The bike shop told me my large chain ring is warped, but I don't need to replace it unless the noise bothers me. The noise is that during certain parts of rotation the chain will rub against the guide. Pretty loudly too. I want to replace it by ordering something online.

I recently bought this 2005 Specialized Allez Triple.

The large chainring currently says A 52, which seems to match the description on the page linked above "52Ax42Sx30S (triple)".

I'm quite certain that I need a 5-bolt, 130BCD chain ring (based on measurements and the second chain ring being labeled 130. Oh and I counted to 5, drrrr). Is there anything else I need to know before I make an order? I'm inclined to just order a fairly cheap piece for $15-$30. Anything wrong with that? I could spend a little more if necessary. Any recommendations?

Thanks

I'd be inclined to try bending it back myself, and failing that, have the LBS that was so kind to take a look to order in the right part for me.

yup

it's pretty worn too, but the other parts of the drive train are not. They had specifically mentioned replacement. Also, when I brought it in today, they said they were two weeks backed up and suggested I keep riding in the meantime.

Is it really that hard to select a chainring to spec that I need a shop to do it?

As for bending it back myself, I might give that a try.

Not really. You just need to be certain of what you have now, to get one that fits. The Bolt Circle Diameter "BCD" is the main thing.

If you are going to replace it, I'm in the camp of just going out and buying a 5 bolt 130mm chainring... except Campy is not compatible.

On my wife's bike I swapped out a 50t FSA for a 46t SRAM with no issues. She is running a 30t-39t-46t and but rarely uses the 46t.

It is also a good time to decide if you like the 52t or would prefer a 50t... if you use the 52t all the time and like the gearing, then stay with the 52t.

John

In the old days, you just got a new ring with the same BCD and tooth count from any brand and you were good to go. With indexed front shifting, if you get something that has the same specs but from another brand, the ramps and pins may not line up in the same places, so the shifting may not be as "graceful."

Since Specialized spells out "52A" in the specs, I think there's a good chance that if you buy a Shimano A-type 52T ring like this guy, it'll work.

French TA makes High quality and is as good as the ones Campag makes (they use a 135mm bcd, instead of 130 any how)

130 is more widely used.

I agree with ThermionicScott.

And i'd add that some rings are stepped outboard, some are stepped inboard, and ring thickness may vary.

So...maybe order the ring, and go to niagara cycle and order a box of chainring spacers in varying thicknesses, if needed.

wait up to a month for shipment.

spend the minimum to get free shipping. Why not?

Is your shop good? What will they charge for what you get?

DIY is cool. I'm poor. I do it all myself. But, no, nothing is ever simple. You have to learn to look at the whole system.

And that is a worthwhile endeavor.

Now, on another note:

ThermionicScott, in your sig line, you say you're iso a 49t chainring.

Would this one work?


Stronglight Dural 130mm Shimano 8/9/10 Chainring, CHAINRINGS, CHAINRINGS ROAD

glad i found it, anyhow. I need some 110s. And some 135s. At some point...cause i want to play with half-steps and waltzes and things.

Edited to add: this one's in stock.

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/chainrings-chainrings-road-stronglight-zicral-130mm-shim-9-10-chainring/strochri450

please forgive the highjack, op.

You can order a ring, and it might go right on, or you may have to do some engineering. Pretty much.

49T is out of stock, why must you taunt me so?

But yeah, that would otherwise be perfect! I had held off on getting a Stronglight Dural because they're usually $30+ (to say nothing of the Zicral), and I didn't think that could be justified for such a small change from what I'm using (48T) and have on the shelf (50T). If that sounds weird, it's because I'm shooting for an exact 100" top gear for this bike.

What do you need in 110 BCD? I might have some things, if they don't have to be pretty or matchy. Let me know.

Yeah, I saw that after I posted. The zicral's in stock for 31 dollars.

As for 110 rings, I don't know yet. I have 26/36/46, so a 40 would half-step it. 38 or 39 with a 42 would work out, too.

So, i'm still scheming. Ive got 4 different freewheel combinations to play with, and i have a 7 speed freehub wheel sitting here with an 11-28 on it.

42x11 would be a nice top gear.

Right now, i'm running 46x13 on 26x1.75 tires, for a 91 inch gear. It's enough.

So, a 38/42 or a 40, or a 39, would serve well.

PM me if you want. I may have stuff to trade.

$31 ain't bad, for what one gets. How bad is the S&H to the US?

Will do!

No clue on the shipping. I've never ordered from them.

How picky are you?

1. Like Thermoniac and Homebrew said, my first inclination would be to try to bend the old chainring back. What do you have to lose? If you can't get it to work to your satisfaction you can always buy a new one.

2. Everything on a bike works together so what are you using for a shifter? If you're using some kind of friction shifter, you can pretty much plug in any 130 BCD chainring and be happy. Assuming you have a index shifter of some kind, you MIGHT need a chainring that has the pins and funny shaped teeth to match your old one before it will shift to your satisfaction.