Patent ID: 8342994

Claim:
A multiple sprocket assembly for receiving a chain and transferring torque therefrom to a rear wheel hub of a bicycle, the multiple sprocket assembly comprising: a plurality of different-sized multiple-toothed sprockets arranged coaxially about the rear wheel hub, each sprocket having a plurality of teeth, each of the plurality of teeth having a tooth front face facing an adjoining smaller sprocket; and a plurality of continuous annular support elements extending between the sprockets, each annular support element including an annular disc having a disc front face facing the adjoining smaller sprocket, the tooth front face having an offset relative to the disc front face of the annular disc, and wherein each of the annular discs of each of the plurality of annular support elements has a wall thickness which is less than a thickness of the teeth, wherein each annular support element includes an annular cylinder and the annular disc, the sprockets and annular support elements embodying a single piece.