Rear sprockets, steel or aluminium?

[ungeheuer]

G'Day Ducatters 

I realise the advantage of reducing the unsprung weight.

But whats the cons of an aluminium rear sprocket?  Do they last more than 5 minutes?   

I'm specifically looking for the AFAM quick change type, so that rules out the Supersprox aluminium/steel 2 piece variety.

[ducpainter]

It depends on mileage/year IMO.

A steel rear should last 10-15K miles with average care.

An aluminum rear should last 5-6K miles with the same care.

If you do 5K a year and you don't want to replace a sprocket every year stay with steel.

If it's a track bike and the 5K miles will get you 5 years go for it.

[Meerkat]

Best of both worlds available here: http://www.supersproxusa.com/

Our local Duc tech just turned me on to these.

[ducpainter]

Best of both worlds available here: http://www.supersproxusa.com/

Our local Duc tech just turned me on to these.

He wants quick change...

G'Day Ducatters 

I realise the advantage of reducing the unsprung weight.

But whats the cons of an aluminium rear sprocket?  Do they last more than 5 minutes?   

I'm specifically looking for the AFAM quick change type, so that rules out the Supersprox aluminium/steel 2 piece variety.

[Slide Panda]

I've got an aluminum on my 900 that's getting towards the end of it's life at 14+k - it's outlasted the chain. Obviously there's signs of wear, but it's not nearly so tragic as some alu sprockets I've seen with a lot less miles.

Why's it lasted so long? Not really 100% sure. I'm good about cleaning and lubing the chain. I've always used the Dupont spray teflon chain lube. Great stuff, doesn't fling once dry and would seem to lubricate really well.

If you had a DSS monster, I'd say look at the Superlite sprockets, that's my planned replacement - but they don't seem to make something for the SSS bikes

[ducpainter]

That's amazing mileage from aluminum.

[Slide Panda]

yeah - it's a bit freakish I know. Once I get home I'll post who made it. It's a smaller shop that does CNC stuff.

[booger]

I have an AFAM aluminum quickchange that has lasted almost 10k, and it appears to have plenty of life left. I clean the chain with kerosene once a season and wipe it down with Maxima every other ride. I also never ride in the rain and keep it adjusted properly.

[atomic410]

i have some red vortex sprockets let me know what size you are looking for and i might be able to help you save some $.   

[ungeheuer]

I have an AFAM aluminum quickchange that has lasted almost 10k, and it appears to have plenty of life left. I clean the chain with kerosene once a season and wipe it down with Maxima every other ride. I also never ride in the rain and keep it adjusted properly.

These habits and riding conditions are almost identical to my own (I skip the kerosene), so it seems like I can have me some aluminium  .

Thanks for the replies - a wealth of knowledge around here 

[LA]

I bought a quick change Afam from Chris (Ca-cycle) a long time ago.  The beauty is that you can change a rear sprocket in a few minutes, so aluminum's shorter life is no problem.

I use steel these days and have gotten more than one chain's worth of wear out of em. 

LA

[Meerkat]

He wants quick change...

So much for my reading abilities!

[He Man]

i swapped my steel stock sprocket at 19k. it showed absolutely no signs of wear ( i had it side by side with a brand new sprocket). I clean my chain once in a blue, i always ride in the rain, and i never wash my bike.

I could of gone another 10k on that sprocket at the rate i was going, but i already bought the new sprocket so i swapped it.