F4UX3/2

So I wanted to buy (or rather rescue) a cheap used fixie and turn it into something I could use at the track.

Just like my start with road bikes I bought something that I, knowing nothing about what I needed, decided looked like it would be good. I got a great deal on a used specialized langster thinking it's aluminum so it should be stiff and sugino cranks are supposed to be good right? Anyway I was going to order a 50t chain ring tonight and found out that unless I want to switch to a 3/32 chain and rear cogs pretty much everything that big and designed to be used on the track was 144 bcd.

can you convert 130 cranks to accept a 144 ring I couldn't find anything on the subject, or do I just need new cranks

thanks

Eric Estlund 

No adapter, but TA offers up to 52t 1/8 130bcd rings.

F4UX3/2

awesome thanks

I also just realized that I could go up to about 85 gear inches with the stock 42t and a 13t cog, which is considerably cheaper and will at least get me through the beginner clinics.

carleton

I'm not sure if you know this, but you will "grow" into bigger gears as the season progresses.

42/14 is exactly the same ratio as 48/16, which is the gear you will likely train on in the beginner classes and race with for the beginning of the season. This gear will probably become your warm up gear throughout the season.

When you are ready, your race gear will be the 42/13 which is the same as a 48/15. You'll probably race on that for most of the season.

Towards the last 1/3 of the season, you might grow out of the 42/13 but not be ready for a 12 yet, that's when you start fine tuning your gears with maybe a 43 or a 44.

So, for right now, all you need is a 14t cog for the beginner classes and the first few race days. Then buy a 13t. Before you go and buy chainrings, consider moving to 144BCD if you have the budget for it.

Also, go 1/8". 1/8" is the track standard. 3/32" is the exception to the rule.

fatallightning

there are plenty of nice 130bcd rings, TA, stronglight, sugino, etc.

F4UX3/2

thanks guys

I ordered a 13 and 14 as I usually spin 50 x 15-17 in a flat crit and those come close to the top and bottom of that range, a friend is giving me a 48t 130bcd chain ring and 16t cog as well so I'll be well on my way to a quiver of gears.

lotek 

not as effed as my 151BCD cranks.

Ray R

My fixed gear road bike has pre-1968 Campagnolo cranks with a 151 bcd. I currently have a 49 (which came with the cranks, found in the garage of an 80 year old former track rider) and a 45 which I found in Belgium on eBay. I am running 3/32" however. You may have more difficulty finding 1/8" but I'll bet there is some pre-'68 Campy stuff out there as well. Keep searching eBay!

bikejack

Stronglight and TA both have a range of 130 1/8 chainrings. I have several of the Stronglights no problems and cheaper than the 144's available.