Chainrings for Fixed / S/S

Exige46

Hi

Recently bought a 2008 Felt Dispatch for my flat commute, and finding the standard gearing (39 x 16) on the small side.

I know it is generally accepted that gearing is altered at the sprocket end, however it seems that the sprocket is a typical fixed size, while the chainring is on the small side.

The standard chainring has 5 bolts, pcd of 130mm, however I am wondering if there is anything else I need to look out for when buying a new chainring? Don't want to fork out too much cash...

Many thanks

ride_whenever

Not really, how thick is the chain on it?

If you want longevity, buy a TA specialities ring or a middleburn hardcoat ring.

stickman

When I needed a replacement chainring the only available had two extra teeth - no problem!

meagain

Probably cheaper to go smaller at the rear (and no reason why shouldn't!).
A 15t will take you up from c.66" to c.70", a 14t to c. 75". Is that a big enough increase?

meagain

If you want REALLY cheap, sjs have a 14t for 1.99! But it's 1/8th so might need a new chain!

Exige46

Thanks for the help so far. Chain is 3/32. In the spec the chainring is described as being singlespeed, I wasn't sure if the teeth on a regular chainring would be shorter to assist swapping between inner and outer - some of the FSA chainrings are described as having pick up ramps to assist changing, which I obviously do not need.

Also most chainrings are described as being inner, outer or middle, so again not sure which to go for, and I didn't know if some had different thicknesses, potentially requiring new chainring bolts.

On my geared bike I tend to use 42x15 minimum, so I don't think going to a 14 on the back while I still have a 39 at the front will give enough flexibility should I wish to tinker with the gearing in the future. I am also using the single speed at the moment, as I have never used fixed before, and figured I should practise somewhere other than my London commute. I will freely admit I am confused regarding the type of sprocket I need!

Cheers

singlespeedexplosif

I wasn't sure if the teeth on a regular chainring would be shorter to assist swapping between inner and outer - some of the FSA chainrings are described as having pick up ramps to assist changing, which I obviously do not need.
correct in both cases. specific singlespeed chainrings have deeper teeth and no ramps or pins. Anything which could help to encourage the chain to shift is a bad thing.
In terms of inner/outer/middle - well, whatever has the correct number of teeth. If you're already using a one-ring setup you shouldn't need to change bolts.
Alu rings ok, ideally go for something hardwearing like a Hardcote or even better a steel ring.

mattsccm

Seriuosly doubt that you would have any problems with a normal chain ring. Shifting ramps won't casue any problems if all is properly aligned. Probably paying for something you don't need though.

demmerson

I use one of the Thorn single speed chainrings from SJS. Seems pretty good to me. http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Thor ... -11055.htm

Monty Dog

You can pick up basic Stronglight chainrings for about a tenner from the likes of Ribble Cycles.