Crank-Sprocket Question

[dumpster_diver]

Is the only difference between a coaster sprocket and a 5 speed sprocket, the width of the teeth (due to a narrow speed chain). lmk, thanks for any help! I thought it was but I could be for sure!

 

[greenephantom]

Yes, it's pretty much just the width of the teeth. On many of the 70s five speed Schwinn sprockets (movie reel and 46t mag) they used a hash mark circle around the crank hole to denote 5 speed. The 60s versions didn't have the hash marks for 5 speed.
Cheers, Geoff

 

[Tommy Atoms]

Does this mean I have the wrong sprocket? :shock: I have a single stripe hub and hash marks around the hole in the sprocket. Who knew? it rides OK.

 

[deorman]

There are narrow chain sprockets for coasters, not common but you might have one. They have indentations so that the snap ring will hold them snugly.

 

[greenephantom]

You can totally get away with running a skinny sprocket with the wider coaster chain. It just doesn't work that well the other way around. And the skinny five speed sprockets are a bit harder to find than the wider coaster versions.
Cheers, Geoff

 

[deorman]

True, as long as you don't run them super-tight. My previous post referred to the rear, which might be matched to a narrow front. If it is, narrow chain is best.

 

[dumpster_diver]

Thanks for the input, I just want a cooler sprocket for my build off bike.I will be posting tomorrow! thanks