New sprocket - Alloy or cromo?

What's better?

Alloy is more expensive - lighter I guess - which is tougher?

Cheers!

Steel is tougher, alloy lighter.

I've run both- currently running alloy but concerned about its longevity.

Steel is more durable.

I asked this question once.... I was told "if you dont already know the answer, you should buy steel".

so i fuckin bought ally.

I still dont know the answer.

Bang them on a rock, first one to break loses.

Can we do this to noobs too?

Bang them on a rock, first one to break loses.

That would mean buying both - defeats the object of the question?

That would mean buying both - defeats the object of the question?

Buy a small one and a large one, put one on either side of the hub.

Got a 16t steel already - spinny as hell so getting a 13t for other side...

decisions decisions

everyone forgets the front rings are alloy, and they go through the same stresses/useage as the rear
i have had a front last me well over 12 years, on a single speed

That would mean buying both - defeats the object of the question?

Bang your head on a rock, if it breaks, we win.

Bang your head on a rock, if it breaks, we win.

Race ya...!

Got a 16t steel already - spinny as hell so getting a 13t for other side...

decisions decisions

You realise the massive difference between 16t & 13t on the back right? Unless there is a massive difference between the prospective uses like track & polo etc then I suggest you stick to a closer range.

I expect he has a 56T on the front and is about to call all of us with under 130 gear inches a homo.

no i ride 3 miles uphill on my way back from work, which is 3 miles down on the way in. Just a 42 on the front to keep it tidy (gay gay gay?) - so 42-16 + downhill = spinny reckon i can push a 42 13 on most of the uphills round me though, keep the 16 for more leisurely riding.

31trum: rear sprocket will turn ~3 times for every turn of the front (assuming something similar to a 48 front, 16 rear), so you would expect it to wear out 3 times quicker.

Malaysian: Alloy will wear out quicker than steel, but you are right, it is lighter (although that would not be my deciding factor given the extra weight I carry around my middle...). I asked myself the same question about alloy vs. steel on Monday this week, and figured I would go for steel this time because I tend to accelerate pretty hard, and (over time) do tend to deform teeth on alloy chainrings.

The key advantage of alloy (from my perspective) is that you can get some cool anodised colours. Was very tempted by the gold ones available from Velosolo and also some of the other colours you can get from Charlie the Bikemonger.

31trum: rear sprocket will turn ~3 times for every turn of the front (assuming something similar to a 48 front, 16 rear), so you would expect it to wear out 3 times quicker.

Malaysian: Alloy will wear out quicker than steel, but you are right, it is lighter (although that would not be my deciding factor given the extra weight I carry around my middle...). I asked myself the same question about alloy vs. steel on Monday this week, and figured I would go for steel this time because I tend to accelerate pretty hard, and (over time) do tend to deform teeth on alloy chainrings.

The key advantage of alloy (from my perspective) is that you can get some cool anodised colours. Was very tempted by the gold ones available from Velosolo and also some of the other colours you can get from Charlie the Bikemonger.

I also carry some (ahem) weight round my mid riff - and am quite heavy on parts. Gonna go with the cromo , although it doesn't match the other in colour, if its cheaper and tougher - it's a winner!

42/16 would be 70.9 gear inches, 42/13 would be 87.2.

Now I am not really in a position to talk having run 49/15 on the street for around six months but at least it does mean that I have some experience of it- and it's pretty hard work going up hills.

Tried out my geared bike this morn on way to work on 42-14 - thought i could push a bit more -it may be a struggle up the hills but it seriously sucks sticking to 23-24mph down hills on 42 16///

maybe should just go with the 14?

by sticking to - i mean spinning madly at

learn to spin! I consider myself slow but I can hit 30mph on 68 GI.

I bet your gonna now reveal that you like to ride with flat pedals & no straps.

spds me! i have to admit though, it's hard work...

at 15 stone when spinning like that trust me it's not a great start to the day! ha

everyone forgets the front rings are alloy, and they go through the same stresses/useage as the rear
i have had a front last me well over 12 years, on a single speed

no they don't, for an average gear set up (48 x 17) the teeth on a chainring will come into contact with the chain approx three times less, so will wear out slower...plus the affect of the "gear" means the sprocket comes under greater torque....

Aluminium is soft, the weight advantage is almost negligible, especially on smaller sprockets....get steel but avoid cheap, pressed mild steel sprockets which re al,ost as soft as aluminium sprockets....Dura Ace are probably the most hard-wearing and very well priced.

BTW steel is an alloy too...the best of all time!

31trum: rear sprocket will turn ~3 times for every turn of the front (assuming something similar to a 48 front, 16 rear), so you would expect it to wear out 3 times quicker.

sorry winston, you were beaten to correct me.
and yes steel is an alloy.
thanks anyways

right - thank you all for your help ! going for token cromo 14t, see how i get on can always get 13t in the future if i'm man enough.

learn to spin! I consider myself slow but I can hit 30mph on 68 GI.

I bet your gonna now reveal that you like to ride with flat pedals & no straps.

Indeed..... learn to spin!
I've hit 27-28mph on the flat with 44/18, and i'm just under 17 stone.

spds me! i have to admit though, it's hard work...

at 15 stone when spinning like that trust me it's not a great start to the day! ha

Lightweight.
HTFU and get some stamina, see above!