changing my front chain ring

[Pedalsgoaround]

I am thinking of changing my front chain ring from a 52 to 53 or 54. I like pushing the higher gears but wonder which one I should get. I road bike and have a Tiagra Shimano crank set. Do I have to buy a Tiagra Shimano to fit?



Any advice?

 

[John M]

I am thinking of changing my front chain ring from a 52 to 53 or 54. I like pushing the higher gears but wonder which one I should get. I road bike and have a Tiagra Shimano crank set. Do I have to buy a Tiagra Shimano to fit?



Any advice?

Any 130mm BCD (bolt circle diameter) chainring should work. To preserve the quality of your front shifting, choose a chainring with pick-up pins that assist the chain in climbing to the large chainring. Any decent local bike shop should be able to help you. By the way, the actual difference between a 52 and 53 is minimal. Going to a 54 or 55 will get you more gain. Unless you already have a 12 or 11 tooth smallest rear cog, you will get a larger increase in your top-end gear by decreasing your smallest rear cog size by a tooth.