Bike Forums - Replacing chain rings

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Replacing chain rings

One of my bikes has a compact FSA omega crankset, 50/34. I am replacing the 34T with a 36T. I am about to mount the 36 but I realized the side with the etched tooth info looks different than the side with no etching. I certainly could me wrong but I think when I took the 34 off the crank the plain side, no etching, was facing to the outside of the crank and I could not see the tooth count when looking at the chainrings. The 50 tooth ring was definitely mounted with the T count showing. Is there a general rule about which way the ring should face? Could it be different for different manufacturers? I replaced the rings on another bike, Shimano Ultegra crankset, 53/42, and I know I could see the tooth count on both rings before I changed them out. I also believe I will need to add another link to the chain for the 36 tooth. Is that correct? Thanks, DB1.

No, there is no standard as to which way the etching is facing. But usually the chain ring bolt holes have a shallow countersink to let the bolt's flange nestle in. Also the teeth are not alwaysathe ring's centerline. So to get best tooth to tooth spacing, between the two rings, the ring might be fitted just one way. This is why when taking stuff apart when one's not familiar with stuff careful recording is important. Andy

You might be able to deduce the orientation of your old ring by the wear patterns and shifting marks on the teeth.