Probably a stupid question, but here goes...
Is it absolutely necessary to replace the chain when the rear sprocket is replaced? My sprocket looks pretty bad and has a couple of chipped teeth. I am putting on a new tire and since I had it apart, I figured I would do the sprocket too..
It's is not absolutely necessary (I'm sure someone will disagree)
To me, the real question is why is the sprocket chipped / have excessive wear.
I had 50K miles on my sprockets and they did not look bad..
How old is your chain?
Is there tight spots in your chain?
How often do you oil your chain, and what do you oil it with?
How have you insured the alignment of the rear sprocket with the front sprocket?
Is the wear on one side more than the other?
They wear together at their interface. I personally in your situation would change both since you have a nasty sprocket that very well could have damaged the chain in the process.
Know if say your chain were in need of replacement and the sprockets looked good, then I would probably go another chain only, for up too 2 chains then change the sprocket on the next cycle...
This is what I would do.
Quote from: packge33 on September 24, 2009, 09:50:36 PM
Probably a stupid question, but here goes...
Is it absolutely necessary to replace the chain when the rear sprocket is replaced? My sprocket looks pretty bad and has a couple of chipped teeth. I am putting on a new tire and since I had it apart, I figured I would do the sprocket too..
No question is stupid when you want an opinion. I can and will tell you that what you described, as to your sprocket condition, most definitely you should replace your chain. Your chain is damaged from the sprocket even if you don't see it and it will cut the life of your new sprocket. This I know from being a hard head and many years of experience...my 2-cent..."your Capt."
Everyone else has an opinion, so I will chime in, too.
Since the front sprocket is not that expensive (I think I paid about $23 for mine), I would replace all three items --both sprockets and the chain.
Devin was out to my place this summer with a new chain and two new sprockets. I was dubious that all three needed changing until we took 'em off, and, under close inspection, it became clear that the young man made the wise choice.
Of course, he was probably well advised from home ...hehehe
I answered the 1st part of my response generally and not specific to your situation...
Go with what Greg and Lawrence said.. In your situation, you should replace the chain as well as the sprockets...
But the second part of my statement is important.. Normally a sprocket will not chip and break pieces.. So if your has, it would be best to figure out why (rear wheel out of alignment, etc) so that it can be corrected, so your new chain/sprockets wear correctly..
I think that the bike was fairly neglected before I got it. It has about 30,000 miles on it. I appreciate all the answers...
I am also putting a 170/80 tire on it. Would it be better to change the gearing with the sprocket set since I have to replace anyways? What size sprockets are you guys using? Mainly in town driving for me...
Also, any recommendations on brand of chain/sprockets?
Thanks again for the help...
If you go with the stock sprockets and a 170/80 rear tire your rpm's will drop 4-5 hundred. Your engine won't be as busy at highway speeds.
I run a 170/80 rear tire and would recommend staying with the stock sprockets (16 & 40 tooth).
With the tire change, IF your RPM's do drop as Jim suggests, then you will also loose a little off the line speed.. IF that is important to you, then you can drop to a 15 tooth front sprocket and bring it back close to stock RPM's and performance. You can also buy a 15 & a 16, and have one sprocket for around town and put on the 16 when you are planning a trip..
Remember if you go with the 170 tire, you will need to space your Brake Stay out some..