SJS Ultralight fixed sprocket
It's light, it looks great and it lasts well; all you need is a fixer
SJS precision UK-made alloy ultralight fixed sprocket - 3/32 inch - £14.99
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Luxury is not a word commonly associated with fixed wheel cycling. There’s not even the luxury of a quick freewheel from time to time, after all. As for fitting exotic components to something that is unlikely to exceed 20mph downhill… But if you must, this CNC-machined rear sprocket from St John St Cycles will add just that touch of luxury the average fixer so badly needs. Offered in tooth counts from 16 to 22 teeth, the sprocket is made to accept a 3/32” chain. This means, of course, that it will also take a 1/8” chain, which is important for those running a 1/8” chainring. It also means that there is some room for misalignment between sprocket and ‘ring when used with the wider chain. Otherwise, use it as an excuse to go for a 3/32” transmission all-round, which will prove smoother and quieter than 1/8”, provided of course that the sprocket and chainring are in line. The sprocket itself certainly runs very sweetly compared to steel.
On the luxury front, there’s the nice gold-anodised finish and the weight. There’s not much of it; it’s one third that of a steel sprocket with the same tooth count. Some will say that sprockets aren’t heavy, which is true enough. Nevertheless, here is one more way to save a few grammes. Sprocket life is more than acceptable; we have run one for well over 1500km with little sign of wear, although use in poor weather, which is when fixers traditionally shine, might chew it out in 2000km. Which is why it is a luxury item, after all.
Verdict
Light, bling, relatively durable and very smooth
 Looks, precision manufacture, weight
 Not ideal for winter commuting
www.sjscycles.co.uk
Discuss this story
Doh! I wish you had published this a week earlier Richard.
Last weekend I purchased a 19T EAI steel sprocket from Condor, at the eye-watering price of £22.50.
My first choice had been from On-One, a lovely 7005 alloy sprocket, tapered from the centre boss and with perforations for light weight, for a mere £15. But this product is not available at sizes greater than the 18T I already have and develops too too big a gear when used with a 53T front ring.
Actually, Condor told me the price for the EAI cog was £24.99 -- "but to you, sir, £22.49" (I have been their customer since 1977). Pricing of these items is fashion-driven, as the Condor sales guy implied when I gasped at the price. Let's hope the new steel sprocket lasts another 30 years.
I agree with you on 3/32-inch transmission for fixed. Who needs that heavy old 1/4-inch stuff? Doesn't last any longer (unless you insist on NJS kit at around four times the price) and it must slow you down.
OK, to pursue the argument to its logical conclusion I should also use the shortest possible chain to reach the desired ratio and change to 39 x 14. Hey, maybe I will. I see a TDC 14T in my spares box, and I doubt it cost even £1, back in the day when riding fixed was a poverty option.
Posted: 04/04/2007 14:00
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