Chain sizes + types

[GlenR]

Hi all,

Chain and sprockets are shagged and need replacing badly. So i have some questions :)

First, I run 15 (stock) front and 40 rear on an NC35, anyone know how many links i will need for this? There's a few threads on the sizes for a nc30 but not the 35. The stock length is 102 links.

Next up, thoughts on 520 vs 525? The 525 MVXZ chain on it now doesn't appear to have worn at all even though the rear sprocket is fairly wrecked. I do however do tons of commuting (500km a week). Seems a bit of a waste to buy such an expensive chain if the sprocket is what wears out first and they need to be swapped together!

And lastly, anyone have any real world reviews of aluminium sprockets? Specifically the AFAM ones. Lots of opinions out there on that particular subject

Thanks!
Glen

[williamshatnerspants]

Hi Glen,

I only have a comment on chain size. The 525 to 520 conversion is apparently a good idea. Speaking to a good friend who has been importing motorcycle chain for 30 years, the 525 chain is overkill on a 400cc bike butting out 50hp. Converting to 520 is what I'll be doing when my current chain wears out…. note that the weight reduction will be about 200-300g (for the chain alone).

Matt.

Matt

[Neosophist]

Aluminium sprockets will be lighter, as will the chain, the links between the plates are smaller but the pitch is the same.

NC30 has no cush drive so sprocket wear is harder. If your usin the bike as a commuter id go for stock steel sprockets and chain with whatever is cheapest.

[Morespeedvicar]

Yeah deffo go with steel sprockets on a commuter, I have an ally one on my FZR4, and its lasted years but It doesn't so many miles. And again I'd go for the big wider chain for commuting it'll take more abuse on a road bike than a narrow one your not going to get to work with a snapped chain...........
Cheers
Ian

[Neosophist]

Yeah deffo go with steel sprockets on a commuter, I have an ally one on my FZR4, and its lasted years but It doesn't so many miles. And again I'd go for the big wider chain for commuting it'll take more abuse on a road bike than a narrow one your not going to get to work with a snapped chain...........
Cheers
Ian

This is an interesting thing which some people dont seem to know.. but the tensile strenth is the same between the chains, so they should snap at the same time, the main advantage of wider chain is wider tooth sprockets, which are stronger and can take more power.

[tigerclaw]

Surely then the difference is that a wider chain spreads the load / wear on the sprocket so the sprocket should last longer?

[Neosophist]

Surely then the difference is that a wider chain spreads the load / wear on the sprocket so the sprocket should last longer?

the 525 sprockets are fatter than a 520 sprocket. so yes, more area to transmit force too, longer life. / more power taking ability

[Morespeedvicar]

Yeah I mean snapping thru wear not tensile strain.

[NGneer]

the 520 sprockets are fatter than a 525 sprocket. so yes, more area to transmit force too, longer life. / more power taking ability

Neo.....Huh, was that a typo? - As the chain roller width is thiner on the 520 chain the sproket is proprtionaly thiner to suit this. I always understood this to be the case as this is why people with wider rear tyres fitted sometimes go to the 520 chain for that little bit of added clearance.

(info nicked from http://www.gizmology.net/sprockets.htm)

Chain No. / Pitch / Roller Diameter / Roller Width / Sprocket thickness
520 / 5/8" / 0.400" / 1/4" / 0.227"
525 / 5/8" / 0.400" / 5/16" / 0.284"

[Edit] - spacing looks great until i hit submit- but sure you can work it out

[Neosophist]

the 520 sprockets are fatter than a 525 sprocket. so yes, more area to transmit force too, longer life. / more power taking ability

Neo.....Huh, was that a typo? - As the chain roller width is thiner on the 520 chain the sproket is proprtionaly thiner to suit this. I always understood this to be the case as this is why people with wider rear tyres fitted sometimes go to the 520 chain for that little bit of added clearance.

(info nicked from http://www.gizmology.net/sprockets.htm)

Chain No. / Pitch / Roller Diameter / Roller Width / Sprocket thickness
520 / 5/8" / 0.400" / 1/4" / 0.227"
525 / 5/8" / 0.400" / 5/16" / 0.284"

[Edit] - spacing looks great until i hit submit- but sure you can work it out

yes! that will be tired and beer combo working tother.

i meant 525s have fatter sprockets and a wider chain becuase of this.

nc30 has no cush drive so is rough on the sprockets anyway, espeically if your heavy handed.

a non-oring 525 chain is probably narrower than a 520 o-ring chain... i run 525 non-oring with a 160/60 rear on a rvf rim to avoid rubbing issues