 Sprock talk
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
No, I'm not starting a thread about # of teeth vs. top end gains, or low-end torque, or overall performance... rather, I'm interested in knowing about what they're made of. It seems these days sprockets are often made of aluminum... but I struggle to see an advantage, considering aluminum is so much softer than steel and would wear so much faster. Apparently some sprockets are aluminum core with steel teeth. Sounds good (I guess) but why not just make 'em 100% steel? Steel, aluminum, steel/aluminum hybrid sprockets... what's it all about I wonder?
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228
I live in the sun downunder
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I live in the sun downunder
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228 |
Is it snowing again Keith. 
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
The alignment will effect chain sprocket longevity, If it is even slightly askew, the wear will be uneven, at least that's the case in industrial applications. I was checking out getting one of those laser rear sprocket straightness guides. I use a long machinists straight edge now and I get good results, but that laser looks to be a lot quicker. BTW, You can flop a sprocket as well and get more use out of one to a practical degree.
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I like steel sprockets but aluminum can be very very hard.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
but I struggle to see an advantage, considering aluminum is so much softer than steel and would wear so much faster
It's not the wear factor but the unsprung weight that makers are trying to reduce when they use aluminum (which can be hardened nicely).
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
You'd be surprised at the performance gains to be had from reducing rotating mass. On a drag car the rule of thumb is 10 pound reduction in rotating mass = 100 pounds overall weight in terms of performance, how true that is I can't say.
From experience I can say that on dirt bikes a light weight chain and sprocket set is pretty much equal performance wise to adding an aftermarket exhaust and rejetting the carb.
Also modern aluminum sprockets are amazingly tough, they wont live as long as steel but they do last well if maintained.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
I like the new Spock, Zachary Quinto, the guy from Heroes. Lenord Nimoy has gotten boring. Ohhh... SPROCK Nevermind 
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Ask and ye shall learn... I didn't realize aluminum could be hardened. I also didn't know the lighter weight could play into performance that much. Now it's starting to make sense to go aluminum, something I've been avoiding all the while.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,059 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,059 Likes: 8 |
Personally, since I don't race my America, I prefer the durability and high duty cycle associated with steel.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Good point,but, the aluminum sprockets looks so cool.  Vortex offers fronts as low as 14,15 &16 tooth and rears as small as 38 or as large as 66 tooth or up to 74 tooth on special order.  14/74 That's 5.29:1 gearing.... Hmmm a BA done up trials style could be cool aside from the 30 mph topend.  web pagevortex sprockets
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Seriously though, for the money and longevity I run steel sprockets.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1 |
14000 miles on my alum sprocket & looks good as new.
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Sprock talk
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
web pagevortex sprockets
Mmmmm, an anodized red sprocket... that could be my next one!
Live to love, love to live.
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