Due to get a new chain and sprockets next week, thinking DID gold chain and Talon rear black sprocket or gold.... Anyone done a 520 conversion, what's the true benefit - worth doing?
I think you will find a lot of different opinions on this Chilli and of course it depends on what your main use of the bike is. I put my trust in the guy at BSD who does race and road bikes and I asked him to change mine to 520. I am a fast road rider but will be tracking in the future, he told me very strongly that it would be a big mistake for me to change from a 530 as most of my riding was on the road. I told him all the advantages I had heard from others and he basically said I would never feel the difference unless I was racing and that I would end up with far less mileage for my money as the chains do not last as long. I have run 520 on the road in the past on other bikes without any probs but have to be honest, I did not notice any difference. I am sure others may have better knowledge, but I have gone with the 530 DID Gold chain and Renthall sprockets, have gone down 1 tooth on the front though.
I went 520 just after Xmas, Renthal RR4 chain and varying Renthal sprocket sizes. Was it worth it? Well, the weather hasn't permitted massive mileage. Slight drive noise as standard fr sprocket has cushion. Too early to tell for me. I've no regrets & not too bothered about having to replace a little earlier than 530. Why did I change? I've no idea. Probably the same reasons you're considering it; Curiosity? Change from the norm? My only regret is that I didn't go D.I.D as a small amount of road salt has tarnished the RR4. Maybe the D.I.D would of gone the same way...... The setup does look small in comparison but I changed for cosmetic reasons, in Gold, and to try diff gearing. Go with what you feel best. I haven't noticed any benefits in purely going 520 other than initial purchase price slightly lower than 530.
I would on a 600 1000 Na gonna change mine Afam sprockets 15 front 43 rear and DID top end chain but stick to the 530 pitch .
I've just bought a set of 530 sprockets and chain. I bought Tsubaki chain, OEM front sprocket and SuperSprox rear both OEM gearing. I decided to stay 530 purely for longevity as I do biggish miles hence the supersprox. The Blade makes big power (compared to a 600) so rotating the extra weight makes little difference unless you are looking to gain a second or two on the track. Also the Blade will stretch out a 520 quicker.
