Changing rear sprocket

Nov 21, 2010
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OK I am always a bit confused so please correct me if I am wrong ...

Changing the rear sprocket from 44 to 46 will increase the "power" (acceleration) but will decrease the top speed, right?
 

Deano747

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Aug 24, 2008
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Exactly.

If, for example, your front sprocket is a 14 tooth, then your gear ratio goes from 3.14 to 3.29 by going from a 44 tooth to a 46 tooth rear.

Front to rear ratio is generally about 1:3, so the extra 2 teeth at the rear is not quite as dramatic as a 1 tooth reduction on the front.

Most people go the cheap and nasty way of dropping a tooth on the front, but the decreased radius puts extra stress on the chain, and the output shaft. Downside of adding a couple of teeth to the rear is often you have to get a new chain with an extra link or 2 as you often don't have enough adjustment available.
 
Jan 4, 2014
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This chart is from Protaper:

3111224c0b8022ba11745b13a831ed0e_zpse432efa9.jpg