Changing SRAM Chainrings

grahamcp

I have had SRAM Red with compact 50/34 110bcd GXP chainset for a few years (11-25 on the back).

(I have previously swapped to an Ultegra cassette due to ongoing problems with shifting on the SRAM Red one).

The inner chain ring is a little worn and ideally I'd like to replace it with one slightly larger (36 or 38).

I'm struggling to find our what will work though! I have seen a few 36T SRAM chainrings for sale, but read somewhere that the different sizes need a "compatible" 50T chainring. OK so I suppose I could get a new large one as well, but nowhere seems to stock a 50T large for a 36T inner. Even a 52/39 combo seems difficult to source, and I'd prefer to keep costs down if possible.

Does anyone else run a 36T inner with a 50T outer that was meant for a 34T? Any issues with that set up?

Also what are my other options? How do I know which non-SRAM chainrings (I read about some people using Stronglight/TA when I searched the forums) are going to be compatible with my setup?

Thanks all :-)

raymond82

I think a chainring is a chainring, I've used many different weird combinations and it always worked. I've used a 42t Gebhardt outer ring with a 34 Shimano inner and also a Stronglight 34t inner. I currently have a 36 inner and a 46 outer but I will change the inner to a TA 33 for the mountains. I think the reason they require a 50 chainring is that the difference in teeth cannot be larger than 16 between the small and the big ring.

EDIT: check out Ebay, lot's of chainrings offered including original Sram ones

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw= ... 0&_sacat=0

grahamcp

Cool, I might just try the SRAM 36T and see how I get on with it, they aren't too expensive.

racingcondor

The rampings may be a little different (i.e. angles of the teeth and their impact on shifting) but I wouldn't have thought there would be that much difference between a SRAM 34 and 36.

It might be a problem if you used rings from different manufacturers though (I know Praxis recommend you only use theirs as a pair).

sungod

you can get a red 36t 110bcd for 20.99 quid in uk, maybe less if you search, can be less overseas but watch out for postage/fakes

it'll work fine with 50t, front shifting will probably improve with the smaller difference

http://www.cyclesportsuk.co.uk/chainrin ... 12816.html

amaferanga

Get some Stronglight CT2 rings. They look great and shift really well.

I've bought two sets from xxcycle - they have a good range and even with postage to the UK they work out as cheap as you can buy them here (and delivery is prompt). Spa Cycles have a decent choice if you prefer to buy from the UK.