The Art of the BMX Sprocket

It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these “The Art Of” pieces, so we figured it would be a good time to take a closer look at one part in particular that we’ve been thinking about lately, the BMX Sprocket. The other day we were bouncing around to a few different brands websites to see if there were any new products or anything else new to see, and we ended up staring at the sprockets. When you think about it, the sprocket is one of those things that can really be altered the most as far as aesthetics go. We’ve seen A LOT of sprockets in BMX’s history, so we decided to stick to sprockets that are currently available. Even with cutting it back to that, there’s still a ton of options available. Add in the different combos between the standard bolt drive, Spline drive, and socket drive, colors, versions with guards, etc. There’s a lot to take in. We bounced around and picked out some of our favorites from a number of brands, which you can check out below with a few words about each! Ready?

Tree Bicycle Co. – 4130 HT Sprocket
Over the years, Tree Bicycle Co. have been known for their very detailed and original designs. What you probably didn’t know is that they were the ones that created the Spline Drive sprocket and had they patented the idea, they probably would have made a killing due to how popular it is. Here’s a look at their 4130 HT Sprocket, which is made of, 4130 chromoly and is heat-treated. The spline drive insert is press fit into the sprocket after CNC machining. Clean and simple.

Brotherhood Line 4.0 Sprocket
The brand Brotherhood is one of the first sprockets manufacturers to come to mind. Above is their Line 4.0 that features a lot of cuts, smooth and rounded edges and layers. It’s a unique design for sure. But, they also offer another sprocket that is undoubtably different than any others out there. The 2-piece Oyster Guard sprocket, which we’ve embedded a video from a review we did a while back, showing how it works. Pretty wild. Such a crazy design.

Colony Pursuit Sprocket
If you have followed Colony for a while, you would know that Clint Millar has a big obsession with classic Volkswagen cars. The Pursuit sprocket was designed behind a common wheel found on those classic Australia Volkswagens. It ended up being a real interesting sprocket to say the least. We’re sure you car lovers out there are all about it.

Demolition Parts X Markit Sprocket
We’ve seen a number of brands bring back the “retro” style sprockets without any cut outs and real basic laser etching or machining in the last year or two. Demolition Parts and Markit teamed up for this sprocket that features the Markit M logo machined into the sprocket. A good mix of retro and current.

Eclat RS Sprocket
The RS sprocket from Eclat BMX is one of those sprockets with a lot of details that you really have to start at to take in. Between the multiple levels on the edges, different chambers and holes and the clean branding. Plenty of details in this one.

Federal Bikes BBS Sprocket
Here’s another one for you car fans out there. Federal Bikes have released their BBS sprocket which is also based off the popular BBS wheel design. A lot of different spokes and angles involved in this one.

Fit Bike Co. – Key Sprocket
Here’s one of the sprockets that is available in a regular and full guard version. The Key sprocket from Fit Bike Co. takes their long standing Key logo and incorporates it into their spline drive sprocket. As you probably see, there are the 4 arrows pointing inward to the spindle hole.

Flybikes – Tractor XL Sprocket
This is one of those sprockets that deviates away from traditional sprocket designs in a sense. The Fly Bikes Tractor XL sprocket features a pentagram style look, with a larger ridge that the cranks fit into. What you probably can’t tell by this photo is that the sprocket is 16mm thick in the center and it tapers down to the traditional 6mm thickness at the teeth. They have done this to eliminate the need for spacers for a clean look. Surprisingly it doesn’t add much weight due to the extra material, either. It will be interesting to see if anyone else dabbles with this concept in the future. Not into the 16mm center? They also make a Tractor sprocket with the same design, but 6mm thick all the way across.

Kink – Astro Sprocket
Here’s one of those BMX sprockets that got a lot of peoples attention and most lead to a “that’s going to bend right away” statement upon first look. What most people don’t realize is that the Kink Astro sprocket is made from 4140 chromoly, not the traditional 6065-T6 or 7075-T6 aluminum that most of these sprockets are made from. What does that mean? It means although this might appear to have pretty minimal material, it’s still strong and durable.

Mutiny Bikes – Pentra Sprocket
We’ve seen a lot of unique designs so far, and the Mutiny Bikes Pentra sprocket definitely qualifies. This four spoke design features multiple levels and cut outs making for a clean design. It also features their “Rubbed Oil” color with copper and black. This is one of those sprockets with a unique color option that stands out.

