Topic: Needle roller bearings and 520 sprocket conversions for 550F

[bistromath]

Just got back from a 1,000-mile trip to northern California. On the way home my chain finally started making horrible gronking sounds and I had to replace it in the parking lot of a parts store. Sprockets also worn but had to put 300 miles on without new ones since (obviously) the parts store didn't stock them. So I'm thinking about converting to 520 chain so I can use the O-ring stuff and get by with less maintenance, since I'm often taking long trips. Any advice? Who makes conversion kits? Is it worth doing or should I stick with the stock?

Also, I get just a tiny bit of rattly looseness when I brake. Figure it's probably the stem bearing. I'll try tightening it tonight and see if that fixes it, but I've heard so much sighing about how excellent needle roller bearings are that I'm thinking about converting that, too. Again -- who makes 'em? Where can I buy 'em? And is it worth doing?

[Philly550K1]

gronking is the worst.

i'll weigh in in favor of the 520 o-ring setup.

for the miles i ride, the less frequent maintenance alone was worth the extra homework.

doug "The Sprocket Man" (formerly president of sprocket specialists, iirc) at rebelgears.com was most helpful.  they made me what i needed, quick and for surprisingly little cash outlay.  call 877-851-2504 or 931-788-1617.
no connection, just a satisfied customer....

this subject is beginning to rival "oil" in frequency and amplitude....

[bistromath]

Well, just called Rebel Gears, lady on the phone was sort of confused-sounding. Wants part numbers or something. You happen to have part numbers from the ones they made for you?

[SteveD CB500F]

See these threads on o-ring chains and 550s:

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=4394.0


http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=1526.msg10788#msg10788