Author Topic: aluminum sprockets (Read 3608 times)

the kid · « **on:** September 03, 2005, 06:57:29 PM »

whats the advantages of aluminum sprockets. thanks whats the durability like

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 03, 2005, 09:52:36 PM »

Lighter and usually prettier.

The downside is they don't last as long as steel and cost more.

the kid · « **Reply #2 on:** September 04, 2005, 02:14:34 AM »

are they even near as strong as steel . thanks

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 04, 2005, 05:53:57 AM »

A high quality one can last the life of a chain.

OTOH, since a worn sprocket has an effect on the life of a chain, a chain may last longer if it is run on steel.

Are they as strong? No. If they were, you'd see a lot of aluminum countershaft sprockets too - and you don't.

The chain is made of steel. It will beat down an aluminum sprocket faster than a steel one. You can alloy aluminum to be pretty tough, but for the same thickness (which is required in a sprocket), you can never alloy it to be as strong as steel.

If you're racing or going for bling factor, go aluminum. If you want maximum strength and/or durabilty, steel.

fartndust · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2005, 10:27:43 AM »

The alum sprockets that I've seen are just for racing applications. Ride 'em once, then throw them away and put on another. They are pretty, and they are light weight..no doubt. The advantge of course is less stress on the countershaft frees up a little power for the race. Same effect as using a chain without O/X rings. Lighter in wieght, but durability suffers big-time.
If you want to throw an alum sprocket on for track day, or a weekend of thrashing about, then it's O.K. But the lifespan is woefully short.
Check out Sidewinders homepage and they have lots of options for sprockets to fit your budget and needs. If you have the greenbacks there are some high tech choices out there.

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2005, 06:18:04 PM »

I know Steve has a beautiful Vortex aluminum sprocket on his B12 and it's been on there for a while... I was hoping he'd pipe in with his experience with it.

Bob Holland · « **Reply #6 on:** September 08, 2005, 05:31:48 PM »

I have been running the aluminum sprockets on the rear for several years on my dragbike and street bike, I believe they will out last the steel front spockets, by 3 or 4 to 1. I go though a lot of front sprockets, and I still have rear sprockets that are 10 years old.

fartndust · « **Reply #7 on:** September 09, 2005, 11:05:28 AM »

Yeh but...I...well...

I can't argue with that....I'm trying

It's just not working....damn.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #8 on:** September 09, 2005, 04:01:30 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

I know Steve has a beautiful Vortex aluminum sprocket on his B12 and it's been on there for a while... I was hoping he'd pipe in with his experience with it.

I had one too. Almost 10K miles on it when I sold my B12 and there were no significant signs of wear. It weighed the same if not a little less than the relatively tiny front steel sprocket.

It looked great and was a LOT lighter. I think it made a difference not just in reducing what is essentially a flywheel effect, but also unsprung weight. Mine was a VORTEX Racing 48t sprocket. A great product at a very reasonable price of $48 at the time.