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I have a 2024 FX 350 (the xc 6-spd)
In the woods, I'm at an awkward spot where I'm revved out in 2nd or too low in 3rd.
I just learned that the 2025/26 FX 350 went to 14/50 gearing -- I guess I wasn't the only one with that problem. This gearing should let me cruise 3rd better, however, it would require a new chain and rear sprocket (which I recently replaced with a 47 Dirt Tricks and DID 520ervt $$$$).
Long story short, would it be safe to assume that swapping the front sprocket to a 13 (would then be 13/47) will give the same feeling as 14/50? Ratios seem close enough, but I've heard issues of chain slider wear and binding the swing arm.
I have a '25 and just ordered a 13 because 2nd too tall in the woods.... I have to drop to 1st in anything remotely tight.
2nd is even too tall for tight mx corners.
I did find that have a spark arrester screen in my FMF really helps low end.
stock gearing on my 450 sxf is 13/48 so would imagine it would be fine
So does that put you at 13/50? Also, just to be certain, are you on an FX or FC?
Correct - 13/50
FX
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13 should be fine. The 125/150 use it stock as does the 250 xcf and the 250/300 enduro bikes. 12t is where you might start to see issues with faster chain slider wear.
Cannot recommend. If it comes with 14 sprocket, it’s also because of chain pull, a 13 sprocket would mean different dynamics on how the shock works/making the leverage/swingarm work in a range it’s not supposed to. I did some testing on some hardpack uphill/downhill track (Malpensa, in Italy) and a 13 and 14 sprocket, with adjust rear sprocket to match ratios, felt noticeably different. I’m no woods expert thought, but there are also studies that you can find in the internet about this.
Physics are crazy, engineers try to master it… there’s a reason😉
On the orange euro 350 EXC 6 gear, 13X50 is perfect for the woods.
I have been trying different gearing on my 25 350xcf.. Stock was 14/50 and it just lacked bottom end for me, I tried a 14/51 (1 tooth up) and it was a little better, I got a 14/52 going on tomorrow , mostly ride tight single track and some moto, I think 14/52 should be good, if not I have a 13 counter that I will pair with the stock 50 rear, hoping the 14/52 lets me ride 3rd a little more.
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