I did the 520 conversion and went to -1/+2(15/48) teeth.

Problem is, tha tthe Vortex Aluminum sprockets suck. They wear out in less than 1000 miles of moderate riding on the street. Bending the teeth, etc... They are just too soft, and I tried the new black anodized sprocket as well.

Chain is a DID ERV3 racing chain cleaned and lubed every 250 miles.

So I am looking for a 520 sized 48-tooth rear sprocket, that will hold up better. I can't be ordering a new Vortex sprocket once a month, you know?

I found the Sidewinder Tri-metal sprocket that uses a lightweight aluminum inner portion with steel teeth, but they want like $130 or something for it. I will only go that route as a last resort.

Any recomendations? I will use a lightweight steel sprocket, but I cannot seem to find one in 520 size with 48 teeth, that's the problem.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

you sure the rear wheel was alligned properly? cause I've been using the same vortex rear sprocket for several thousand miles of track only riding (some SERIOUS stress on the chain and sprockets) and it isn't worn out yet sounds like you've got issues unrelated to the material of the sprocket

 

The wheel is alligned properly. It is a simple case if the teeth bending and the grooves becoming elongated.

I don't wheelie that much, but I am on the gas pretty hard much of the time and I think that the thinner 520 sprocket in aluminum is simply not up to the task.

 

i think you have a bad sprocket or something...i have the same rear and i hammer mine all the time and also do some clutching...mine set up is still fine...

woody does track only and hammer it really hard too...if it's not warmping for him, it shouldn't warp for you either...i think you got a bad sprocket.

i would call brian at www.sprocketcenter.com for some advice...

 

It happened with the 525 size, but took a lot longer.

It is not warping, it is the normal wear that one sees on a sprocket, but with the thinner aluminum one, it just happens faster.

It has also happened with more than one sprocket.

 

wierd...is your cush drive all jacked up or what?
think you need some super hardcore stainless steel sprockets or something

 

Bike only has 8,200 miles on it, the cush drive seems fine.

I will take a pic of the sprocket and you will see what I am talking about.

 

we're just making sure you know that that kind of wear isn't normal even for a thin aluminum sprocket, its aluminum not cheap plastic so it shouldn't be wearing that fast which is why it sounds like something may be up, make sure your wheel is balanced, the cush drive is okay, your bearings are okay, etc also make sure your chain is alright a worn, stretched or kinking chain can cause severe sprocket wear.

its just really strange because as I said I am REALLY hard on every inch of my bike and haven't had any kind of wear like that in such a short period (at all actually).

 

I think AFAM sprockets are steel. check it out, but I dont think it is the sprockets. I went through a vortex sprocket only because my wheel was not aligned.

 

AFAM sprockets are NOT steal.. they are also aluminum! they are actually more designed for light wieght and racing.. the moto GP guys use AFAM..
I think the reason your (SquireSCA) vortex sprockets arnt lasting is because your not lubing/cleaning the chain and once dirt gets in your chain its going to grind at your sprockets like theres no tomorrow![:@]