I have an SRAM 2×10 S1000 crankset (the OEM version of X5 I believe) with 38/24 chainrings. Is there any reason why I shouldn’t replace just the inner chainring with a 22T version, to give me a lower granny gear? I’m thinking about something like this:

https://www.evanscycles.com/truvativ-4-bolt-64mm-bcd-chainring-EV208054?lsft=esvt:55116-GOUKE,esvq:,esvadt:999999-0-1223814-1,esvcrea:189744290056,esvplace:,esvd:c,esvtg:pla-309667313955,esvo:EV208054-22-BLK,esvaid:50080&esvt=55116-GOUKE&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-1223814-1&esvcrea=189744290056&esvplace=&esvd=c&esvtg=pla-309667313955&esvo=EV208054-22-BLK&esvaid=50080&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5tbirbX-3QIVGed3Ch16wQcEEAQYBCABEgK37PD_BwE

Many thanks for any advice on this one.

That would work fine. Seems expensive though, I’m sure you could get something similar for less.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/shimano-slx-fcm660-9-speed-triple-chainrings/rp-prod133425

There you go. 8 quid!

Edit. Just noticed yours is sram, not sure if they are cross compatible with Shimano.

any 64BCD 4 bolt chainring should fit, like the one davros linked. Unless there’s some kind of fiendish assymetrical bolt pattern…

I feel like I’m getting a bit obsessive about this, but aren’t chainrings speed-specific? The SRAM spare parts catalogue lists six 22T 64mm rings. On some websites, the four ‘V3’ rings are listed as 9-speed.

11.6215.188.370 CHAIN RING MTB 22T 64 S1 AL3 BLAST BLACK 10 SPEED

11.6218.023.001 CHAIN RING MTB 22T 64 STEEL MATTE BLACK 2X10 NO PIN

11.6215.188.100 CHAIN RING MTB 22T 64 V3 ALUMINUM 3MM RED

11.6215.089.000 CHAIN RING MTB 22T 64 V3 ALUMINUM HARD BLACK

11.6215.128.000 CHAIN RING MTB 22T 64 V3 ALUMINUM TUNGSTEN GREY

11.6215.064.000 CHAIN RING MTB 22T 64 V3 STEEL MATTE BLACK

Also, I read somewhere that SRAM 2x chainrings are designed to be used in specific combinations, e.g. 36-22 or 38-24. So perhaps I should replace the big ring as well?

Finally, is it better to go for steel for durability?

If my bike wasn’t in another country (where the terrain is very steep!) I could just have a look at the crankset and that would help me a great deal…

Gareth

you;re definitely over thinking it 🙂

you’ll have no problem with a 9 or 10 speed chainring and just get any brand in the material of your choice – steel lasts longer. It’s possible your front shift will not be quite a smooth with the bigger gap but try it and if its a disaster then replace the outer ring next.

Thanks for the help Joemmo, will have a crack at it and hope it goes OK!