Questions tagged [chainring]

The cogs (gears) at the front of your drive chain, connected to the cranks.

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Does this chainring need to be replaced?

Here is a closeup of my triple: All three rings are Shimano Ultegra and have never been changed. They probably have at least 12000+ km on them. I've been pretty good about changing the chain ...
darkcanuck's user avatar
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12 votes
3 answers
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How do I calculate the diameter of a chainring from the number of teeth?

Simply knowing the number of teeth on a chainring can we determine an accurate diameter?
Dog Ears's user avatar
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20 votes
2 answers
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Is there a practical gain from elliptical/oval chainrings?

I have seen competitive (amateur) cyclists with oval chainrings (front). What is the deal? Are they just for showing off, or is there a practical gain from it (different force transfer).
Papuass's user avatar
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33 votes
16 answers
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Triple vs Double chainring?

I'm bike shopping for my first road bike, and I've asked for a lot of advice from my father who was a serious cyclist once upon a time. After showing him one prospective bike, he dismissed it with a ...
Powder-Monkey's user avatar
21 votes
3 answers
53k views

Do cassettes and chains need to be replaced at the same time?

Someone recently told me that if I replace my cassette I need to replace my chain (and vice versa) so that they wear evenly. Is this true? And, can anyone elaborate on the reasoning for this a bit ...
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11 votes
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if I replace chainset and chain should I replace back cassette as well?

I am replacing my chainset and chain, as its totaly worn and causing the chain to jump off when I pedal. The cassette is fairly worn too, but is not causing any problems. If I buy a new chain and ...
Paul Elliot's user avatar
10 votes
6 answers
10k views

What causes chain suck?

Specifically when changing gears from middle chain ring to smallest, the chain will sometimes get 'sucked' up between the inner chainring and chain stay. It seems to happen more often in muddy ...
Glenn Gervais's user avatar
7 votes
7 answers
18k views

Converting 3x7 to a 1x7. Is it possible with only existing parts?

I own a 2000 model Specialized Ground Control full suspension. The front derailleur is rusty and temperamental so my solution is to remove it as well as 2 chain rings (they are removable on mine) and ...
dos_dyall's user avatar
20 votes
10 answers
4k views

What would happen if I don’t replace worn drivetrain components?

What would happen if I took a entirely new drivetrain and just never replaced anything? Of course, I’d keep it clean and lubricated. With 11 and 12 speed chains being as expensive as they are, the old ...
MaplePanda's user avatar
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13 votes
4 answers
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Differences between Biopace and Rotor cranks

On mountain bikes of a certain age, "Biopace" chainrings are ubiquitous. These chainrings are (purposely) not circular. It seems that most people today agree that Biopace rings didn't live up to the ...
kevins's user avatar
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12 votes
3 answers
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Why is cross chaining 'bad', but 1x is OK?

When you run 1x, aren't you basically force to cross chain?
Macuser's user avatar
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7 votes
8 answers
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Why use 54T (or bigger) chainring?

In time trial races, I see people are using these big chainrings. Is 50/11 combination doesn't give enough top speed? What's the real advantage? I can only think of the negative, which is it makes the ...
imel96's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
328 views

Can I (easily) change this chainring?

A while ago I bought a fairly cheap bike - a Pinnacle Lithium 1 from Evans Cycles in the UK. It's dangerously close to being a BSO, but I really enjoy riding it and have no regrets about buying it. ...
John Rennie's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

Chain falls between the chainrings of the front derailleur when shifting from the big ring to the small one

The issue I have is that at the new bike I'm looking to purchase I'm faced with the followings: the chain falls between the 2 chainrings of the front derailleur when shifting from the big ring to the ...
Chris Dev's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
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How can one remove this chainring?

I have a crank and chainring setup pictured below, running as a 1x with a chain guard where the outer ring would be. I am trying to remove the chainring from the crank and am having trouble. The ...
ebrohman's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
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Worn out chainring or missing tension

This is a follow-up to the question I need to replace a cassette for CS-HG500-10 but want to go XT Yesterday I replaced the cassette, as well as the chain and the jockey wheels and went for a ride. ...
Daniel F's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
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What needs to be changed if I put in a larger chainring?

My current bicycle is a 2013 Specialized Allez C2. It has an 8 speed rear cassette. If I swap the current chainring (50/32) to a larger one (52/36 OR 54/39), other than the chain itself, what else ...
Machine Fuel's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
238 views

Rear Cassette worn + needs replacing - what other components to replace?

I have picked up a bike (Specialized Allez) recently that has a very worn cassette from not replacing the chain for an extended period of time. Therefore am looking to change it. I was wondering what ...
kicks66's user avatar
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1 vote
2 answers
909 views

chainrings matching up to crank arm?

