Tooth Thicknesses

[JB]

Track cogs seem to be available in either 3/32" or 1/8" tooth thicknesses. eg
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/miche-fixed-track-sprocket/

no idea what this means or what thickness I should buy.

I'm gearing up a new Avanti Pista 2012
http://www.avantibikes.com/track/2012-pista-bike.aspx?bid=436

Any help appreciated.
John

[JB]

Traditionally before bikes had gears and multiple sprockets on the rear the standard for chains and sprockets was 1/8". When derailleurs with multiple sprocket cassettes started they had to make the sprockets thinner to fit them all in so they made them 3/32". Single speed track bikes still use 1/8" sprockets and chain and I checked the spec in the link you posted and your bike has a 1/8" chain so you will need a 1/8" sprocket. The reason you can buy 3/32" single sprockets is that people often want to use a chainwheel from a bike with gears to to create a single speed bike so they already have the narrower chainwheel but it is not a good idea because narrow chains are not as strong as the 1/8" chains used on track bikes

thanks for the reply above,

John

[tripstobaltimore]

I might just add to that -

There's no issues with 3/32" strength, so don't worry about that.

With 1/8" you can use 3/32" cogs if necessary, but not vice versa.

In my experience, I've found finding 1/8" parts easier.