Are you trying to figure out what BMX sprocket size is best for your riding style?
You came to the right place!
There are only two main ways to determine the correct sprocket size.
(Which makes picking the perfect BMX gear ratio a lot easier.)
You want to ask yourself these simple questions:
- Do I want to go fast?
- Do I need more initial engagement (for technical tricks)?
This brings us to:
What Is The Best BMX Sprocket Size/Gearing?
You would want to opt for a higher gear ratio when answering the first question.
This means increasing the teeth on the front BMX sprocket. For freestyle, this will be running a sprocket that has anywhere between 25 teeth and 33 teeth.
The BMX standard rear hub tooth number is 9, so you cannot do anything about it.
But you can put a larger front sprocket to increase the gear ratio.
Or add a smaller one if you’re more into technical street riding.
Whereas for BMX racing, aim for the 44/16 gear ratio.
Some of the most common BMX sprocket sizes and gearings are:
- Street riding: 25/9 and 28/9.
- Park riding: 28/9 and 30/9
- Trail riding: 30/9 and 33/9
- BMX race: 44/16 and 46/18
What BMX sprocket size is best for speed?
You’d at least want a 28T sprocket in the front.
However, I recommend jumping straight to a 30T sprocket.
A 30/9 gear ratio is what Corey Walsh rides – and he goes EXTREMELY fast.
Anything higher than that may make the bike too hard to pedal. But there are dudes out there with 33/9 gear ratios (but I think it’s unnecessary).
And, as mentioned earlier, if you are into BMX racing, you will want to run a 44T or 46T sprocket in the front and a 16T or 18T cog in the back.
What does a smaller BMX sprocket size do?
A smaller front sprocket or a lower gear ratio makes pedaling a lot easier.
This is especially handy if you’re into technical street riding.
Still, you can go fast with a 25/9 ratio, but you will need to pedal more. (Check out the best 25T BMX sprockets.)
In short, if you don’t do too much high-speed stuff (and are into street stuff, especially technical jibbing), I recommend picking a smaller front sprocket to lower the gear ratio.
Further reading: Why do BMX bikes have small sprockets?
Conclusion: Which BMX Sprocket Size Is Better, Larger Or Smaller?
It depends on the riding style you’re into.
We’re getting back to the initial two questions you need to ask yourself, and here are the answers:
- If you want to go fast, opt for a 30/9 gear ratio.
- If you need more initial engagement and are into technical riding, then you’re safe with a 25/9 ratio.
Aaand that’s all the science behind choosing the right sprocket size to enjoy your sessions more.
If you’re searching for a new BMX sprocket, check out these:
- Lightest BMX sprockets
- Best cheap BMX sprockets
- Best BMX sprockets for street riding
- Best BMX sprockets for park riding
- Best BMX sprockets for trail riding
FAQs About BMX Sprocket Size
What is the ideal BMX sprocket size for street riding?
A mid-sized sprocket, typically around 25-28 teeth, is often preferred for street riding. It balances speed and acceleration well, suitable for burly street and technical shredding.
How does sprocket size affect BMX performance in racing?
In racing, a larger sprocket (around 44-46 teeth) can provide better top speed, while a smaller one (around 36-39 teeth) enhances acceleration. The choice depends on the track layout and the rider’s racing style.
Can changing my BMX sprocket size improve my jumping and air tricks?
Not really; whether you opt for a smaller or larger sprocket, it won’t have too big of an impact on your jumping and flow tricks. Even the weight difference is so tiny you barely notice it.
What are the differences between small and large BMX sprockets?
Small sprockets (around 25 teeth) are more compact, offering better clearance and less risk of damage. Large sprockets (around 36+ teeth) provide more speed on long stretches but are more prone to impact damage.
How do I choose the right sprocket size for my BMX bike?
Consider your riding style: smaller sprockets (25-28 teeth) for street, park, and technical riding; medium sprockets (30-36 teeth) for trails and transitions and larger sprockets (36-46 teeth) for racing and high-speed tracks. Also, factor in your personal preference for acceleration versus top speed.
Does a smaller sprocket make it easier to do technical BMX tricks?
Yes, a smaller sprocket can help. It allows easy acceleration and provides better clearance, making it simpler to perform technical tricks without the sprocket getting in the way.
What sprocket size is recommended for beginners in BMX?
For beginners, a sprocket size of around 25-28 teeth is advisable. It offers a good balance for learning various aspects of BMX riding without being too challenging to manage.
What’s the smallest BMX sprocket?
One of the smallest and highest-quality BMX sprockets right now is the Profile Racing Imperial sprocket, which you can get in 23T.
What’s the difference between a 25T vs a 28T BMX sprocket?
A 25T BMX sprocket gives quicker acceleration and more clearance for grinds, while a 28T sprocket feels a bit harder to pedal but offers more speed and smoother power transfer.
What’s the best BMX sprocket size for doing wheelies?
For wheelies on a BMX, a 28T sprocket paired with a 9T driver is ideal – it gives smoother power and easier balance compared to the standard 25/9 setup.
What’s the best BMX sprocket size for BMX racing?
For BMX racing, larger sprockets like 44T–46T (paired with a 16T or 18T rear cog) are best, since they provide more top-end speed and smoother power for the track. One of the most optimal gear ratios for BMX racing is 44/16.
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Since we’re on the topic of sprockets, you may also be interested in my collections of the best BMX chains and the strongest half-link BMX chains.
