Re: [CR] Definition of a sprocket.

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme)

Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 18:24:50 -0400
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
From: "John Betmanis" <johnb@oxford.net>
In-Reply-To: <492125.60921.qm@web80606.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR] Definition of a sprocket.


At 01:19 PM 17/05/2009 -0700, Ted E. Baer wrote:
>
>
>Does anyone use the word sprocket anymore?
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>Sounds pretty elementary, but if a cog on a freewheel or a cog that helps make up a cassette is not referred to as a sprocket then what is/was a sprocket? 
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>Chainrings (or chainwheels) seem too big to be referred to as sprockets.  Whenever I am in the presence of someone who is absolutely clueless about bicycles is when I am most likely to hear the word "sprocket" in conversation.
>
>What is a sprocket to you?

A sprocket is a sprocket. That's a round thing with teeth around it to engage a chain. It does not even have to have anything to do with bicycles. In bicycle parlance, the "sprocket" on the front is called a chainwheel. Some people call the one(s) on the back a cog or cogs, but in my mind a cog is acually a tooth on a sprocket (or gear). Maybe calling a sprocket a cog is typically North American. Anyone from Over 'Ome have any input on that? It's been over 50 years since I left.

John Betmanis
Woodstock, Ontario
Canada