Chainrings advice/help

[Wacko AK]

I'm planning onconverting my old spesh hardrock (92ish I think) to singlespeed. I was hoping to run a single 36T or 38T ring up front but it looks like the chainrings are rivited together. Is there a way round this?

No idea what the crankset it apart from it being a shimano one.

The bike is a Specialized Hardrock Ultra if that helps?

 

[South Bound]

Nope, the budget cranksets of the period were one-piece. If you want a single chain ring, it is probably a new chainset, whether single ring or a triple with inner and outer rings removed.

 

[Wacko AK]

thanks, that's what I thought would be the case. The middle ring is a 34T, I'll try that first and see how I get on but will probably result in me spinning out often.

Any idea what the chainset is I'd be looking for?

cheers

 

[al]

Hi,

If you are going to run a ss set up then the stiffest cranks you can get.

Also dont be too concerned if you spin out occasionaly as this is usual.Just remember a 2to1 ratio ie 36/18 34/17 if you start with that set up and then stepup in 1 tooth increments at the rear you will soon find the ideal ratio. Also the terrain will dictate to some degree your set up!

Happy riding

Cheers,Al

 

[orange71]

personally I run a 34:16 offroad - tested a few times round Cannock and it's ideal for me. Bit of a pain when you have some road in-between times...but only if you're in a rush!

Everybody is different though...

good luck - it's the way to go!

 

[South Bound]

I run a 42:16 for commuting. Bought a £25 Truvativ 42T chainset which works ace - was trying to find a 32T one for when I get the bike back up to off-road capability, but the bloody things have dried up! Was my plan to just swap chainsets if I wanted to go off-road.

 

[Wacko AK]

thanks for the replies, I'll mainly use it for cyclepath commuting but there is an option on the way home for some singletrack.

I assume if I tried the big ring that is there just now that the chainline would be way off?

Oh, and for a spot of heresy I've fitted my mavic crossmax wheels to it...

Also, I assume the 7-speed shifters that I removed are pretty worthless?

 

[orange71]

Big ring would be ok as long as you don't go lower (i.e. towards wheel) than say the 16T sprocket (round about 4th/5th gear).

 

[South Bound]

If you are really using this as a commuter, think twice about a 32:16 set-up, it will be a nightmare. You will need to to able to change your set-up or you will lose all interest in riding to work!

 

[Wacko AK]

cheers, I'll try see what the chainline looks like using the big ring, if it wont work I'll starting looking for new cranks!