Originally Posted by bwebel

I'm not quite getting why smaller rings would lead to more torque on the BB spindle? Bigger rings would distribute the force over more chainring teeth, but it's the same amount of force being applied by the riders...why would the torque ultimately transmitted to the spindle be different? Why would the chain tension be different when it is between the timing rings? It's a 1:1 system regardless of whether it's a 34x34 or 54x54 and the same amount of power is going into each case. I understand the greater friction, but not the rest of the effects attributed to smaller rings. What am I missing?