Switching chainrings

Keasby
Keasby Posts: 7
edited February 2012 in Workshop
Hi there, I've just taken the plunge after an absence of 12 years from cycling and picked up a 2nd hand road bike. It's a bit of a Frankenstein, cheap and (hopefully) cheerful Alu frame with some decent components bunged on. However, the chainrings are, I believe, 52,42. Being a wimp who lives at the top of a big hill, I'm struggling a bit and wanted to go for some lower gearing. I took it to my LBS, and was told that they couldn't fit a smaller ring as the derailleur (a shimano 105 double) couldn't cope. Is this likely the case, or is there some way I could switch down to maybe a 36?

I appreciate the above is probably a mess of mixed terminology, but I'm trying to get the lingo down. Any help much appreciated.

Comments

  • Mr Plum
    Mr Plum Posts: 1,097
    What have you got at the back? You should be able to get a 39t on the front no problem.
    FCN 2 to 8
  • Keasby
    Keasby Posts: 7
    I'm not sure of the cassette brand but it's an 8 speed. I think this may be from the original bike, so a bit rubbish. The rear derailleur is a Tiagra though. Is it just a case of ensuring I've got the right fitting on the new cog and switching it out?
  • flasher
    flasher Posts: 1,734
    The best you're likely to get is a 38, it all depends on the Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD)

    http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html
  • timmyturbo
    timmyturbo Posts: 617
    cheapest route would be 12 - 29 cassette and a secondhand mech from the classifieds here , for maybe a tenner each . Not maybe the best way but easier and cheaper
    Britannia waives the rules

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