Bicycle Mechanics - Replacing Crankset

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byrd48
08-01-12, 08:02 AM
HI,
I'm looking to replace a 28/38/48 crankset with a 22/32/42. My front derailleur is top mounted, clamped to the seatpost, bottom swing, top pull. Since the tooth differential between the smallest and largest chainwheel is the same, could I assume that the FD would still work, but that I would need to unclamp it and slide it down (and possibly install a longer cable)? I'm sticking with the same brand (Altus). The current one is approx 1993 year model.
Thanks,
Jon

GordoTrek
08-01-12, 08:24 AM
yes, outside of installing a new cable you should be fine, be prepared to readjust the fd though
byrd48
08-01-12, 09:43 AM
Oh, and maybe take a link or two out of the chain?

Bill Kapaun
08-01-12, 11:42 AM
The FDER cages for the smaller ringed cranksets have a smaller radius, but your FDER should still work OK.
It just might not shift quite as well as before.
dsbrantjr
08-01-12, 01:05 PM
Oh, and maybe take a link or two out of the chain?

Yes, but don't just remove some links. Size the chain per the usual methods and gently shift into the big-big combo on the bench to ensure that the chain is long enough before riding the bike. I like this method: http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain