The cogs (gears) at the front of your drive chain, connected to the cranks.
21
votes
10answers
12k views
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 ...
12
votes
2answers
1k views
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).
11
votes
4answers
3k views
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 ...
11
votes
6answers
6k views
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 ...
7
votes
4answers
3k 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 ...
7
votes
1answer
157 views
Do I need to get a replacement bike for this broken chainring?
I wanted a cheap commuter bike, and just received this bike from Amazon. I have little knowledge about bikes, but looks like the middle chain-ring is broken to me.
Is this indeed broken, or is it ...
7
votes
2answers
5k views
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 ...
6
votes
4answers
2k views
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 ...
6
votes
4answers
1k views
How to fix front gear taking 2 shifts just to move onto next cog
I was out on a ride yesterday and several times when I was changing up and down between big chain ring and little chain ring (I only have the 2 rings up front) it required 2 gear changes. The gears ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
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?
6
votes
1answer
2k views
What physically makes chainrings have a specific speed compatibility?
Chainrings are sold as having a specific compatibility for only certain speed setups, some overlapping across many. What physically makes this the case?
From what I understand, 5/6/7/8/9 speed chains ...
5
votes
5answers
1k views
Why would a manufacturer change chainring sizes drastically between years?
A friend was just showing me the 2010 Cervélo S2 specs, as well as the 2011 S2 specs, and the Ultegra line, at least, changes from a 53/39 chainring set in 2010 to a 50/34 set in 2011. This seems like ...
5
votes
2answers
868 views
Can I run a dual crankset with a chain guide tensioner?
We recently got a new mountain bike for my son via craigslist, it is a couple year old Transition Bottle Rocket and came with a E-Thirteen SS+ chain guide/tensioner.
He would like a lower gear for ...
5
votes
3answers
2k 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 ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Is a 7 speed chainring compatible with an 8, 9 or 10 speed cassette and chain?
Currently I have a 7 speed cassette (13-23) running with a spacer on a new Tiagra hub. After I changed my chain, the wear has made two of the gears unusable.
I am considering changing the cassette to ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
How can I keep my chain from falling off the inner chainring? (specifically, from getting stuck in the bottom bracket)
I've got a mountain bike which occasionally drops the chain off the lowest gear, and then the chain gets stuck in the bottom bracket. This happens while pedalling.
Once the chain is there, it takes ...
5
votes
1answer
102 views
Number of gears for a racer
I am looking to upgrade my racer, I currently have a Bottecchia racer from the mid-80s and it has 14 gears. While looking around for newer racers I noticed that a number of them had 20 gears while ...
5
votes
1answer
203 views
Is it safe to ride with one missing chainring bolt?
I have a double chainring on my road bike but one of my chainring bolts has broken so I'm left with only 4 out of the 5 I'm supposed to have. Is it safe to ride? (just until replacements arrive)
4
votes
3answers
4k 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 ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
Bent Chainring causing chain to attempt changing gears
I was riding my road bike last night when something strange happened. I stopped at a stop sign. (I didn't have time to slow down so I was in my highest (fastest) gear. When I started I had to press ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
What are common causes of premature chainring wear?
My bike mechanic told me today that my front chainrings are starting to wear out and I should consider replacing it soon (with my next chain replacement). The cassette is still in good condition and ...
4
votes
1answer
465 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 ...
4
votes
3answers
221 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 ...
4
votes
2answers
148 views
How do I tell if my cog needs replacing?
Two answers to this question gather that after 14335 km (8907 mi) of cycling with a single chain, the cog is at risk of being damaged.
I haven't noticed anything unusual apart from the chain being ...
3
votes
4answers
1k views
Why are there almost no bikes with a single chainring?
Bikes with two or three chainrings are the norm, and then there are singlespeeds, but except for kids' bikes, you see almost no stock bikes with a single chainring in front but a cassette and ...
3
votes
3answers
630 views
Chainring: cheap vs expensive
What am I getting out of a $55 chainring vs a $25 one? Are more-expensive ones longer-lasting, or more lightweight, ...?
This is for a $700 single-speed, to give you an idea of quality of bike I'm ...
3
votes
1answer
351 views
Chainring and cassette compatible?
I've got a 20 year old Cannondale mountainbike (model # scratched off long ago). It's been used as a daily commuter for a few years and for a couple long trips. I've been told that the original ...
