SJS precision UK-made alloy ultralight fixed sprocket – 3/32 inch – £14.99

Luxury is not a word commonly associated with fixed wheel cycling. There’s not even the luxury of a quick freewheel from time to time, after all. As for fitting exotic components to something that is unlikely to exceed 20mph downhill… But if you must, this CNC-machined rear sprocket from St John St Cycles will add just that touch of luxury the average fixer so badly needs. Offered in tooth counts from 16 to 22 teeth, the sprocket is made to accept a 3/32” chain. This means, of course, that it will also take a 1/8” chain, which is important for those running a 1/8” chainring. It also means that there is some room for misalignment between sprocket and ‘ring when used with the wider chain. Otherwise, use it as an excuse to go for a 3/32” transmission all-round, which will prove smoother and quieter than 1/8”, provided of course that the sprocket and chainring are in line. The sprocket itself certainly runs very sweetly compared to steel.

On the luxury front, there’s the nice gold-anodised finish and the weight. There’s not much of it; it’s one third that of a steel sprocket with the same tooth count. Some will say that sprockets aren’t heavy, which is true enough. Nevertheless, here is one more way to save a few grammes. Sprocket life is more than acceptable; we have run one for well over 1500km with little sign of wear, although use in poor weather, which is when fixers traditionally shine, might chew it out in 2000km. Which is why it is a luxury item, after all.