I disagree. There was nothing off about the questions.

I've been on a lot of forums and I see a lot people that seem to think the best thing to do is just read previous threads and never actually talk or interact with anyone. And if all I wanted was information, I'm sure I could find everything I need to know via Google and never talk to a single human being. But I prefer talking to people. There's something to be said for social interaction, and you seem to think so, too, even if most of your interaction is bashing people for theirs.

^^Yeah, not making a point based on that photo. Just remebered seeing that last week and thought x201 would appreciate. FWIW I think that damage was a result of the chain breaking.

You're right again, man. I don't contribute anything to this forum.

All I'm saying is that you can't have such a strong opinion on something when you, yourself are asking a bunch of basic noob questions. And here I am...interacting with you. Try some good cogs vs cheap cogs, then get back to us.

I bought a bike 5 sizes too small but my opinion is just as good as yours!

But to get back to the original topic, yes there's a difference. Buy two cogs a cheap stamped and a machines and try them out for yourself. Ask someone with a kilo Tt if you can borrow their stock cog for a day and I promise you will be rotafixing it off 20 mins after you put it on. I have a salsa chainring, the cheapest BMW chain the lbs had and a surly cog and ss locking and my bike makes next to no noise, and it takes me 8 miles each way to work everyday and for fun rides on the weekend. These were among the cheapest parts I could buy and they work flawlessly and the cog shows no wear from the last 8 months of use

i usually just walk into the LBS and buy a ****ing cog and use it.

lube your chain. when it's dry it will make the grinding and weird sounds while you push hard on the pedal.

..

Irrelevance is irrelevant.

I've never bought an "expensive" cog before, the Soma one being the most expensive one I've ever used. FWIW, I can't tell a damn difference when I had the Soma and Dave's RG one for significantly cheaper.

There, I did the job for you, Dave!