Replacement chain/sprockets recommendations?

[oldguyRD1964]

Hi group, I would like to replace my chain and sprockets and I was looking casually on ebay and eonconomy mikesxs, I don't really know anything about replacement chains. It looks like 520 or 530 the standard chain size but not 100% certain which I have. My bike has 10k on the odo and I can pull chain on the rear sprocket quite a bit. I've heard of DID from back in the day and they go for a lot. My bike is stock wondering what most of you use or buy.

Thanks, David

[thatguy]

I've had good results with plain old JT sprockets and DID chains.

[m in sc]

yup. most modern chains are just fine. however, id steer clear of o-ring chains unless you just have to have one.  if it sstock, im pretty sure its a 525. the 520 conversion from john at economy is pretty nice as well.   

[oldguyRD1964]

525? I didn't see that size, I saw 530 and 520 but DID on amazon has multiple sizes meaning links and I'm not 100% sure if it's 102 if anyone knows, I'd appreciate it...

[Jspooner]

Depends on your gearing. I would buy it extra long and buy a chain breaking tool. Normally the longer chains don't cost more and the tools are cheap. That way you can make it whatever length you need for your gearing and you'll have the tool for next time.

[quocle603]

i posted the parts number for the sprockets of different brands for the 520 conversion in the old forum, but is now lost. I will look for the notes.

[SoCal250]

You can get the whole 520 conversion kit from John at Economy and take all the guesswork out of it. Comes with a DID chain in the correct length. Plus there's the forum discount 

I believe the stock 530 chain is a 92L (including master) and sprockets are 40/15 on the RD250/RD350 (you didn't state which bike you have). If you're changing ratios or piecing together your own kit just follow jspooner's advice and get a longer chain and a tool. The tool will pay for itself in the future.

[Frank B]

You'll need to buy spacers for the lighter and narrower 520 chain and sprockets , an added expense if your on a budget.

[m in sc]

stock rd350 chain is a 525-92 link.  my old sv650 used a 525 as well. its an odd size, and a 530 will work and most were replaced with a 530 on the 525 sprockets.

just fyi.

[Dvsrd]

You'll need to buy spacers for the lighter and narrower 520 chain and sprockets , an added expense if your on a budget.

On an RD350 there is absolutely no need for any sprocket spacers. The inside of the 520 chain will be exactly where the inside of the 530 was. I cannot se any reason to use spacers, unless trying to fit an unneccesary wide rear tire.

[Jspooner]

You'll need to buy spacers for the lighter and narrower 520 chain and sprockets , an added expense if your on a budget.

On an RD350 there is absolutely no need for any sprocket spacers. The inside of the 520 chain will be exactly where the inside of the 530 was. I cannot se any reason to use spacers, unless trying to fit an unneccesary wide rear tire.

Correct, the only thing you will need is a thin washer (about .040) that fits the countershaft to go between the sprocket and locking tab washer. Without it the CS nut won't tighten up.

[Frank B]

That's right, thin washer(or thin spacer ;D) on the outside of the front sprocket, both rd350 and rd400. The 400 also needs a proper spacer between the rear sprocket and snap ring...I was thinking of my 400 

[Dvsrd]

That's right, thin washer(or thin spacer ;D) on the outside of the front sprocket, both rd350 and rd400. The 400 also needs a proper spacer between the rear sprocket and snap ring...I was thinking of my 400 

On my 350 #520 front sprocket, there is a raised portion on the outside, so it is actually the same total thickness as the 530 sprocket. No washer or spacer needed.

[Frank B]

Apparently it depends on the brand of sprocket.  I'd like to say ask before you buy to be sure you don't find yourself without all the parts when you install but I asked before I ordered my 520 sprockets for the 400 and I was told they didn't need a spacer, or washer, and they both did.