Chain ring and chai...
 

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Chain ring and chain advice

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Just a quick question. I’ve brought a new bike that has a 30t chain ring. I’m currently on a 34t that I like so would like to go 34 on the new one. Is it new chain also? I’ve never changed chain ring size before so unsure.


 
Posted : 07/07/2022 8:38 pm
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Probably.
The chain length on the new bike should be optimised for the smaller chain ring.
If it's a full sus and you don't fit a longer chain you'll run the risk of knackering your mech if you don't check the chain growth under compression.


 
Posted : 07/07/2022 10:20 pm
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Cheers, will get a new chain also.


 
Posted : 07/07/2022 10:25 pm
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I'd check it rather than just buying a new one. Its only one full link different so the chain might accommodate a slightly bigger ring.


 
Posted : 08/07/2022 7:38 am
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yep, some bike shops will sort the chain to the right length on building it, others will send it out with the full chain. Worth checking.


 
Posted : 08/07/2022 8:18 am
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also - how worn is the 34T that you like, if that has started to wear then it might not mesh with the new chain anyway.


 
Posted : 08/07/2022 8:20 am
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worth checking the new bike can accomodate the 34t, it probably should but quite a few bikes are now max chainring sizes although 34T is usually the upper limit.
it seems strange some bikes come with a 30T, my brother has a trek xcaliber and the gearing is ridiculously low even in his hilly surrounds.

ps. a 34T chainring on one bike may be alot easier in lower gears than a 34T on a bigger bike.


 
Posted : 08/07/2022 8:34 am
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As above, I'd just check the chain length. It might be ok, it might not.


 
Posted : 08/07/2022 8:40 am
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Would be a new 34t chain ring as it not a compatible with my current bike, also going from 27.5 to 29er


 
Posted : 08/07/2022 7:15 pm
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The change in wheel size increases the effective gearing. I'd be tempted to try the 30T for now and see if it is really too low geared.


 
Posted : 08/07/2022 7:18 pm
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Speak to the local bike shop to see if you can buy (or even be gifted) a few spare links. Nothing wrong with fitting a couple of quick links.

This guy even made a full chain from them 😂

EDIT: Notice at 6:17, he even has one upside down!


 
Posted : 08/07/2022 7:59 pm
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Have look at the gearing. A 29er 30x42 is 20.7 inches. A 27.5 34x42 is 22.3 inches.

So with the 30t on 29er your bottom gear is around 10% lower. Roughly one gear. Likewise your top end (with the same cassette) will be 10% lower.

https://galebernhardt.com/blogs/news/15198093-comparison-of-gear-inches-for-a-1x11-on-a-29er-and-27-5-mountain-bike.


 
Posted : 10/07/2022 7:50 pm