What do I need to put a bigger chainring on my single speed?
It's an old XT crank maybe yeah 2003 ish,4 bolt, currently has a 36t E thirteen ring .
Can replace the ring without taking off the crank?
Was trying to post a photo but I'm not great at IT.
Thank you!
Yes you can normally remove the bolts on a 104mm bolt centre diameter, 4-bolt ring and shimmy the ring off over the crank arm, rotating the pedal to allow it to pass.
When you replace it, check the length of your chainring bolts. It's possible you'll replace it with a thicker ring and need longer bolts.
Worth a try. Sometimes a ring can be faffed with and you can pull it over the chainset tabs I’ve had rings where I couldn’t do that as they had too much material inside to fit over but you can only ever find that out when you try it
You might need the crank nut screwdriver thingy, to stop the retaining nuts from spinning. Sometimes you dont need it.
Ah okay, all very helpful! I'll give it a bash and hopefully do it without the tools.
And how do I know what bolt circle size I need? I see 104 mm, etc.
And can anyone recommend a decent double wide ring for single speed?
Race Face seem popular on CRC.
Thanks!
BCD should be written on the chainring somewhere.
2003 XT will be 104pcd
The model no. will be on the back of the crank arm near the pedal threads if you need to confirm
Just stick a ruler across a couple of bolt holes. Should be 104mm centre to centre.
Thanks a lot lads!!
Race Face or Hope okay?
You've got a longer chain to go on I presume.
How much bigger? Big enough that chainstay clearance might become an issue with the current chainline?