Old MTB Chainring

Phil33

Sorry if this is bit low-tech but any advice would be appreciated......

I have a 16 year old Townsend MTB, which I use for my short daily commute. The outer chainring (5 bolt 48t) has recently broken. I have measured the distance from bolt centre to bolt centre and this is 46mm. Unfortunately this means it is not a standard bolt circle diameter.

I don't want to throw the bike away but the lack of gears means the bike isn't very practical unless I am going uphill ! I've been trying to find a cheap replacement chainring without success. Any ideas where I might find one?

Phil

nicklouse

have you measured it correctly?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html

what is the crank?

chrisinleedsuk

1. I suspect you have measured it wrong. It's probably just the old non compact drive standard.
2. A new ring on it's own will probably run like a dog. You'll need new rings, chain, cassette and maybe jockey wheels. That's a lot of money to spend on an old bike.
I don't mean to be all negative but your old steed might be on borrowed time.

Andy B

If all the drivetrain does need replacing it will cost less than a half decent bike to repair

prices from CRC
£35 will get you a square taper chainset (no BB) with replaceable rings (28t/38t/48t)
£14 (7 or 8spd)cassette
£8 chain
£8 (8spd) jockey wheels

£65 + £15 if you need a new bottom bracket + £ ? fitting if you don't have the tools/can't be arsed

This is a rough price, depending on parts used

Phil33

Guys,
Thanks for the advice. I've measured the bolts again and the distance is 45 / 46mm. The cranks are actually one piece jobs like they still use on cheap kids bikes. I did say this was low tech. I thought about a new BB and cranks but the bike isn't worth spending too much on. I only use it for a short commute, rather than risk one of my decent steeds. The MTB is not likely to be nicked. As cheap as the bike is I've used it regularly for many years without any major problems. Maybe it is time to say goodbye.....

Phil

Andy B

Personally I'd keep it going, as you say rather than risk a decent bike, unless you plan to get another bike to commute on.

nicklouse

turn it into a single speed commuter.