Chain & Sprockets

[Dave]

I've noticed my front sprocket has got some damage on some of the teeth.

Do need to replace both sprockets (the rear is good) and do I need to replace the chain as well.

I've heard that you need to replace both sprockets and chain at the same time but it seems a bit excessive just for one part that needs replacing

Thanks in advance for any comments

[Clarkee77]

Does anyone know too how oftern chain and sprockets need to be replaced? Is there a rough mileage life on them??

[MarkW]

The general rule is that a chainset should last 2 chains and 2 cassettes, so you replace the lot on the 3rd set. Also worth replacing the jockey wheels when you change the chain.

Of course, that only applies to road and mountain bikes - no idea about motorbikes, sorry

As far as I can tell, mine are just coming up to 10,000 miles over 5 years - still looks ok, will see what he says when I get it MOT'd in May.

Front sprocket will wear more than the rear, as there are fewer teeth and so they get more wear for the same distance.

I read recently that you should avoid combinations where the number of links on the chain can be divided exactly by the number of teeth on the sprocket, or the same links of the chain always fall on the same teeth and you get irregular wear and so tight spots on the chain. Usually avoided, apparently, by using sprockets with odd numbers of teeth, as chains always have an even number of links.

[TamPinewood]

Approx every 10,000 miles

[chrisdep5]

just make sure you keep the lube on and keep adjusting the chain if you ignore the chain and sprockets you will be lucky to see 10k miles

[brad]

I would inspect each chain link for damage, and measure the chain to see if it has reached its stretch limit, then evaluate whether just a front sprocket change is right for the bike e.g. are you going to sell the bike in a year anyway. Having said that every where I’ve read it says change chain and sprocket as a pair but that seems to refer to the rear sprocket. If it was me i probalbly change front only if theres loads of life in rear and chain, but i'm no expert, so if you fall off dont blame me Need to question why the front is shagged so bad

[TamPinewood]

Talking from experience with this one (with both myself and lots of customers at work)

It is always best to change chain and sprockets as a set, even if one sprocket is worn and the other one and chain seems ok. Front sprockets seem to wear quicker than the rear. I would assume this is because the front sprocket takes the load from the engine, but i'm no mechanic.

Make sure you keep the chain well lubed up. The best thing i've found recently is gear oil.

But as per someone elses question, you are looking at approx 10,000 miles from one set of chain and sprockets.

[brad]

I use gear oil too, cant beat the smell
Dave better get your wallet out

[MarkW]

Talking from experience with this one (with both myself and lots of customers at work)

It is always best to change chain and sprockets as a set, even if one sprocket is worn and the other one and chain seems ok. Front sprockets seem to wear quicker than the rear. I would assume this is because the front sprocket takes the load from the engine, but i'm no mechanic.

Make sure you keep the chain well lubed up. The best thing i've found recently is gear oil.

As I said above, the smaller sprocket will get more wear, as the teeth are in contact with the chain more often.

I use finest moustache wax on my chain

[chrisdep5]

get a scottoiler and i use castrol chain lubrication spray
each to there own!