I've transferred across my ancient (but fully functional) 3x9 drivetrain to a new frame (Swift) as I can't currently afford to upgrade. It's all set up and shifting pretty much as it did previously but, to avoid the front mech. hitting the chainstay I've had to set it rather higher than I normally would; it's not pretty but does seem to work.
Am I safe to ride like this? I'm not worried that it looks a bit odd (it's a triple in 2018 anyway) but am concerned from a safety perspective. As it's a Swift I can nudge up the BB a little to close the gap but otherwise I'm happy with it where it is. I suspect a double when money allows would help things.
I also appreciate that it needs a good clean!
Nah, that's fine. After all, you can't get it any lower and it works acceptably.
Looks fine but that middle ring is toast
Most sites recommend 1-3mm tooth to mech. whilst this is around 5mm at the start and widening; as above mainly concerned with any safety issues (jams, dropped chains etc).
After all, you can’t get it any lower
I could nudge up the eccentric BB if needs be.
that middle ring is toast
The middle and granny rings are Deore steel and nigh on indestructible; paired with an equally indestructible KMC chain I just don't seem able to wear them out (and perhaps argue the point for a new drivetrain). It probably does need a clean though!
I've also just come across this image on the internet and now I don't feel so odd!
If I were looking for ''reccomenation" pictures, I'm not sure that would be top of my list
It will work fine, but the front mech is a bit higher than ideal. There should really be about a 1mm gap. I use rotor q rings on my road bike where the gap gets quite big, but it shifts fine.
You can't get the thing closer...
I adjust the front mech (2x10, Deore M6000) as close as possible to the outer chainring and spend lots of time "adjusting" the front mech. Rear mech has the "clutch thing". Chain drops are history for me...- also going very fast over pretty rough stuff.
No idea if the adjustment as shown in your picture would change this...
Give it a couple test rides! Depends a bit onto the frame design if an chain drop is really an "dangerous" issue or not.
“I just don’t seem able to wear them out“
Think you’re wrong there mate, that ring wore out a long time ago!
The middle and granny rings are Deore steel and nigh on indestructible; paired with an equally indestructible KMC chain I just don’t seem able to wear them out
😮. They are worn out!
It will work, you will have more chance of the chain falling off the outside of the big ring.
As mentioned above there is a good chance the chain will bounce off the big chainring on bumpy ground.
My Whyte 29c did it a lot and it was worse as it would jam as well. Stupid direct mount block was too high. Changed to a Shimano xt mech which was 2mm lower and it was fine
If you are not going to change that inner ring do not change the chain either unless you are related to a dentist
bigyan beat me too it, it'll fall off the big ring.
Think you’re wrong there mate, that ring wore out a long time ago!
I bet the chain isn't even slipping yet, lots of life left in that.
It’s because it’s a 26in front mech and you’ve put it on a 29er.
The greater BB drop screws up the angle between the seat tube and chainstays.
Maybe dicking about with EBB (forward and up) would help though.
Thanks for the thoughts, I'll nudge up the BBB a bit just to be safe.
I bet the chain isn’t even slipping yet, lots of life left in that.
Nope, no slipping and the chain still doesn't register .75 wear on my chain checker but I've clearly I've not been paying enough attention to my drivechain so I'll get a new middle ring.
It’s because it’s a 26in front mech and you’ve put it on a 29er.
I had no idea such things existed; what happens if I pop 650b wheels on then?
Out of interest, at some point I'll upgrade to a double, I assume that a double front mech will have more clearance due to the fact that it won't need to accomodate a granny ring?
I've tweaked the BB slightly so hopefully it'll work acceptably.