Almost There!

burris · 07-20-14, 08:36 AM

I have the "Next" La Jolla walmart cruiser. It has an aluminum frame and is decent for what it is, but it being a single speed, the gear is way way too tall for my liking.

I'd like to put the smallest tooth front sprocket on i it can find. I'm not very mechanically inclined - to say the least. I may decide to leave well enough alone.

I can't see how one would even remove the crank arm to get to the sprocket nor do i know what tool(S) would be used. Please advise.

Bill Kapaun · 07-20-14, 08:59 AM

Picture of the crank so we can see what it is?????

FBinNY · 07-20-14, 10:44 AM

You have to look at the type of crank and see if the chainring is separate. Most designs do have detachable rings, but certainly not all. Even so, there may not be availability of a smaller ring to fit. The better option may be to use a larger sprocket in back. These are usually less expensive, and easier to swap out (not always). The only drawback of enlarging the rear sprocket is that it'll need a longer chain, so that adds to the expense.

LesterOfPuppets · 07-20-14, 11:20 AM

Just get a big crescent wrench for the lock ring and flat screwdriver for the cone.

Sprocket probably held on with another lockring. Post picks of that after pulling the crank if you're stuck there. If sprocket not removable you may need different crank, but they're cheap.

Look up one piece crank at Park Tool for removal tips

burris · 07-20-14, 12:49 PM

LesterOfPuppets · 07-20-14, 01:37 PM

Oops. 3 pc crankset. You need a crankpuller. Kinda doubt the chainring is replaceable. Will likely need to replace right crankarm, possibly bottom bracket in order to get smaller chainring.

How many teeth on stock chainring?

AnkleWork · 07-20-14, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burris

Where's the chainring?

Bill Kapaun · 07-20-14, 01:44 PM

Well, we have pics of 1/2 the sides we need.
Is the chain ring bolted or riveted to the crank spider?

burris · 07-20-14, 01:44 PM

42 i think

burris · 07-20-14, 01:47 PM

actually i took 7 pics of both sides and other 5 including all of other side were too large to post here (not sure how that works and how i control pic file size) i can't see any bolts on chain ring - of course the chainguard limits viewing somewhat

garage sale GT · 07-20-14, 01:47 PM

If it's a coaster brake bike it would be a lot easier just to change the rear sprocket. You drive off a split ring, slide the old sprocket off, put on the new one, and replace the clip.

There are three splines inside a coaster brake sprocket corresponding to grooves in the hub which you can see if you look just outside the split ring which retains the sprocket.

The split ring which retains the sprocket is just a split metal ring which rests in a semicircular groove cut into the hub. Carefully pry it off with an old dull screwdriver. Wear eye protection because it's very springy and can fly off.

burris · 07-20-14, 01:51 PM

it is indeed a coaster brake - I'll consider that end - the front sounds too complex for me

NormanF · 07-20-14, 02:42 PM

A bike shop should be able to perform the work. New bottom bracket and new crankset/chainring.

Good luck.

FBinNY · 07-20-14, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burris

it is indeed a coaster brake - I'll consider that end - the front sounds too complex for me

See post No. 3