Bicycle Mechanics - size of mtb middle chain rings

Ok having a debate here . with a non cyclist

to get it all straight.

What are the sizes of middle chain rings for MTB. just want to make sure i have it correct
thanks

Should the middle ring be around 32 teeth?

I hope i am corrected.

Standard Drive, Compact? 2x 10 doesn't even have a middle, would go for about 6 inch / 15cm if talking to a non cycling

32, 34, 36 and 38 are all very common. Which is best depends on other considerations, including the size of the outer ring and cassette. I like to keep the steps nearer to 10 teeth, so 24/34/44, or 24/34/44 make more sense to me. If I go to a bigger step, it'll be between the middle and inner as in 24/36/46.

The way I prefer to set up the gearing using a 32 middle would limit me to a 42 outer, which is a bit small for long shallow downhills.

But that's just me. Everybody needs to pick chainring sizes and cassettes suited to how and where they ride, and there is no one best way for everybody.

I've had 26/38/48 and 22/32/42 and several others in between. The former being common on bikes with 14 tooth small cogs on a freewheel and the latter being common on cassettes with an 11T cog.

I think my ideal setup as far as gear range is concerned would be 12T small cog and 24/36/48. Dunno how the shifting would be, though.

32 teeth is a common size.

Be sure to get a chain ring that matches your bolt circle diameter and number of crank arms.

I wanna know how one gets into a debate with a non-cyclist concerning middle ring tooth counts!

I wanna know how one gets into a debate with a non-cyclist concerning middle ring tooth counts!

Great question.... I know many road riders that do not know what gearing they ride.

I wanna know how one gets into a debate with a non-cyclist concerning middle ring tooth counts!

Three beers on a boring night.