A steel insert for transferring load to an aluminum splined body from thin plate like sprockets used in multiple speed bicycle drive systems is held in place by a dovetail tongue. The tongue is fitted into a mating groove in the aluminum spline and together the steel insert and the aluminum spline are the proper width to fit the industry standard spline. The dovetail in the tongue of the insert holds the insert securely in position while handling the aluminum splined body, installing or uninstalling sprockets. Drive load from the sprocket is handled as a compressive load on the insert and the aluminum spline but does not load the tongue. The steel insert prevents the thin teeth of the sprocket from damaging the aluminum body or aluminum spline.