Rear sprocket size

[Lumberjack99]

Stock is 50 tooth 17 ktm 250xcw which should I go with 51 or 52 for the mountains ?thanks

[axel99]

What’s on the front?

[dirtyboy]

I use the stock gearing on my 250XC for the mountains and everywhere. 13/50 Any lower and 1st gear isn't usable IMO. Some guys use 51 or 52 sprockets but not me.

[Dakota_c69]

I use the stock gearing on my 250XC for the mountains and everywhere. 13/50 Any lower and 1st gear isn't usable IMO. Some guys use 51 or 52 sprockets but not me.

Same here.

[AJRJ]

One of the reasons guys love the XCW is it's wide ratio transmission. First gear should be plenty low (like, trials ride low) and the top end still decent.

The XCW already has a much lower first gear (14:32 vs. 15:31) than the XC. I would say ride it as is, and see if you like it...

[350scott]

A few more comments.
-Almost no one can truly tell the difference (~2%) between 1 tooth on the rear, even 2 teeth on the rear is relatively small. To get a sense for how small a change this is, If you're turning 4000rpm for a certain speed with 13/50, for the same speed you'll be turning 4080rpm with 13/51.
-Going up 2 teeth on the rear will likely require a new longer chain.
-If you really want to play with gearing start with the front sprocket. It's makes bigger changes for little cost and is easier to change. If stock is 13, get a 12 and 14 to try. 12's can be a little hard to find but they're out there. Although a 12 will wear the chain slightly faster, I've run them no issues. Using the 4000rpm example from above, changing from a 13 to 12 front will result in 4335rpm.

[axel99]

What scott350 said. You can gear to low and mess up how the primary and secondary gearing system work together.

[350scott]

What scott350 said. You can gear to low and mess up how the primary and secondary gearing system work together.

Did you just agree with me? I'm pleased you're following the doctors orders and taking your meds.