Downsize outer chainring

[pclay]

Hi,

I recently got a CX bike with 35mm slicks and it has a compact double on the front 50/34. I am find that I spend most of my time on the 34 front ring due to the bike weight and big tyres.

The chainset is shimano FC-R565, and I was wondering if I could swap the outer chainring for something like a 46 tooth? The shimano data sheet suggest I can change the ring. Anyone have recommendation on what to get and where from? Any links appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Gravity Aided]

What sort of riding are you doing?
How long have you been riding?
Narrower tires may help, or a smaller chainring. But that leads to other considerations.

 

[howdenbiker]

My Calver CX has a 48 outer ring and that is perfectly ok for most situations, I use it more than the 34 inner. The bike is not light so probably much like yours. The gear set is Shimano 105 {2 x 10}

 

[MikeW-71]

My Giant CX has 48/34 rings, and it's a Shimano chainset, so you should easily be able to swap the 50 for a 48

 

[fossyant]

Dont change anything. Get fitter first.

 

[DRHysted]

I must admit I have changed the outer chain ring on my boardman cx, I think I went for a 46. I mainly did it to enable me to use more of the cassettes ratios, and try to lose a flat spot (one jump that is too high to grunt, and to low to spin comfortably). I do now use most of the cassette more of the time, but I still don't have that sweet spot.

My chainset is an FSA so I just bought a new outer of the same BCD, unbolted the old one and bolted on the new one.

 

[slowmotion]

I can't advise on the specifics, but Spa Cycles is the place to go if you are searching for chainrings. Google them.
BTW, changing the outer chainring is usually a doddle.

 

[pclay]

I am used to riding a lighter road bike regularly topping 100 miles per week. with this cx bike I am constantly on the granny ring. Rear casette is 12-27 and was thinking that by replacing the chainring I might use more of the casette. Never used a gear higher than 50 front and about half way on the rear.

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

Spa sell Stronglight chainrings that fit Shimano compacts, about £10 the last time I bought one. Dropping from 50 to 46 may require you to drop the front mech slightly.

 

[Venod]

Why not get one of these & save the 50/34 for when you get fitter.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...gclid=CKqggsjSmsMCFQcewwodx6AAkQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

And if you are going to do that, you could drop the inner ring to 28, say.

Not sure that a Shimano compact will take less than a 34

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Hi,

I recently got a CX bike with 35mm slicks and it has a compact double on the front 50/34. I am find that I spend most of my time on the 34 front ring due to the bike weight and big tyres.

The chainset is shimano FC-R565, and I was wondering if I could swap the outer chainring for something like a 46 tooth? The shimano data sheet suggest I can change the ring. Anyone have recommendation on what to get and where from? Any links appreciated.

Thanks

What an odd combination of gears for a CX.

Just contact Spa Cycles as already suggested in #8 and they will sort you out a 46T outer. Some chainrings need a special (cheap) tool to enable you to undo the chainring bolts.

At the same time you may want to consider changing the cassette too.

I run 46/34 and 12-30 on my CX and it is perfect for me.