Sprocket size differences?
 

My Haro F2 comes with a 44 teeth sprocket but from the bike check thread, it seems that most of you have sprocket with less than 30 teeth. How does this affect handling in general? For example, would more teeth means it's more suited for trails rather than park?

more teeth just means more weight and a slightly higher top out. smaller sprockets actually have a higher rollout, and theres less weight. plus it looks a little cleaner

^^ not sure what that means but basically, smaller = lighter, stronger, compact and out of the way. the bike feels exactly the same depending on the gear ratio you run.

Thanks fuzzy. So it's just better in every way? Hmmm, maybe I'll look at doing a swap then heh.

rider: I don't understand what you mean by top out and roll out.

EDIT: And is the rear driver (small cog) permanently attacked to the wheel?

Yes, it's pretty much better in every way. The only thing that's bad about it is that as you go smaller in the front, the smaller the back gets and the bearings don't tend to last as long. You'll need to get a smaller freewheel if that's what you have, and the smallest gear you can run right now on a F/F hub is 33/12.

Thanks, I just counted and my sprocket is a 44t (didn't count the back). What's a F/F hub?

F/F is a flip-flop freewheel hub. It as threads on both side of the hub. If you don't have one of these, the smallest you could go is probably a 15. Or you could buy a new F/F for like $30.

What is the ideal ratio between sprocket and driver again?

The rollout do you mean?

The popular gears are;
44/16 41or42/15 39/14
36/13 33/12 30/11
28/10 25/9 23/8

Does rollout = gear ratio? Also, can the driver be separated from the wheel+hub?

Yes, if you want to go smaller then 33/ 12 you need a cassette hub.

I have an old Haro F2 which I know on the heavy side to start with. Would the weight of it make much of a difference if I'm trying to learn to bunnyhop? Would a somewhat lighter bike make any noticeable difference?

Its not going to make a huge difference. Just practice technique and lift some weights/eat some wheaties...

Yeah, it's all technique. Once you get solid hops down on a heavy bike, upgrading to a lighter ride will make things effortless.

How much does your bike weigh out of curiosity? Is it a street/park bike?

My bike right now is about 23.5 lbs and thats with a decently heavy frame. But in all honesty the weight doesn't matter to me, I've had 40lb bikes and rode them just fine.

My race bike weighs about 20 pounds and my new street bike weighs like 30.

mine's about 27

I would like to make mine lighter, but I'm broke right now. I'll have to wait until summer so I can hopefully get a job, and if not, I'll be waiting until my birthday in November and then Christmas.

once i finally get a job im gonna get that freecoaster that i've been talking about for like a year haha...and then some new bars

I need new bars as well. My Shadows are bent.

Shadow sucks

I think when I get new bars I'm going to get the Shadow Vultus or Stolen Cell. I don't like the backsweep on Slams and now just about every company makes 8" rise bars with the same amount. I found the WTP Lock Stock bars too. They don't have 12* of backsweep like Slams either. I kind of like the Animal Sway bars too.

the sways look pretty cool

The rise on them isn't exactly 8", but it's close enough that I don't think I'd even notice. I think the gold would look sick on my bike too.