Running a 34 / 46 Shimano Chainset?

minusnothing

Alright lads and lasses,

My frame won't take a 50 big ring (don't ask) so I got a 36/46 cyclocross chainset.

Can I swap the 36 ring for a 34 ring or will it cause problems?

Cheers

imposter2.0

Yes you can swap. Why won't the 50 fit though.?

keef66

He said don't ask.

I'm guessing it's got some weird flared chainstays.

I run a 46/36 CX chainset on my winter bike, and find it very practical with a 12-27 cassette. I might try a 34 inner ring at some stage in the future though; despite my youthful appearance the documentary evidence confirms that I'll be 60 this year. Muscle mass is declining and so is my speed, and I probably need some more knee surgery.

minusnothing

Just ordered a 33t TA chain ring from a well known online shaky retailer.

imposter2.0

keef66 wrote:

He said don't ask.

jp1970

I'm running the same 46-34 on my commuter (Planet X London Rd)... Swapped out from a 36 I think.

Giraffoto

I'd expect that most of the trickery with chainrings is to do with the bigger one - all of those scoops and steps are machined into it to help lift the chain. It shouldn't make too much difference if they're trying to shift a chain from a 34T ring instead of a 36.