I have a 9 speed specialized sport comp road bike. my chainrings are 50 x 34t and i wanted to possibly change them to a 53 x 39t to increase my speed. it has shimano cassette/components and a ...
trevor's user avatar
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45 votes
1 answer
46k views

What is a narrow wide chainring and what are its benefits and drawbacks?

What is a narrow wide chainring and what are it's benefits and drawbacks? Also, is a specific chain or cassette required?
Mark W's user avatar
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19 votes
4 answers
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Why do people use bigger cassettes for lower gearing when they could instead use smaller chainrings?

I want lower (sub 1:1) gearing on my next drivetrain but also a decent range, reasonable spacing between gears and still be reasonably light. While looking at different combinations of components, I ...
Ryan Witt's user avatar
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14 votes
7 answers
34k views

Mysterious case: chain falling off large chainring, how to fix?

On my commuter bike I decided to rid myself of the small inner chain ring (which is almost never used) and front dérailleur (now redundant). However, I have come across an unusual problem. Whilst ...
user avatar
11 votes
3 answers
12k views

What is the impact of changing to a smaller chainring?

My road bike has a Campagnolo Veloce gearset. It's running 53 and 39 tooth chainrings. I have a 13-25 10sp cassette. I find that a lot of the time when I'm cruising, I'm on the big chainring and in ...
Mac's user avatar
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10 votes
5 answers
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How much distance can I put on drivetrain components?

I figure the jockey wheels on my derailer will last nearly forever, but what about the rest: cassette, chainrings, and chain? How many miles, kilometers, or furlongs do they normally last? I know ...
Drew Stephens's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
8k views

Can double chainrings be used with a clutch-type rear derailleur?

I've been reading up on Sram's CX1 1x11 cyclocross-specific group. It hinges on two technologies to minimize the potential for dropped-chains/chainslap. The CX1 clutch rear-derailleur keeps the chain ...
ewwhite's user avatar
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9 votes
3 answers
33k views

Can I replace chainrings without replacing the rest of the drive train?

I now ride a 60cm SurlyLHT with chain rings at 26/36/48t. Can I replace with a smaller set at 22/32/46t (or similar combination) without having to replace the entire drive train - cassette, rear ...
SurlyLHT60's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
3k views

How can I lower the gear ratio on my son's bike?

I got a SH Commencal 24" MTB for my son. He loves it - except on climbing steep slopes where he runs out of steam. It comes with a 7-speed 14-28T freewheel (Shimano MF TZ21) + Acera derailleur, ...
Cristian Diaconescu's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
8k views

What's the correct position to assemble eliptic (Biopace, Rotor, etc) chainrings?

If you take a regular, "classic" road chainring (130bcd, five arms), you have five possible positions to assemple it in the crank arm. This can even be used to "rotate" between different positions ...
heltonbiker's user avatar
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6 votes
4 answers
2k views

What should I upgrade first?

I just got a new basic hardtail bike. I want to get better, and it’s not the best bike, so I want to upgrade it. I was thinking about changing the gear set up to 1 and 11 speed rather than 3 and 8 ...
Enrique mendez's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
17k views

Replace a 52/36 crankset with 50/34

I'm looking at purchasing a new bike with a 52/36 crankset on a 11-32 cassette. I've grown accustomed to a 50/34 crankset on the same cassete, and for the type of riding I do in the PNW (300-400ft ...
timgcarlson's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
503 views

Is the same effort required to maintain a set speed using different sized chainring / cog combinations with same ratio

If I have a bike with the same cranks setup with a 36t (chainring) / 12t (cog) ratio and the same bike setup with a 48t (chainring) / 16t (cog) ratio, would the effort required to maintain a set speed ...
Benzo's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
31k views

Shimano Chainring Compatability

In my previous question we determined that I probably need new chainrings. I was/am planning on replacing the chainrings, and leaving the original crank. Now this bike is running Shimano 105 FC-5600 ...
J.S.'s user avatar
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5 votes
4 answers
1k views

Cruiser bottom bracket is clicking and grinding

My Trek Pure Deluxe 3-speed cruiser has been making a clicking noise when riding for some time. The problem is faint, and is more felt than heard. However, it's been getting worse; it now makes a ...
Goodbye Stack Exchange's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
932 views

BBB chainring will not fit

As a follow up from my previous question I decided to change my Campag Veloce 53T chainring. I bought a BBB 50T chainring. I tried to fit it over the weekend but it wouldn't fit. I think the problem ...
Mac's user avatar
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5 votes
6 answers
4k views

What is the easiest to upgrade my chainrings from a double to a triple?

