Just recently after a drive from NE PA to Long Island I noticed a clunking sound from the chain/front sprocket area when I ride my bike. It changes with rpm levels, so I know it has something to do with one or both. The chain is a 530, rear sprocket is a stock 525, and not sure about the front sprocket. The bike was stunted by a previous owner and some things were changed. I bought a rear sprocket when I bought the bike and didn't know what size the chain was so they just ordered stock. There was an oversized sprocket on the rear when I bought it.

Before I go and buy a new chain, the chain is about 3 years old, but doesn't have a lot of mileage on it. My friend bought the bike, changed the chain and rear sprocket and didn't do much riding after that. Bike sat in my brothers garage for almost 2 years until I bought it.

Someone suggested maybe a chipped or broken tooth on the front sprocket. I can feel it on the front peg when I am riding. Someone also suggested a whole new set, chain, and sprockets. What do you guys think? Chain is pretty clean and lubed. Also is it going to be a problem with having a 530 chain and a 525 sprocket?

 

If one is a 530 they all 3 are suppose to be 530, etc, etc.

Change all three out as a set!

And yes mixed pitch like that will cause the sprockets n chain to eat themselves up in no time if they work at all.

 

Thanks for the info. Yeah they are a mixed set, been running like that for a while. Didn't know they were a mixed set until just recently, (my first bike, and I didn't know much until I joined this site). I just went to a local shop and the lady working there said she can get me a new front sprocket and chain to match the rear sprocket. The rear is brand new, (March 2010) and is still in good shape so I am going to get a 525 o-ring chain and new front sprocket.

I explained to her what is going on and she said it sounds like the front sprocket needs to be changed and since I am going to change that out she will get me a new chain too. She said it should take care of the issues I am having and everything will then match also. Thanks again.

 

smack her n get a new rear sprocket too, esp if its been run with the wrong chain. Unless its new n in the box, then its fine.

 

+1. Smack her hard. lol..
But seriously, get a new set of everything. All you're gonna do is jeopardize the whole setup for a $30-$40 rear sprocket.
If it were me, I would just get all new 530 and be done with it. You can get JT steel sprockets in whatever sizes you want and an RK Gold XSO chain for like $150-$160 shipped.

 

PG and Trout are right on.. youll olny waste time and money if you replace olny one peice to the set... all three peices break in together and wear equally as a set. dont forget the maxim chain wax....peece

 

Would a 530 set be better to go with, or stock (525)? Also do you have a link for the kit you recommended?


And, thanks to all of you for the info and advice. Newb here and trying to learn and get it right. I didn't know anything about chain and sprocket set ups until I had this issue. Thanks again, you guys are a great help.


Edit to add: Is installation an easy task, and can it be done with minimal tools? Or do I need a special tool for the master link on the chain?

 

Stock 525 will work fine.
If you have a impact wrench it will make it easier on the front sprocket but can be done w/o. A chain press (what I call it) is what you need to install the rivet master (which is what ya should use ) But it too can be done with a big hammer n blunt punch, just have to be careful not to get it to tight.

 

I had the same feeling once - on checking it out I found that the chain was tight somewhere but slack elsewhere. When I examined further I found that there was a link that was really stiff. Fooked. You can try and salvage it, but once it's got this bad you may as well bin it and start again from scratch - and look after your new kit!

 

First off I want to thanks everyone for their input. Turns out the guy at the bike shop was wrong about the chain. The chain is a 525, (even though he told me it was a 530). Secondly, I was out today cleaning my chain and noticed the master link looked like it was stretched a bit more than the other links. I could see when the tire was rotated that the master link was not hitting the teeth in the sprocket correctly. Took the bike to the shop, got a different mechanic to look at it. He said the master link looked a little stretched also.

Well, he took the master link a out and the bar that connects to the back plate of the master link was "loose". Not sure if its welded or pressed, but it just came apart when he took it off. So apparently it was the master link this whole time. Put a new one on and it's running perfect now.

Now my new question is, the new master link is an O ring master link just like the chain, but it is for a 530 chain. They didn't have a 525 master link in stock, ordering it Monday. The bike is running fine, the link is a tiny bit wider than the rest of the chain, but it isn't hitting anything as it runs through the sprocket and cover area. Am I going to have any issues if I ride the bike over the next couple of days until the link comes in Tuesday or will I be fine?