Sproket & Chain Question

[pimpincavy19]

I know this has probably have already been discussed, but in the threads that I have read on the subject I have not got a direct answer. So I am putting out there to the people much more knowledgable than me....... So here it goes


I think I want to go down a size in the front which would be a 15, now there are a couple brands, there is a AFAM it is steel and is $34, and then there is JT wich is also steel, but is only $16, there is also Sunstar for $19 which I believe is also steel.  Is there anything else besides steel which is best?

Now for the back JT makes a stock 39 for $29 which is steel, the AFAM comes in 44-48, they are all $66 and are anodized aluminum. I was thinking about going ti the 44 if it is worth the extra money??

Lastly for the chain. The chain calculator on wiki is kicking back a 112. There are a ton of options for this. To start of there are roller chains vs o ring chains vs x ring chains ? idk which one is better?? There is a DID roller chain for $47 Tsubaki has a o ring chain for $102, and then a x ring is around $189 or more.......

CAN ANYONE HELP ME, THERE ARE TO MANY DECISIONS

[Bluesmudge]

Well, to make things a little simpler, never get a roller chain or aluminum sproket unless you are using you bike as a race bike. They wear out too fast.

[pimpincavy19]

so go with steel on both and a o ring chain??

[joshr08]

what do you consider to fast on the wearing out? 

[jeremy_nash]

I breifly had a 42 tooth rear afaqm sprocket, and it wore out in less than 3000 miles.  maybe it was a fluke, but no more alloy sprockets for me 

[joshr08]

my rear 45 is a JT aluminum sprocket i have over 3000 on it and showing no signs of wear at all

[Bluehaze]

as long as you take care of it.. i dont think you will have problem with either one.  steel or aluminum. oil it often.

as for the chain.  DID 520 chain O ring is what i just bought and very happy with it.  You will need chain rivet tool  just fyi if you are going to install yourself.

[stuck-to-the-seat]

I just put on my 14/45, waiting till tommorrow to give er a run

[redhenracing2]

Just last weekend I put on JT 14t front and 39t rear along with a x-ring chain, which I had to cut a link out of. Go with 14/39 and you will be very satisfied over the stock gearing. It makes a much bigger difference than you might think 

[jeremy_nash]

well my chain was slightly stretched, well actually alot stretched, but I think it still shoulda lasted longer.

[pimpincavy19]

Well thanks for all the input, My question is though with the 15 (idk if i want to got to a 14 people say you loose you 6th gear) what would be a good size for the back? the 42? and the did o ring chain is decent?

[ineedanap]

I'm running 15/43 as opposed to your 15/42.  It requires a 112 link chain and will end up putting the axle adjuster in exactly the same spot as stock.  The funny part is that since my factory electronic tach reads 10% high, the tach will read your speed in 6th gear with 15/43 and a 140/70 tire.  No need for a speedo.  

You might want to consider 41 or 43 instead of 42.  You want to avoid even numbers on the back sprocket if you can help it.  It has to do with the same tooth hitting the same link and can cause faster wear.  

neat website on the subject and they even have the ratios for the GS listed.  gearingcommander.com