Big chainrings on a Hightower

I’d quite like to stick a bigger chainring on the front of my mk1 Hightower but can’t work out just how big I can go.

Santa Cruz list a maximum of 34t on their website but don’t say if this is for standard or boost crank chain lines. I’d really quite like to go up to 36t and would be grateful if anyone can confirm, one way or another, if that would be possible before I buy anything.

If the manufacturer suggests a size…and you don’t like the answer, buy the one you want and try it anyway – worst case is the ring removes material from the stay (which isn’t good), but you should know if it’ll do that very quickly as you reinstall the crank.

Obviously I can’t help with any knowledge so have helpful given a rubbish answer. I’m going with 34t as that is what SC have recommended.

Also, if the rear is boost or not should give you a steer about what chain line they are talking about…

If the manufacturer suggests a size…and you don’t like the answer, buy the one you want and try it anyway – worst case is the ring removes material from the stay (which isn’t good), but you should know if it’ll do that very quickly as you reinstall the crank.

Mostly this, plus there may be an issue with chain vs tyre clearance (especially if you are using tyres that are close to the maximum specifiable).

But also it’s likely more complex than that as the geometry of the chainring affects the suspension characteristics (anti squat etc). Its probably not a huge effect, just they haven’t bothered to model it as they don’t think many people will need that gearing.

Are you really spinning out a 34-10t gear on your MTB rides?

I’m mostly trying to shift myself up the cassette a bit to see if that helps reduce the wear. A lot/all my local trails are fairly flat so it’s not often I need/use the bigger end of the cassette with a 32t chainring. I’ve already got a 34t on the hard tail and can’t really tell the difference between that and the 32t so figure bigger is worth a go if it will fit.

looks like there are 0mm sram chainrings (super boost?) which might help with frame clearance but I can’t imagine they would be doing my chain line any favours. Probably sensible to get a 34t on there for now and see how much space is left for going bigger next time round. 

Hmm, I have in the past run 34t oval rings, which would be the equivalent of 36 at the biggest points. But can’t remember if I had one on the Hightower. I’m thinking it was probably before then so not much help to you.

On most suspension bikes increasing chainring size decreases anti squat slightly. So the linkage may not perform as well under pedalling.