chainring compatability

Gragi
Gragi Posts: 448
edited October 2007 in Workshop
Apologies if a stupid question...

Are chainrings on chainsets interchangeable if the BCD is the same? E.g. can you put stronglight impact compact chainrings on a shimano compact chainset?

In anticipation of the question "why bother?", I've got 48-34 on the impact and like this combo, and also the chain rings and chain are in pretty good nick and have quite a bit of life left in them, so seems a shame to chuck them.

Thanks

Comments

  • Uranus
    Uranus Posts: 887
    Gragi wrote:
    Apologies if a stupid question...

    Are chainrings on chainsets interchangeable if the BCD is the same? E.g. can you put stronglight impact compact chainrings on a shimano compact chainset?

    Basically yes. There are very small differences in offset and thickness between chainrings for 8- 9- 10-speed but in my experience it's not worth worrying about.

    I use a mixture of Stronglight and Campag chainrings.
  • Gragi
    Gragi Posts: 448
    Excellent - many thanks for the quick reply.

    I've just remembered that on the stronglight one of the nuts goes in the opposite way (i.e. tightens from the inside) because it is hidden by the crank arm, so this might cause a slight issue, but can't imagine this will be insurmountable.
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    yes, they're swappable

    as said, there are difference in thickness and profile but on a two-ring setup it's usually no bother.

    I use a R700 with the standard 34 ring and the 48t ring from an XTR chainset.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • Gragi
    Gragi Posts: 448
    Cheers Maddog

    It's funny how tastes change. I thought the Shimano dura ace cranks were fugly when they first came out, and am now buying a compact with pretty much same design. Wonder if I'll come round to the SRAM Red chainset...
  • PhilthyPhil
    PhilthyPhil Posts: 68
    Does anyone know what the difference is between an A-Type and B-Type Dura Ace chainring?
  • acorn_user
    acorn_user Posts: 1,137
    Why are you getting rid of the Impact? It's such a pretty crank :(
  • Gragi
    Gragi Posts: 448
    I actually quite like the impact from aesthetic point of view :D so am sad to see it go
    With Shimano's compact I think of it like olives - I hated them the first time I tried them but there was something about them that made me curious, I ended up really liking them. Also, when the Renalut Clio first came out I thought it was ugly, then grew to like it, and now think the original design was actually fugly!

    Tastes are weird. Or maybe I should say, "My tastes are weird" :lol:
  • Cheeky
    Cheeky Posts: 113
    We had a Renault Megane for 3 years.......worst bloody car we ever owned.

    You won't change my view on that!!!!! I'll never buy another Renault!

    (Watch this space in about 20 years time)
  • Gragi
    Gragi Posts: 448
    Just got my new compact today - shimano hollowtech II - lovely jubbly. About the best bit of kit I've ever had on my bikes (certainly the most expensive) but feels fantastic. With a nice new shimano 105 rear derailleur feels like a new bike. And a new seat. as well to top it off.

    I know it's sad but just had to tell someone :lol: my 2 year old son thinks its great but I'm not sure he really understands, although he wants a new bike for Christmas which is a good sign...:D

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