If you get your eyeball down there, there is usually enough threads sticking out past the nut to determine which way the nut will turn to loosen.

 

You are right, there was enough exposed thread to tell. I didn't think of that. Looks like a normal thread. Now all I need is the right socket. Off to pick up a 27mm socket.

 

I had to use a 5ft long piece of scaffold pole as a breaker bar when i undid that dam sprocket nut. I had to sit on the bike holding the brake on and rocking the socket and bar, back and forf... then there was a big CRACK... and it was undun...

Its a lot easier if you got access to a impact wrench..

 

Yes, it was a stubborn nut to crack. I think that is because of all the dampening (the rubber) in the rear sprocket carrier.

I ended up using a pneumatic impact wrench. Came off right away with the impact wrench.

 

Same with mine. A little bit with the air impact and it came right off. What ratio did you change too?

 

I bought 18T for the front and 40T for the rear. I actually did not install them yesterday. I could not find my grinding wheel to remove the continuous loop chain so I put it back together, maybe next weekend.

 

I have the 18-40 combo and love it. First gear is very usable where before I had to go to second almost as soon as the bike started rolling. Now I can idle around in first with just enough momentum to balance. I bought it used with 17-45 on it so it was a huge change to go the other way for me. She takes a little more clutch to start out with and not as quick through the gears as before but now in top gear she lopes along at 70 with ease.

 

That is the same ratio I am going with. Did your chain length have to change?

 

So...I'm undependable. I didn't count my links. I washed the bike fixed my back brake and went riding then ended up at a grown up birthday party with a live band and BBQ. Now the rain will be moving in again tomorrow.

Sorry but I'll make the attempt in a few days. The party was great.

 

That's ok, I can't blame you for taking advantage of the good weather. It rained here all weekend. I still have not installed the new chain and sprockets yet (no garage).

 

I believe the 114 is fine unless you drop to a 38 rear , then you need to go to a 112 link.

 

That's good to know. I bought a 112L chain. I wonder if there is enough adjustment to use it. Anyone know?

Guess I'll find out once the weather breaks.