Originally Posted by
frostokc
Guys I get it. I don't know that much about bikes and I'm not training for the olympics. I also didn't realize how important RPMs are in cycling when I started this thread ... I've learned a lot.
Great, nothing more important than being open to learning. FYI - I was posting not only for you but for others who may think that higher gears are the solution to higher speed. Nobody tells you this stuff when you start riding or when you buy a bike.
Originally Posted by
frostokc
About the chainring upgrade, I already took it to the LBS to have the problem diagnosed. He snugged up the bottom bracket and called it good. Then I noticed the same side-to-side wander of the chainring. So he either didn't tighten the bottom bracket tight enough, the spider is bad, or the chainring needs to be replaced, from my understanding. Once I get it fixed I'll let you know.
If the cranks do not have sideplay and the chainwheel still wobbles it's not the BB. If the two chainwheels wobble at the same point then it's the spider, if only one wobbles its that chainwheel. It's really just a process of logic and elimination.
If the chainwheel wobbles only when riding make sure they check the fixed cup for tightness. It can be loose enough to shift under pedaling pressure but yet not be noticed on the stand. With your bike not moving try standing hard on one pedal and then turn the cranks so the other pedal is down and do the same. If the fixed cup is loose you will feel a shift/clunk.