well i think my chain is pretty much gone. it has a lot of kinks in it, and when i put it on the rear stand and spin the wheel, some spots are just right and some spots are really sagging. Obviously, i need to replace it, but in the meantime (while im deciding on which sprockets to go with) do you think i tighten the slack parts up making the other parts too tight, or leave it so some sags and some is just right? what are the consequences of having a chain too tight, or too loose? thanks

 

If you haven't noticed a problem lately, then leave it as it is until you can get it replaced. Take it easy on accelerating until everything has been changed.

You can cause damage to your transmission if the chain is too tight.

 

Chain too loose will cause excess wear on sprockets due to slippage of the chain on the teeth. Too tight will cause excess wear on the chain itself, and could cause the teeth to become bent in the direction of motion.

When you have your chain installed there should be some play in it. I believe it is measured on most bikes by the amount it can be moved up or down in the middle of the chain between the front and rear sprocket (lower portion of chain.) The exact amount of slack you should have is probably dependant on the bike etc. If you have a users manual refer to it for chain adjusting.

When you are planning on replacing everything, replace it all at once. Aluminum sprockets are lighter, however the teeth can/will bend and break off easier than steel ones. Do yourself a favor and have the rivet style master link installed on it instead of the clip style. Maybe I am the only one who has had bad luck with it but mine came off at about 60-80 mph on my way home from work at 2am. Aside from having to push the bike between 1/2 - 1 mile then wait for a my truck I was lucky.

If it locks the rear wheel you could crash if you are unlucky.

good luck.

Steven

 

should i look into the 530 or 525?

 

530 is fine, unless you get a killer deal on a 525 kit.