by Johan Bornman

How to - personally -  wreck your own chain!

The indent between cogs on a (new) sprocket exactly matches that of the chain’s roller, but the tops of the teeth flare slightly open so that the chain can easily exit, which also reduces noise. In turn, the derailleur’s idler pulleys are tapered toward the ends of the teeth for accepting a chain entering at an angle.

All sprockets have ramps cut out on the blind side that help with chain shifting.

Despite the fact that sprockets and pulleys are designed to work with the chain at an angle, one should not cross-chain (i.e. use gears which engage the large chainring and largest sprocket and vice versa) as there is an undue amount of one-sided strain placed on the chain.

The more you cross-chain, the more pedalling force is angularly expended upon the chain’s articulated joints, and it greatly increases wear on both the sprockets and the chain. Keep on doing it and it’s just a question of time ...

And remember: if it ain't broke, fix it!