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Slightly OT; sprockets...someone told me to go up on the rear not the front. I have never heard anyone here say that and I know there are some who know the math for why. So what would be a respone for such a claim of which is better?

ed



Click on this for an article about sprockets, gearing, and chains that should answer your question.

First of all, by going to a bigger rear sprocket you're making the gearing shorter. Going with a larger front sprocket makes the gearing taller. My guess would be the advantage of going up in sprocket size on the back is that:

1) You're able to fine tune the gearing better than with a smaller front sprocket(1 tooth in front = 3 teeth on the back)

2. By going to a larger rear sprocket you shorten the wheelbase. This COULD give you better handling.

Most of us just change the front because it's cheaper that way, and we aren't running our bikes on racetracks which is what the article above is mostly about. A new front sprocket from Brent costs $20 while a polished or black rear sprocket is ~$70.