Lower Gear Ratio

[Moto92]

When installing a 14 thooth sprocket on a 400EX you lower you gearing for acceleartion. Essentially you do the same thing when you drop the rear wheel size from a 9 inch to an 8 inch rim. Well is it possible to run a 14 tooth with an 8 inch rim or it that just too much? Would there be no first gear at all?
Im going to be buying some race wheels soon, either beadlocks or with OMF rings, and they seem to all come in just an 8 inch rim size. Im just wondering what to do with the 14 tooth sprocket.
Change it back or leave it?

[Leo]

Rim size doesn't matter.. It's the size of the rear tire you run.. (18" 20" 22")..

So if your going to go to an 18" rear tire you might not like running the 14 tooth sprocket (as the gearing will be to low)..

Personally I run either the 14 or 15 tooth sprocket, depending a lot on where I'll be riding (type of terrain)..

Leo

[Holty]

Do you really need beadlocks if you don't race? I ride really hardcore woods and some small to medium jumps. Would I benefit from a beadlock wheel?