DDC Racing Steel Sprockets

What it is

• New company that supports the sport.
• Lightweight steel sprocket.

DDC Racing, or Delaney Drive Components, is a new company that started out just last year (2016) producing steel sprockets. DDC supports the sport by sponsoring several teams like Purvines Racing and Blais Racing while also donating to various land use organizations protecting our trails. They also supported the DBT Sr. team at last year’s 24 Hours of Glen Helen while riding a Beta 430 RR-S. The sprockets, made out of Chromoly steel, are claimed to be the strongest sprockets on the market designed to last a lifetime. Similarly, they are lightweight and chrome plated to add to their appearance. Finally, they are made in the USA and have a 1 year warranty. DDC produces sprockets for just about any modern dirt bike in sizes varying from 45 teeth all the way to 53 teeth.

How it works

• Virtually impossible to wear out.
• Lightweight for a steel sprocket.

Steel sprockets are typically very heavy and don’t look very appealing. However, the DDC sprockets are much different. When first receiving it, they look like a work of art with all the machining that had to take place and the finish work of the chrome plating on it. In short, the DDC sprocket is a very high quality sprocket that looks as good as any.

With a steel sprocket, durability is usually the main concern and reason for buying one. They typically last much longer than aluminum sprockets due to the differing strength between the two materials. When DDC says their sprockets are the strongest out there, they’re not giving us any reason not to believe them. We have been testing a few of the sprockets on a few different bikes and have yet to wear one out, or even come close. Between hard hours of racing and endless trail rides, the sprockets still look as good as new, especially when compared to aluminum sprockets with the same or even less amount of miles on them.

One concern with steel sprockets is weight. Steel is much heavier than aluminum and some steel sprockets are like adding lead to your rear wheel. While still heavier than its aluminum counterpart, the DDC sprocket doesn’t weigh much more at slightly less than double the weight of a standard aluminum sprocket. Its unique design with all the cutouts that the steel allows for is able to shave off a lot of weight to be competitive with an aluminum sprocket. Another plus has been chain life. We have noticed that the less the sprocket wears, even in abusive muddy conditions, the less the chain seems to suffer. Especially an O or X-ring type.

In conclusion, DDC Racing’s steel sprockets are some of the best we have tested. The sprockets we have used have all mounted up perfectly to the hub whether it was a KTM, Beta or Yamaha. Also, the durability is second to none and matched with their claim of a 1 year warranty if the sprocket wears out gives peace of mind. If you’re a trail rider or even a racer, mounting up a steel sprocket to the rear wheel is a viable option and will save time and money in the long haul even if it is $110. Additionally, DDC sells a kit that includes an OEM front sprocket, RK chain, and sprocket bolts ranging from $220-$250 depending on the chain type you choose.