The Beacon Bmx

Before the early 2000’s just about everyone rode a 44/16 gear ratio.  There were few options out there since frames were built to accommodate this combination.  If you tried riding a faster ratio, your sprocket would likely rub a hole through your frame since “faster” sprockets meant they were bigger.  If you were looking to downsize from a 44 tooth, you probably wouldn’t dare to go any lower than a 42 unless  you were looking to invest in a flipflop hub that accepted a 14 tooth free wheel (remember, these were the days before cassette hubs). Sadly, flipflops created their own set of problems for “freestylers” since you’d be hard pressed to find one that worked with a 14mm axle. The smaller body of these hubs  meant you had to ride a 10mm axle which was a nightmare for grinders.

Fast forward 10 years to the age of the cassette hub.  With so many sprocket/hub driver combinations these days, there is no real standard in chainstay lengths which can range from 13″-15″.  A regular chain doesn’t always offer the adjustability needed with current set ups.  Thankfully, a few years back The Shadow Conspiracy expanded off the half link idea and created a half link chain.  With this, gear combinations are limitless but even this chain can come with it’s own set of issues if you don’t know what you are doing. (continue reading…)