I have a 2007 Specialized Tarmac Pro Double and I need some better gearing. I am doing more hill climbs and I feel that I need at least two lower gears than I already have. What would be the most ...
Zlatty's user avatar
  • 407
5 votes
2 answers
9k views

Changing from Shimano Road Double Chainset to Triple Chainset?

Road bike setup at the moment is: Shimano Tiagra (9 Speed) Shifters / Front Derailleur / 52-39T Chainset / Short Cage Rear Derailleur / Casette 27-11T. Will I be able to do a straight swap and ...
steve's user avatar
  • 51
5 votes
2 answers
7k views

Why does the chain tension vary as pedals are turned?

I have a new single-speed bike (after purchase this year, it was unused in a garage for a few months), but as I turn the pedals, the tension in the chain varies noticeably. What should I check, one-...
Baumr's user avatar
  • 1,585
5 votes
2 answers
4k views

Ideal distance between chainring and chain stay

I am building a single speed bicycle, and I have most of the drivetrain parts: Rear hub 18T rear cog (40-40.5mm ideal rear chainline -- wheel undished) 1/8" chain crankset with 40T chainring I used ...
Robert's user avatar
  • 2,051
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Need easier gearing. What would the effect of changing the chainring or cassette be?

My mountain bike is too difficult to pedal when the going gets steep. I need an easier gear ratio. Am I better off switching the chainring or the cassette? I currently have: A 30 tooth FSA ...
sixtyfootersdude's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
420 views

Do these chainrings need replacing?

I know this has been asked several times but I'm curious if anyone can weigh in on whether these specific chainrings need replacing. They're from a triple chainring setup. I'm replacing my chain and ...
SSilk's user avatar
  • 4,119
4 votes
1 answer
668 views

How do I tell if a loose chain is because of the chain or the ring wearing?

My chain looks as though it's 'stretched' - by the time it's fed around the large front chainring it appears to be 'longer' than when on the other chainrings. Therefore I'm trying to work out whether ...
Steve's user avatar
  • 143
4 votes
1 answer
3k views

Why does my chain keep jumping off the front chainring on my 1x9?

My chain has a tendency to frequently jump off the front chainring. I have a 1x9 so it's not a front derailleur issue. It generally happens when I hit something like the lip of a driveway or sidewalk ...
Ryan Arneson's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
274 views

How long can I safely use a chain for?

My chain is well over the 0.75% extension at which I would normally replace it. However, the cassette and chainrings are also old enough that a new chain would slip on them, so they would also need ...
Will Vousden's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
7k views

How to remove hex crank bolt

I have been looking online for tutorials on replacing a chainring (or three) for my Scott mountain bike: https://www.thebikelist.co.uk/scott/aspect-40-2012 When trying to take off the chainset so ...
Jack Hudson's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
3k views

What is the actual diameter of our current bicycle chain's rollers?

Wikipedia states that it's 5/16" (~7.9mm) while two or three sites list it as 7.75mm. I'm a little bit confused. Do chain rollers differ in diameter? Does diameter differ between singlespeed and ...
Gregory Leo's user avatar
  • 1,295
3 votes
3 answers
5k views

How to remove a (press fit?) crank arm from a chain ring?

Does anyone know how to remove this crank arm? Or if it can be removed? The bike was ~$250 and seems to have a lot of 'don't take this apart' engineering, I'd like to soak the chain rings in rust ...
Alex's user avatar
  • 301
3 votes
1 answer
237 views

If chain/ BB/ casette are dead can chainrings and derailleurs still be OK?

I bought a brand new bike last May (2015 Brodie Elan) and proceeded to put 11,000km on it by November (cross Canada ride plus some commuting). Around the 11,000km mark I brought it back to the shop ...
SSilk's user avatar
  • 4,119
3 votes
4 answers
897 views

How to get a lower gearing

My trusty old CF racer was stolen the other day, and I'm looking for a replacement. I saw this bike at PlanetX and was intrigued. It's a full carbon bike with (last years) Ultegra components for a ...
Popup's user avatar
  • 639
2 votes
1 answer
750 views

MTB Shimano MT610 crankset with 32t: possible switch to 30t?

I'm looking at the Raven 8.7 with its Shimano MT610 crankset with 32 teeth. The bike comes equipped with Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed cassette and Shimano Deore XT M8100, 12-speed rear derailleur. I ...
knuckle_sandwich's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

SLX chainring compatibility

I'm considering swapping the inner ring on my SLX double chainset (M665) from 22T to 28T. I noticed that the newer M675 has a 40/28 option, so I figured that the 28T chainring from this set-up would ...
Will Vousden's user avatar
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