Chainstay clearance
 

Hello,

So I have recently built up an '80s bianchi road bike into a fixed gear. I got a lot of the parts from friends and used parts bins, etc. Basically, I built it up with crap parts and now I am starting to upgrade some stuff. First thing to upgrade: cranks.

Right now, I am running a 40t chainring on some old Shimano Exage cranks. I have a 107mm bottom bracket so I was going to TRY and reuse this if at all possible. Luckily, it appears that one crank works with this size bottom bracket and I really like it and it is in my price range. The Andel crank says it is supposed to go with a 107mm bottom bracket. Here is my question:

If they recommend a 107mm bottom bracket for this crank (46t, fyi), should I have a problem with chainstay clearance on a conversion bike? If I am using the recommended size BB with the crank, does that usually mean there will be no chainstay clearance problems w/ the chainring? This chainring is much bigger than the one I currently have (6 more teeth) so I am concerned that it might cause a problem. Any insight is welcomed and appreciated. The rear dropouts of my conversion are spaced at 126mm if that matters.

How much room is there now between the chainring and the chainstay?

You should definitely be ok. I was paranoid about this when I ordered the 46t IRO crankset when I was stepping up from 40t on my conversion as well. There should be plenty of room for clearance as long as youre using the appropriate BB

Yeah, I am using the spindle length that they specify, so if anything goes wrong, I'll point the finger at Andel (whoever they may be) ;)

Uhmm its kind of hard to say...I guess there's like 3mm room right now? How much difference in total diameter do you think a 46t chainring is from a 40t chainring? I can't seem to find this info anywhere and the only info I can find on diameters is BCD

Just so you know, you really aren't going to feel much of a difference between those Andels and your current Exages. So unless the Exage crankset is close to failure (hairline cracks/etc) or you just don't like how look, they really aren't worth replacing.

What do you have for wheels/tires? That's where you'll really feel $100 in upgrade money, assuming you spend it correctly.

Well, I got the Exage crankset from a friend for free and it was silver so I spray painted it black to match my bike. So yeah, I messed that up and it's really ugly. I mainly want a new crank because I think it will look better, but I also think it will probably be better for performance. I am running the cheapest wheelset on the internet. Ben's cycle Alex DH22 laced to generic high flange hub.

I was thinking of spending the money to get celeste DP18s to match the Bianchi bike, but I thought my money would be better spent on brakes, bullhorns, pedals, clips, crank. Am I wrong? I know I need brakes and bullhorns and pedals

..

*bows head in shame*

sh1t. You got me. In my defense, I ONLY succumbed to the colored Deep Vs once I saw these celeste ones that would match my bianchi decals on a frame that is otherwise completely black. I still agree that it is kind of a cheap way to get color into a bike, but with this Bianchi bike, it seems like it would look classy.

do as i say not as i do. thats what i keep trying to tell people! haha

i hope it comes out well for you!