Choosing a single speed sprocket

[crumpetman]

I have decided how many teeth the sprocket needs to get the gear ratio I want but I am confused as to the vast difference in prices for what looks like that same thing. For example, chain reaction cycles do a Shimano DX single speed sprocket for £3 whereas other places are charging upto £30!

Is there something particular I need to look for?

 

[fossyant]

Freewheel sprocket rather than a fixed sprocket ?

I've heard some of the Shimano ones are crap - i.e. £3. I would go for the more expensive ones if you want it to last and not sound like a bag of nails first time it get's wet. I pay about £15 for a 'fixed' sprocket - i.e. just a lump of steel.

 

[crumpetman]

Freewheel yes, it only needs to last a year or two I guess? 4k miles and change the chain and sprocket at the same time?

Is there a good name brand to go for or from a particular supplier? I can see lots listed on ebay but cannot tell what is good and what is not.

 

[Old Plodder]

Elsewhere on the forum, people seem to be recommending Sturmey Archer cogs as better quality/value, as against Shimano singles.
Certainly, it seems, you have to pay around £25 ~ £30 for a new cog nowaday.
(If I remember correctly, Shimano DX was a BMX freehub, not a screw on.)

 

[tyred]

If you can, try and dig up NOS from the likes of Bayliss-Wiley, Sturmey Archer or Maillard. Will last for decades.

 

[crumpetman]

Thanks for the info, I thought £3 sounded too good to be true!

 

[4F]

I use the token ones from velo solo http://velosolo.co.uk/shoptrack.html

 

[smokeysmoo]

I use the token ones from velo solo http://velosolo.co.uk/shoptrack.html

I've used those ones too, but the title is not right, the OP actually wants a SS freewheel.

 

[4F]

I've used those ones too, but the title is not right, the OP actually wants a SS freewheel.

Good point, whoops

 

[SS Retro]

, Sturmey Archer

There's some new Sturmey Archer free wheels on ebay Item number: 221034957377 16t-19t for a very reasonable £12. I keep thinking I might get the19t version just to see what difference is over my current 18t if I will lose to much top speed.

 

[SS Retro]

Just fitted a Shimano SF-MX30 18T improvement in smoothness and quiet running over 'Main Drive' free wheel that was fitted, have to see what its like in a couple of months.

 

[3narf]

The NOS Shimano DX freewheels are superb. Mine has lasted getting on for 3000 miles and it's still like new.

 

[Boris Bajic]

On my single-speed bicycle, I have a selection of ten sprockets on the drive side of the rear wheel, quite closely spaced. The wheel is dished on one side only, to accommodate the extra sprockets.

Though a clever mechanical system, I can use controls on the brake lever to move the chain between cogs.

I have worn three of them out so far, but there are still plenty left. Whenever I wear one out, I simply push a button and the chain moves across to another one.

The only drawback is that climbing seems to be getting slightly harder as I move to ever smaller sprockets.

I believe this type of drive arrangement is getting more popular these days. It certainly works for me!

I do hope this post has been helpful.

 

[Canrider]

I do hope this post has been helpful.

Troll..

 

[3narf]

I believe this type of drive arrangement is getting more popular these days.

It'll never catch on.