Replace chainring or freewheel?
05-20-13, 09:38 AM
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Replace chainring or freewheel?
Hi guys,
wanted to gear higher than my current set up which is 42:17. Would the easier route be to replace my chainring or the freewheel? would i need a longer chain as well?
Thanks in advance.
wanted to gear higher than my current set up which is 42:17. Would the easier route be to replace my chainring or the freewheel? would i need a longer chain as well?
Thanks in advance.
05-20-13, 09:41 AM
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easier/cheaper to change the rear i think. i was thinking of doing the same. i run a 38/16 right now and want to go to 38/18. not sure if my chain is long enough for it though.
05-20-13, 10:20 AM
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Cheaper usually to change to a smaller freewheel. Some like the aesthetics better with a larger chainring though.
If you change the freewheel, you'll likely need to shorten the chain. If you change the ring, you'll likely need to lengthen the chain.
If you change the freewheel, you'll likely need to shorten the chain. If you change the ring, you'll likely need to lengthen the chain.
05-20-13, 10:53 AM
#4
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Probably cheaper to just swap out the freewheel. If you get one with about the same sized larger cog, you can avoid having to mess with also changing your Rear Derailler. So if have 17-28, look for a 14-28 replacement. To avoid buying tools for one time need, recommend taking your bike to a local bike shop and have them provide or order the freewheel and put it on for you.
05-20-13, 11:02 AM
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Probably cheaper to just swap out the freewheel. If you get one with about the same sized larger cog, you can avoid having to mess with also changing your Rear Derailler. So if have 17-28, look for a 14-28 replacement. To avoid buying tools for one time need, recommend taking your bike to a local bike shop and have them provide or order the freewheel and put it on for you.
Anyways, I would go larger on the chainring if you have the clearance -- slightly more efficient to use larger sprockets. Chainrings are really easy to change.
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05-20-13, 11:32 AM
#7
Your cog is slipping.
You'll need a freewheel removal tool. Go figure.
05-20-13, 06:58 PM
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Although replacing the freewheel is cheaper, single cog freewheels are usually only available down to 15T, unless you get a metric BMX freewheel (which would require a BMX hub as well).
05-20-13, 09:12 PM
#12
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A 15t cog is getting small. It will work, after all geared bikes have smaller sprockets. That doesn't mean that the chain likes them worth a crap.
Keep your 17t and go up in front. 44 or something. A gear calculator will give you a very good idea of how far to go.
Keep your 17t and go up in front. 44 or something. A gear calculator will give you a very good idea of how far to go.
