So when I first entered this world of Lo206, when ordering my parts, everything was #219. Now I’ll admit, when I’m at the track I’m usually an anomaly as everyone seems to be on #35 chain and gears. Which I find funny when someone asks me what gear I’m on, and I tell them, and they have that momentary pause/ confused look on their face before realizing I’m on a #219.
But now I’m setting up two different karts for my daughters, and I’m not oppose to going #35, but at this point I’m so heavily invested in #219 my inclination is to (Go wrong-Stay wrong) UNLESS there is an advantage to going #35 that I’m not considering?
Short answer is: stick with what you know/have. No reason to switch.
206 chain history: 10 years ago everyone started on 35 because that’s what 4 cycle had historically been (and it’s cheaper).
5ish years ago, the 219 really started to gain popularity. 2 advantages:
It’s lighter, perceived acceleration advantage.
Allows smaller gear adjustments.
Over the last 2 years, 35 has started to make a comeback at the top level. There was some thoughts around low end torque transmission.
Honestly, I have never seen or felt a difference. We have run 35 forever. I just switched to 219 when I went to the lefty chassis because now I can run 1 piece sprockets.
Like I said, pick one. Stick with it. Or, be like some of the crazies I race with and bring both sets to the track so you can switch back and forth to change your gear ratio 0.01
