans's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
629 views

Improving the Efficiency of a Derailleur: Enlarging the Cassette Sprockets to reduce Friction

For reasons that I have not yet understood, the smallest sprockets with only 11 teeth have prevailed in derailleur cassettes of road bikes, which leads to a very strong deflection of the individual ...
Dave's user avatar
  • 153
5 votes
7 answers
10k views

How to measure chainring / cog wear?

Other than attempting to estimate whether a chainring or cog is worn and needs replaced by eyballing it, is there any way to measure the wear on chainrings or cassette cogs so you can determine ...
Benzo's user avatar
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5 votes
2 answers
407 views

Compound for freewheel locking sprocket threads

I have an oldschool SunTour 6-speed freewheel, where the smallest sprocket screws on the freewheel body to lock the larger sprockets in place. It's a normal right hand thread, so as you pedal in the ...
Deeq's user avatar
  • 53
5 votes
2 answers
233 views

Should a track cog's asymmetrical lock ring be installed so the flat end faces the cog?

My bike has always had a flip-flop hub installed. I recently decided I would like to try using the fixed gear side. I purchased an All-City 17T x 1/8" Track Cog and an Origin8 Standard Track Cog ...
Will Haley's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
282 views

When shifting gears, how does a bike chain catch the new cog so reliably?

I think I understand the derailleur mechanism pretty well, yet I still find it surprising how the chain catches on the new cog so reliably. Is there something I'm missing? Is it just with the proper ...
user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
580 views

Does too high "B-tension" increase wear

This answer suggests that having B-tension adjusted so that the chain sits far from the cogs increases wear. Can anyone cite a source that says that? Experimental evidence would be preferable, but a ...
T.C. Proctor's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
131 views

Rear sprockets not turning easily

I recently bought a women's Schwinn "Clear Creek" 18-speed mountain bike at a yard sale. The rear derailleur is broken, and the rear sprockets are rusty and don't turn easily against the wheel. I ...
Baodad's user avatar
  • 153
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

How worn is this chainring?

I have the chainring shown below. It's the front sprocket of an ebike. Does this chainring need replacing or are the teeth still OK?
Dmitri Nesteruk's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
3k views

Does effort require to pedal depend on the gear ratio or the gear inches?

I have a 20x1.75" 6-speed folding bike with 52x14-28t drivetrain. Even with the gearing at 52x14, ~3.71 ratio, I can still pedal uphill. I also have a 700x25C fixed gear with 49x17t gearing or ~2.88 ...
dork's user avatar
  • 817
4 votes
5 answers
6k views

Difference between two drivetrains with the same gear ratio?

Given two identical, fixed-gear bicycles, one with a 36/12 gear combination and another with 48/16, will there be any noticeable difference when pedaling these two bicycles? I understand there may be ...
NaOH's user avatar
  • 203
4 votes
3 answers
801 views

Maillard sprocket: is really this rare?

Due to (understandably) large wear after 16 years of usage, I wanted to replace sprocket, chainwheel and chain on my byke. With my surprise the workshop where I took my byke was not able to find a ...
L.Dutch's user avatar
  • 7,081
4 votes
2 answers
259 views

Possible to identify sprocket without taking the bike apart?

I would like to change the chain and sprocket on my Centurion Basic 7 speed, as I have read that it is good practice to change the sprocket when changing the chain. It will be the first time I try ...
Jasmine Lognnes's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
9k views

Why doesnt my chain fit on my cog?

I ride a fixed gear bike and I wanted to change the rear wheel, I'm sort of new to all the bike knowledge but i couldn't find an answer to this. i ride 46 x 18, i don't know if its good or bad, i can ...
John's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Gates belt drive front sprocket replacement

My Scott Sub 10 (2012) got damaged during transit and requires the front sprocket replaced. I have ordered the part which has since arrived but would like some advice on how to replace this. From my ...
Malachi's user avatar
  • 273
4 votes
1 answer
423 views

Gates Belt Drive+Rohloff - What rear sprocket do I need to help me get up hills and mountains better?

Hi I'm new here. I'm the proud owner of a Koga Worldtraveller Signature 2.0 with Rohloff and Gates belt. I have a 50t front chainring and a 19t rear cog with a 120t beltdrive plus Schwalbe Almotion 28&...
Joseph's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
2 answers
301 views

Which rear cog should I remove if I want to add a 26 for climbing?

I have an old road bike with 53-39 rings and 13-23 cassette. Although it's generally flat in my area, I like to get to the top of these hills where they put the radio antennas (without dying). Max ...
GiantChicken's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
890 views

Where can I get a sprocket that works with a standard bicycle chain that mounts onto a 5/8" bore rod?

I'm trying to set up a bicycle powered machine (grain mill), and I want to drive a 5/8" diameter shaft with a standard bicycle chain. I'm trying to find a sprocket that is 5/8" bore that fits a ...
Jonathan Wolfe's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
979 views

Can i use a 10 speed hubbed wheel on my 7 speed/cassette bike?

I ride a 2005 Claud Butler San Remo with a Sora 7 cassette on the back. My back wheel has broke and is not repairable and I have bought an Ambrosio WS23 Wheel (700mm) with Bianchi hubs which I believe ...
Baileytnt's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
351 views

Rear sprocket clicks or points of engagement

I'm a dad learning about BMX racing and I want to know what the difference is between a sprocket which the bike shop says as 90 odd clicks, then starts talking about points of engagement. Does the ...
kmw7070's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

Diagnose grinding sound from single rear cog

I've got a '70s-era ten-speed road bike with (what I think is) a Huret Eco rear derailleur which shifts well, but for some reason a loud grinding sound emits from the rear of the bike when using the ...
errantlinguist's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
3k views

smallest cog of cassette rubbing on seatstay

I built up a NOS late 90s steel frame with a similar era Campagnolo Chorus 9 speed groupset. Has gone well, except the stays/dropouts don't seem to quite like a 9 speed cassette. The second smallest ...
alsothings's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
175 views

105 R7000 chain rubbing bigger sprocket when pedaling backwards

I am new to this so I wanted to know if this behavior is normal. When I pedal backwards and the chain is on the smallest sprocket I can see that the chain rubs for a second and then does a little jump....
notFake7's user avatar