Odyssey BMX – Tom Dugan Signature Fang Sprocket
This particular sprocket from Odyssey is unique for a couple reasons. The Tom Dugan signature Fang sprocket features multiple levels that makes it look like the material is crossing over itself where it meets the spindle hole. The spindle hole also features the Socket drive that Odyssey originated as an option to allow people to choose between standard bolt on, spline drive in multiple sizes, or for their Thunderbolt cranks that accept the socket drive. Finally, you might have noticed the teeth are square versus rounded off. This is was to help with alignment and engagement for the chain, on top of just looking cool.

Profile Racing – Blackjack Sprocket
Ah, now this one is a classic that we’ve been seeing for YEARS now. The Profile Racing Blackjack sprocket was one of the first sprockets to offer a bolt on guard way back in the day, plus the design itself is badass. When we say “way back in the day” we mean that this sprocket was brought back last year as it being the 18 year anniversary from when the original was released. Obviously in the smaller 25 and 28 tooth sizes, versus the original dinner plates in the 36 tooth+ range.

Proper Bike Co. – Avant Sprocket
When it comes to sprockets with a clean and simple design, the Avant sprocket from Proper Bike Co. meets those qualifications. The edges are angled and they’ve gone with the square teeth similar to the Fang sprocket up top. Add in four bolt hole options to allow you to rotate, it will last quite a while as well.

Shadow Conspiracy – Align Sprocket
The Shadow Conspiracy have always done some interesting things when it comes to aesthetics whether it be design or graphics. The Align sprocket features 7 multi-level spokes and a U shaped spoke for the crank arm bolt. What you might also realize is the grooves at the teeth to allow the chain to sit on the sprocket better, creating less wear on the chain.

S&M Bikes – X-Man Sprocket
This is one of the sprockets that is available in both a full guard and regular version. S&M Bikes X-Man sprocket is one that you have to really look at to take in all the details. The sprocket uses 4 arrows kind of similar to the Fit Bike Co. Key sprocket above, with more cut out. Add in the two laser etched Shield logos and S&M Bikes lettering, two bolt holes and the grooves. Overall, a clean sprocket with some nice details.

Stolen Bikes – Cartwheel Sprocket
This is one of those sprockets you might get if you look at it for a second or two. The Carthweel sprocket from Stolen Bikes kind of looks like a person doing a cartwheel when spinning. The Triangle is the head, then the arms and legs are the cut outs on the sides… See it? Yep. Add in a few more cut outs for additional weight savings and you have a unique looking sprocket.

Stranger – Strangergram Sprocket
Here’s a sprocket that has some similar aspects to a few of the sprockets above, but still unique. The Stranger Strangergram sprocket features multi-layered spokes with 3 larger spokes or strength and a bolt hole. If you were to remove the three thicker spokes, you would actually have just a star pattern… Bet you didn’t notice that at first.

Subrosa Brand – Shred Sprocket
The Subrosa Brand sprocket has a unique look thanks to the number of cut outs an and angles in the design that you will actually see the spokes are Y’s when looking at them individually. Mix in some unique color combos like the splatters of gold to give it a little more of an aesthetic touch, and you have yet another sprocket that takes more than a quick glance to see it all.

United Bike Co. – Machinez Sprocket
The Corey Martinez signature Machinez sprocket from United has a pretty basic 4 spoke design, but there’s some angled edges and extra cut outs with U.T.D (United) letters. This is another sprocket that utilizes the socket drive system. Clean and simple.

Verde – Neutra Sprocket
The guys over at Verde have always put a big emphasis on the design aspect and it goes to show with their products. Here’s a look at their Neutra sprocket that features a 7 spoke design, with 6 that have cuts in the middle, triangles in between each spoke and then the one for the crank arm bolt. There’s a number of angles and details on this one that really requires a good look.

Wethepeople – Turmoil Sprocket

Alright, let’s wrap this one up! Here’s a look at the Wethepeople Turmoil sprocket that features a star pattern with cut outs, multiple levels, grooves and ridges, along with some clean branding on the edges. The rounded corners and thicker arms make for a unique look that really stands out.

So, that’s a look at some of the unique BMX sprockets currently available. Now, this is just a small sample, most of these brands offer multiple sprockets and there are even a handful of brands we are missing from this as well. What do you think? What’s your favorite sprocket? Is there any that we missed you think we should have mentioned? Let us know in the comments! Also, make sure you hit the share buttons up top and pass this along!

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