3
votes
1answer
74 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
100 views
Thinking of getting a new chainset
I've decided to get a new chainset as my current 38T Nexus is giving low speeds with my Alfine 8 speed hub. I have my eye on the 45T Shimano Alfine chainset.
Currently I have a square taper bottom ...
3
votes
1answer
1k 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
277 views
How can you tell how far apart your chainrings are?
I just replaced my cassette and my crank with one from the LBS that the guy said would work. I've had no problems with the cassette, but the crank is too wide so that my front derailleur does not ...
2
votes
3answers
553 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
394 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
90 views
Does new chainring require change of other parts?
I'm thinking about changing my 2nd chanring to a smaller one (2 chanring setup). I hear most people recommend to change the chain when changing the cassette.
Hence my question: should I expect to ...
2
votes
2answers
407 views
Replacing a Force Chainring with a Red
Is it possible to replace a compact 50T chainring from my Sram Force set-up with a 50T Red chainring, they both have the same 110 PCD so I don't see a problem, does anyone know if I'm wrong?
Thanks
2
votes
4answers
545 views
Bottom bracket with built-in internal hub - does this exist?
I've heard that one can install a bottom bracket that has what is essentially a built-in internal hub, giving one the ability to add a virtual double chainring where there's only one. This would be ...
2
votes
4answers
527 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
225 views
Changing from a triple ring Shimano Sora chainset to a double ring chainset
I've got a Scott S40 Speedster and I'm considering changing to a double chainset from the triple I have at present, also going from a 9 speed cassette to a 10. Not sure whats involved, do I need new ...
2
votes
1answer
89 views
Steel chainrings for 3x9 speed setups
I have Shimano M542 with 3 chainrings (44-32-22) for 9 speed chain.
Is it possible to fit it with chainrings made of steel for better durability? I do not mind extra weight. The dimensions are 110 ...
2
votes
2answers
142 views
What is causing noise/vibration high power input on right hand (drive side) crank?
I am getting a repetitive grinding sound/slight vibration while fully mashing on my Kona-humu single speed.
Description of Problem
This grinding is more similar to what you would hear from an ...
2
votes
1answer
174 views
Problems with gears after re-attaching front chainring
I had to remove the pedal crank arm together with the front chain set when fixing a bottom bracket problem, but now that I've re-attached it, gear changes in my front derailleur are completely off.
...
2
votes
2answers
895 views
Removing SRAM Red Chainrings
This is almost certainly very simply, but how do you undo the chainring bolts on the SRAM red chainset? I can fit a 5mm (or 8mm can't recall now) hex head into the black screws, but they just spin on ...
2
votes
1answer
122 views
Are these chainrings the reason my chain skips/hops?
When I ride my bike normally, then chain skips like crazy. I know it skips in the front because I stuck some paper in the chain to see if it moved and it didn't.
Chainrings:
2
votes
1answer
118 views
Help me to attach inner ring
I have cranks with 4 holes for outer and middle rings attachment. There are no holed for inner ring attachment. On my other bikes crankset middlering has 8 holes 4 for cranks and 4 for inner ring. I ...
2
votes
1answer
4k 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 ...
1
vote
3answers
501 views
Can a greasy chain cause the chain to come off the rings?
I heard once that you should clean your chain with a light degreaser whenever it looks especially dirty or at the very least once every few months. But that doesn't account for frequency of rides or ...
1
vote
1answer
161 views
When Installing chainrings which are pinned, how should I orient the chain drop prevention pin?
I'm setting up a double crankset with a new front chainring which is ramped and pinned. How should I orient the outer front chainring with respect to the chain drop prevention pin? Should this line ...
1
vote
3answers
465 views
Where can I find a 130 bcd single speed chainring with 58 or 60 teeth?
Where can I find a 130 bcd single speed chainring with 58 or 60 teeth? I am attempting to setup a goldsprints setup using a very large front ring and a small rear freewheel.
1
vote
2answers
1k views
How to replace broken chainring that is missing a tooth
I was going to ask if I need to replace it but I'm certain the responsible answer is yes (comments welcome). How do I find and replace the outer chainring?
Specifically find the right model or ...
1
vote
2answers
344 views
Are chainring bolts interchangeable?
I have an 11 speed Athena chainset, and I've stripped one of the chainring bolts.
It's £40 for a replacement Campag set! Can I just buy Race Face at £4.70 and expect them to fit?
