I'm planning to install a larger front chainring and would like to know what issues I need to consider.
The bike appears to use a tapered-square type BB. Current front crank is an FSA Alpha drive 2-ring set (32/44), 170mm arms. This setup has a 4-bolt pattern. Derailleur is a Shimano Deore. FWIW, in back there's an 8-speed cassette.
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I'd like to install a 50-tooth large front ring.
Is this as easy as walking into a well equipped bike shop, buying a new ring with a 4 bolt pattern and substituting it where the 44 was?
Perhaps the front derailleur would need to be moved up to accomodate the new ring?
I'm planning to install a larger front chainring and would like to know what issues I need to consider.
The bike appears to use a tapered-square type BB. Current front crank is an FSA Alpha drive 2-ring set (32/44), 170mm arms. This setup has a 4-bolt pattern. Derailleur is a Shimano Deore. FWIW, in back there's an 8-speed cassette.
*** *** ***
I'd like to install a 50-tooth large front ring.
Is this as easy as walking into a well equipped bike shop, buying a new ring with a 4 bolt pattern and substituting it where the 44 was?
Perhaps the front derailleur would need to be moved up to accomodate the new ring?
Will I likely need a new chain?
Thanks, Chris
Chris Your Alpha drive will be a 104mm bolt circle diameter. I believe the only way you can go to a larger chain ring is to swap crank sets. I am pretty sure 44 is tops for that one. Dan
Chris Your Alpha drive will be a 104mm bolt circle diameter. I believe the only way you can go to a larger chain ring is to swap crank sets. I am pretty sure 44 is tops for that one. Dan
Oops. I just checked one of my catalogues, and I find I was not correct in my assertion. Turns out there is a 46 tooth ring for a 104mm BCD. Dan.
A 50 tooth may exist, but I couldn't find it quickly.
Jeff
That's really above and beyond the call of duty Jeff - thanks for doing the research. I'll keep looking but you may be right. Perhaps I'll have to replace the whole front drivetrain with a 5-bolt.
Any brand suggestions? It's being used on a 20" wheel folding bicycle for touring.
"Dan Burkhart" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Dan Burkhart said:
Chris Your Alpha drive will be a 104mm bolt circle diameter. I believe the only way you can go to a larger chain ring is to swap crank sets. I am pretty sure 44 is tops for that one. Dan
Oops. I just checked one of my catalogues, and I find I was not correct in my assertion. Turns out there is a 46 tooth ring for a 104mm BCD. Dan.
Thanks Dan. Even if it went up to 48, I'm looking at 50+ teeth so it looks like a crank swap. 🙂
Recommendations welcome. I understand steel lasts longer so I'm not adverse to that. Can't really afford DuraAce, nor am I that concerned about weight.
Chris Your Alpha drive will be a 104mm bolt circle diameter. I believe the only way you can go to a larger chain ring is to swap crank sets. I am pretty sure 44 is tops for that one. Dan
Is this as easy as walking into a well equipped bike shop, buying a new ring with a 4 bolt pattern and substituting it where the 44 was?
Others who know more can probably fill in the details, but my experience has been "maybe, but probably not". One thing is the number of teeth difference your der can handle - smallest chainring vs the new large one. If 44 has you at the limit....
I'd bet on a new chain - or another quick link and some extra links in the existing one. Personally, I'd opt for the new chain. -- PeteCresswell
"C.J.Patten" <[email hidden]> wrote in news:[email hidden]:
Quoted message said:
Recommendations welcome. I understand steel lasts longer so I'm not adverse to that. Can't really afford DuraAce, nor am I that concerned about weight.
Cheers, Chris
Once again, let me wave the flag for the Sugino XD300 as the best crank deal in the universe. Gorgeous finish, steel rings that look like aluminum, and it can be had for under $50. It comes stock as a 46/36/26 triple, but 110mm BCD compact road rings in the mid-50s can be had easily. My Veloce triple FD didn't like a 50/36/26, but only on the 36->26 shift with the FD clamped that high. If you ditch the granny (which would be fine if you have 20-inch wheels), you shouldn't have any problems with any FD that can handle 14 teeth, and most doubles can do 15.
"Hank Wirtz" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"C.J.Patten" <[email hidden]> wrote in news:[email hidden]:
Quoted message said:
Recommendations welcome. I understand steel lasts longer so I'm not adverse to that. Can't really afford DuraAce, nor am I that concerned about weight.
Cheers, Chris
Once again, let me wave the flag for the Sugino XD300 as the best crank deal in the universe. Gorgeous finish, steel rings that look like aluminum, and it can be had for under $50. It comes stock as a 46/36/26 triple, but 110mm BCD compact road rings in the mid-50s can be had easily. My Veloce triple FD didn't like a 50/36/26, but only on the 36->26 shift with the FD clamped that high. If you ditch the granny (which would be fine if you have 20-inch wheels), you shouldn't have any problems with any FD that can handle 14 teeth, and most doubles can do 15.
That's really above and beyond the call of duty Jeff - thanks for doing the research.
What research? I just know where to look things up. 8-)
Quoted message said:
I'll keep looking but you may be right. Perhaps I'll have to replace the whole front drivetrain with a 5-bolt.
Any brand suggestions? It's being used on a 20" wheel folding bicycle for touring.
You've been pointed to the Sugino XD300- that looks like a screaming deal. Finding a 50 tooth ring shouldn't be too tough, considering this is the new "standard" for "compact" cranks.
Most of my bikes are 110mm bolt pattern, so I've got a variety of chainrings for this. Track down an old-time bike shop (one that's been in business for 20 or more years) and see if they've got an assortment of rings. I'm lucky to have a couple shops like that nearby (Portland, OR).
