Changing The Chain Rings.

shanu82

Hi All,

I'm new to all this so hopefully this isn't too stupid a question.

This year I've started to get more and more in to riding, I currently have a Giant Yukon (08) the bike is standard with the exception that I have changed the tyres to Schwalbe Marathons due to the fact that I have been doing a lot of road work.
I love the bike but after having a go on a road bike (didn't like the riding position) I have found that I would prefer a larger chain ring so I can get some additional on road speed.

The current set up is :
Cranks Brand: TruVativ
Cranks Model: ISO Flow
Gearing: 22/32/42

I've seen that you can get 48T chainrings for MTB's. With my standard set-up is it as simple as just replacing the 42T chain ring with a 48T or would I need to replace the whole chain set? Would I need to replace the cranks?

Thanks in advance for anyone that can help.

cooldad

You would need to check that the larger ring would clear the chainstay and the mech can be moved up enough.
Would probably need a new chain.
Check mech capacity - take small chainring size from large and add difference between the largest and smallest cogs. Capacity of mech is 45 I think for Shimano long cage.
So you would be slightly over the limit assuming 11/32 rear.

shanu82

cooldad wrote:

You would need to check that the larger ring would clear the chainstay and the mech can be moved up enough.
Would probably need a new chain.
Check mech capacity - take small chainring size from large and add difference between the largest and smallest cogs. Capacity of mech is 45 I think for Shimano long cage.
So you would be slightly over the limit assuming 11/32 rear.

Thanks for the response cooldad. Your assumption would be right an 11/32 rear.

Could I upgrade the mech or am I looking at a change all round? Rear Cassette, derailleur, mech and chainset?

cooldad

Only thing really is a 46 tooth front ring.
But the mech would probably be ok with the bigger one as long as you stayed out of the big/big combo.
If you went into it by mistake it might rip the mech off, but might be ok. Marginal.

You could also change the cassette as well. A smaller one would be ok - 11/28 or so.

cooldad

Changing the rest won't help as it is the mech capacity, and a long cage is as long as they get.