Bicycle Mechanics - Such thing as "lead in teeth" or do I have chipped teeth?

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Chitown_Mike
09-27-12, 12:37 PM
See the pictures, but I know it is hard to see but some of my rear gears have the top nipped off, almost like a lead in tooth and they all seem to be evenly spaced on the gear sprocket. So is there such thing as "lead in teeth" that make gear shifting quieter and smoother or am I just thinking up magical things. :innocent:

If you look closely at the side pic you'll see the shorter teeth, and then on the above pic you'll see a narrow slanted top on some and the stubby, flat top on others. The stubby and flat ones are the shorter teeth.

Any help is appreciated!

Here are some pics:
275180

275181

demoncyclist
09-27-12, 12:41 PM
Yes, the teeth are shaped and twisted to make shifting smoother, especially under power. Newer systems than yours have ramps built into the cogs as well to help guide the chain.
Chitown_Mike
09-27-12, 12:46 PM
Yes, the teeth are shaped and twisted to make shifting smoother, especially under power. Newer systems than yours have ramps built into the cogs as well to help guide the chain.

That's what I was thinking looking at new gears online but couldn't find a definite answer. I greatly appreciate it DC!