How to Choose Sprockets

Road bicycles use sprockets, also called the cassette, to give the bicycle a gear ratio suitable for the rider's conditions. When selecting sprocket sizes it is important to understand how bicycle gearing works. The sprockets work in conjunction with the chain rings -- the large toothed wheels surrounding the pedals and cranks--to give the gear ratios to the bike. Make your sprocket selection based on what terrain you ride and whether sprinting plays a role in your riding style.

Instructions

    • 1

      Gather the chain ring specifications for your bicycle. Count how many chain rings are on the bike; typical road bikes have two, with touring models having three. Determine how many teeth are on each chain ring. Teeth are the barbs sticking out from the rings where the chain intermeshes. Either count the teeth per ring or look under the rings themselves to get the teeth number.

    • 2

      Select sprockets with higher number ratings such as a 12-25 or a 12-27 if you have hills and steep terrain in your daily rides. The sprocket numbers represent the number of teeth between the smallest ring and the largest ring in the sprocket cluster. A sprocket set of 12-25 indicates 12 teeth on the smallest ring and 25 on the largest. When these intermesh with the chain ring, you have between 14 and 21 gears. As a rule, the lower the number, the harder the gear is to pedal, but the faster the speeds will be. Higher numbers are easier to pedal, making them suitable for hills and climbing.

    • 3

      Choose a low number set of sprockets if you sprint or ride flat and even terrain. Look for sprocket clusters at 11-23 or 11-21 for optimal sprint and speed capabilities with the cluster.

    • 4

      Choose a titanium sprocket set if weight is an issue. Titanium sprockets are lightweight and stout but come at a higher price than steel. If money is a deciding factor, choose a steel set of sprockets.