After spending quite a bit of time over the last year riding on technical
single-track trails like Kennedy Meadows and Frazier Park in Southern California
I found myself wishing for a bit lower gearing on the 525. Even though it is the
EXC model with the low first-gear the bike
does still require quite a bit of clutching through the rock sections. In
addition once you clear the technical stuff the bike doesn't seem quite happy to
lug along in third, instead it requires a bit of shifting between second and
third to keep it effective. On top of this when out in the desert riding in fast
areas sixth gear doesn't offer all that much pull, especially if an incline or
sand is involved.
 To
combat these issues I contacted Greg Burns at Ironman Sprockets, also known as
Dirt Tricks. These are the same folks that provided our adjustable triple clamps
on the bike. Ironman Sprockets has gained a reputation of making some VERY
durable sprockets. In fact they give you a one-year wear guarantee that says if
you wear your Ironman sprockets out in less than one year you will receive
replacements absolutely free! The rear sprockets are laser cut on a CNC machine,
then heat-treated and finally nickel-plated. As if this isn't enough of an
effective sales pitch the sprockets are also much lighter than a standard steel
sprocket and not much heavier than an aftermarket aluminum model.
After talking to Greg
about what conditions I mostly ride in he helped me decide on going to 14-50
gearing from the stock 14-48. That combination should lead to less clutching in
the technical terrain, close the gaps a bit between the EXC tranny gears and
also allow sixth gear to pull a little harder. I agreed on the combo and the
sprockets arrived a few days later in the mail. I also picked up a new chain at
a local shop to go with the new sprockets and installed everything on the bike.  The
first ride out was to the desert. Immediately I noticed more of a snap and the
ability to pull the front wheel
up easier while running along in 3rd or 4th through desert whoop sections. Out
in the open I had a chance to use sixth for a bit and the bike does indeed pull
a little harder, not crazy hard but better than stock. Back on the trails the
bike required less clutching and I was able to use second and third more
effectively with much less shifting. If I were going to be riding all
single-track stuff I might even go one or two teeth bigger on the rear. Overall
though I felt this was the right combination for the variety of riding
conditions this bike sees.
Since installing and
riding with the Ironman Sprockets it has been over six months and they show no
signs of wear. I haven't even had to adjust the chain except for after the
normal tire
change interval. If you are looking to close the gaps on your 525 EXC tranny, or
just looking for a reliable long-wearing sprocket set give Ironman Sprockets a
call. They sell complete chain and sprocket combos or just individual sprockets.
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