I've ordered a cinelli vigorelli which comes at 48x17. I know at least for a good while I won't be comfortable so I'm going to order 44 I think.

Will a chain ring fit or would I have to buy the full crank set?

You can just swap out the chainring for a 44t having the appropriate bcd (bolt circle diameter). What crankset is it?

However, 44/17 is going to suck.

You can change the chainring only, provided it has the same bolt circle diameter (bcd) as the crank arm. If it is a track crank, then the bcd is probably 144mm.

The chainset with it is Miche Primato 48t. So as long as the chainring I order is a 5 hole fixture I should ok to swop it straight out?

My plug is 42/18 which is really nice to ride but the speed I get is not all that great. I figured move to a 44 would be a good start and was hoping the 17 on the back wouldn't make too much of a difference. Or being smaller would it make it nearer to 42/18 anyway? Or is that the other way round lol it would be slightly harder still?

Did you read my previous post or TT's post?

You will need a 144bcd chainring for the Miche crankset.

I can't even imagine riding a bike geared 42/18. I think I could walk faster.

Yeah it's a breeze but it's just my get about really and too and from work with some gradual hills. But looking to work a little harder and get my gearing up

Just make sure it is 144mm bcd.

Just been looking at a few on wiggle.

Thanks for your help.

Btw 144bcd. JIC.

PSA: 144bcd.

My fixed daily driver is a 49:15. No way I could ride 42:18.

42:18 is dumb. Did it once for kicks and immediately switch back. I don't need to pedal 100rpm just at 15mph.

OP, why not just get an 18t cog? I think it's better to have a few cogs to work with that 48 chainring.

#144bcd