Steel vs. aluminum sprocket.

Need some new sprockets and a chain. Aside from weight and price is there a difference between aluminum and steel rear sprockets? Any differences in life expectancy etc? Also are there any brands of sprockets or chains to stay away from, and are there any that are preferred over others?

In dirt aluminum ones wear out a lot faster. If you want light weight AND long life, get the Ironman or Dirt Tricks ones - they are hardened alloy steel. Somebody also makes one with hardened steel teeth and an aluminum hub, haven't tried those.

dhally wrote:

In dirt aluminum ones wear out a lot faster.  If you want light weight AND long life, get the Ironman or Dirt Tricks ones - they are hardened alloy steel.  Somebody also makes one with hardened steel teeth and an aluminum hub, haven't tried those.

What he said. For me steel is a much better choice. A warn sprocket also ruins your chain. Unless I'm getting paid to ride (with a free bike) I will use steel sprockets or a Ironman or Dirt Tricks type combo.