Front Sprocket size

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Lew

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Aug 27, 2001

605

0

• Apr 15, 2002

• #1

I have been considering changing my front cog to a 12 tooth from the stock 13. I want to make 2nd and 3rd gear more usable in tight trails and on the big hills (wheelies too). Am I right in thinking that with the 12t front cog I can still use my 108 link chain? This would make changing back and forth a breeze, should the need arise. I was in another post with Kelvinkdx, and he mentioned he had done this. I am wondering how many others have gone with this change and what you think about it, and any advise??
Thanks
Lew

 

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Fred T

Mi. Trail Riders

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Mar 23, 2001

5,272

2

• Apr 15, 2002

• #2

Stock chain works fine. I did it last summer but this season with the bigger carb I decided to keep a little more speed in 3rd gear so I'm back to a 13T.

 

7

70 marlin

Mi. Trail Riders

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Aug 15, 2000

2,960

2

• Apr 15, 2002

• #3

on the flip side?

when I replaced my chain& sprokets. I went with a 13/50 set up, what a hill climbing set up! but I lost almost 10mph on the top end, so I went to a 14 on the front for wide open trails where I'll need the top end, and if it gets tight or I think there's going to be some big hills, I throw the 13 back on the front.

 

1

125 rider

Sponsoring Member

Oct 1, 2000

408

1

• Apr 15, 2002

• #4

You are better adding a couple teeth to the rear sprocket. Chains will wear faster with a 12t in the front.

 

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Lew

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Aug 27, 2001

605

0

• Apr 15, 2002

• Thread starter
• #5

Is the chain wear due to the tighter radius?

 

KelvinKDX

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Aug 25, 2000

1,622

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• Apr 15, 2002

• #6

I would think that there would be more wear on the chain due to the tighter radius of the 12T but i really have not noticed excessive chain wear using the 12T. It is pretty convienient to be able to switch back and forth from the 12T to the 13T with out having to make and chain length changes.

Has anyone else who is using the 12T noticed abnormal chain wear?

 

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Mac

LIFETIME SPONSOR

May 17, 2000

505

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• Apr 15, 2002

• #7

I ran a 12/47 setup for a year using an o-ring chain and I noticed more wear on the sprocket than on the chain. The teeth were very thin and rounded, a few more bweerps and I'd be pushin.
I'm currently running 13/49 and like it.

 

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Dgaffler

Member

Feb 28, 2002

18

0

• Apr 16, 2002

• #8

I just switched to 12t yesterday and it seems way to low for my liking. I think I will stick with the 13t and play around with the rear. Is it true that dropping a tooth in the front has the same effect as going up 4-5 teeth on the rear?

 

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Mac

LIFETIME SPONSOR

May 17, 2000

505

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• Apr 16, 2002

• #9

Originally posted by Dgaffler
Is it true that dropping a tooth in the front has the same effect as going up 4-5 teeth on the rear?

Click to expand...

More like 3-4 teeth.

 

K

KDX220rm

Uhhh...

Jun 3, 2002

781

0

• Apr 16, 2002

• #10

A 12 tooth does cause the chain to bend over a tight radius plus you will wear out your chain and chain buffer quicker. I would go up 3 teeth on the rear.

Sprocket Specialist has some very good deals on sprocket prices. I would go with a metal rear sprocket over an aluminum as steel will wear about 3 times longer.

Good luck.

 

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craig_enid

Member

Mar 23, 2000

872

0

• Apr 16, 2002

• #11

13/46=3.54, essetially equal to 14/50=3.57
I'm running the 14/50, with a 13T available in the tool box.

 

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canyncarvr

~SPONSOR~

Oct 14, 1999

4,005

0

• Apr 17, 2002

• #12

Wear on a 12T: Oh yeah..it's bad on chains!! Heck..I had to adjust my chain...uh...well...let me think...Oh!!..I remember!! I adjusted it once last year!!

But then, we only ride every weekend ;)

I bought a chain slipper when I put on my 12T just so I'd have one for a spare when I wore it out quick. I still have it in my parts bin. But..that was only two years ago.

In answer to your question...yes, you can run a 12T with a stock length chain (unless it's wore WAY out). AND..you can change back to a 13T anytime you want in a minute or two. Try THAT going from a 47T to a 50T rear.

Hey..it doesn't sound like I have an opinion on the matter, huh??? :)

BTW...it's more like adding 3.91658 teeth.....ha!

 

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Inthewoods

Member

Apr 1, 2002

33

0

• Apr 17, 2002

• #13

I ride tight woods and ride with a 14/47 setup (KDX-250) I find that it is the best allround gearing for that bike

 

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craig_enid

Member

Mar 23, 2000

872

0

• Apr 18, 2002

• #14

Running the 14/50 is like stock, but the easy switch to the 13/50 lets you gear it down on the trail, if you want to.

 

K

kdx357

Mod Ban

Nov 20, 2001

122

0

• Apr 18, 2002

• #15

sunstar makes a 17t front = 100+MPH

 

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craig_enid

Member

Mar 23, 2000

872

0

• Apr 18, 2002

• #16

The 14T is a tight fit, might have to use the sledge to get a 17T on....

 

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slcyclerace

Member

Feb 10, 2002

75

0

• Apr 18, 2002

• #17

12/47- Great combo. Easy to switch back to the 13. Regina gold o-ring and no unusual wear. 19/42 combo should give you about 200 KPH...

 

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KDX-Jack

Member

Oct 21, 2001

28

0

• Apr 18, 2002

• #18

IMHO, I hated the 12 / 47. Way too low..................

 

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canyncarvr

~SPONSOR~

Oct 14, 1999

4,005

0

• Apr 19, 2002

• #19

Way too low..................

Click to expand...

Use the little springy-lever-thingy by your left foot (not the kickstand) ;)

Come over for a ride on john's peak. I'll guarantee you'll be looking for gear '0' (the one below first gear).

 

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DVO

Member

Nov 3, 2001

231

0

• Apr 19, 2002

• #20

Is the chain wear due to the tighter radius?

Click to expand...

I'd think that accelerated wear would be due to the load being spread out on 12 teeth instead of 13.(IMO)