Ok I know there are a billion threads with sprocket and chain ?'s. The one thing that is never said in those threads where the 525 vs. 520 chain is what is the life expectancy?

So My ? is how many miles did you get out of your 520 conversion?

I got 22k off my 525 chain.

I am going to put new sprockets on anyways so this is where I am stuck.
Helpful advice only.

 

Does anyone have any advice on this for me?

 

The question is somewhat subjective.

There are many factors that go into chain life...riding style, type of riding, chain maintenance, environmental factors/conditions, etc.

W/ proper chain maintenance, like you seem to show by the 22k you got on your last chain, there's no reason why you can't experience similar mileage from a 520 chain, given the same maintenance.

Really, the only mileage-lowering factor would be going from steel sprockets to aluminum sprockets. Since it is a fact that the aluminum sprockets wear faster, that's what could limit the chain/sprockets useful life.

Some riders are able to stretch mileage on alum sprockets an amazing amount but in general, what I've seen is getting about 1/3 less mi w/ alum sprockets. In turn, that alum sprocket wear will wear on your chain.

 

Simply googling 525 vs 520 chain will tell you the main differences in the two, and other comparable sizes. I was in the same boat as you. I stuck with original 525 for durability

 

Why thank you for the advice. I will be going with Vortex sprockets and RK chain.
I might go the 520 route as i can get 2 for the price of the OEM RK chain and Vortex sprockets. I do good maintenance and really don't push it all that much as i put on more commuter miles then fun miles. Thx for nudging me in a direction.