Hi, I'm running a fairly low 38X17t gear at present, and was just wondering how much more life I could get out of a chain by running something like a 52X24t instead? I have a lot of rings laying around, and was just curious....

Also, I'm using a derailleur as a tensioner (vert. dropout) and was wondering if it is generally ok to use cassette cogs instead of bmx cogs for a SS in this instance? I was thinking it might not be as critical to keeping the chain on since the RD is tracking the chain directly onto the cog.

Thanks,