I've got an old Shimano FC-M452 crank with the bio-space rings. They're pretty worn. I like the cranks just fine even though they're old. I'm assuming it will accept round chainrings. It's a 5 bolt. The BDC is 110 and I'd like to put on 22-32-44, or thereabouts.

Any reason I can't (or shouldn't) put new rings on it (as opposed to getting a new modern crankset package)? ---A recommendation for a source of the rings?

If it matters, the bike is a 2011 Jamis Coda, When I bought it I removed the crappy cranks that came stock and put on the better-quality old cranks. I've been riding it on a regular basis ever since. Figured there's no reason the Coda wouldn't double as a touring bike with the right gears on it.



Thanks,

You can easily replace the rings. Sugino makes high quality rings or if you are looking cheap, Dimension has you covered. Potentially though it might cost a bit of cash and you may consider looking at a new crank like say a Sugino ALPINA2 Triple or if you want to modern it up then a shimano MTB hollowtech II crank would work great and you can still find some nice stuff in triple and it would certainly be nicer than the current crank.

When you do switch from Italian BioPacé rings you will need to readjust your front derailleur because it will need to be much lower.

With the desired chainring combo you'll need to get a new crankset. Typical 110bcd triple crankset has a 74bcd for the small ring, which has a lower limit of 24t.

There are several sources for chainrings with a 110mm BCD. Compact doubles often use the 110mm BCD. One place to look is at Vuelta but there are others as well. These rings are round. And, as zze86 points out, you aren't likely to be able to go to a 22 tooth inner.

Astoundingly, if you search "110mm BCD Biopace chainrings", you can even find lots of NOS biopace rings...weird!

One note of caution, however, a whole ring set is not cheap in any size. For the Vuelta, you are going to be paying around $100 for 3 rings. That's significantly on the way to the cost of a new crank set...perhaps more. A new external bottom bracket Deore 44/34/22 9 speed crank can be had for from $75 to $110.

Yes, bike assembly factories do not buy chainrings separately,
they buy whole cranksets,

that is why chainrings cost more , bought separately,
the market is so much smaller,

Retail, each, not OEM.. by the millions .

for you are looking for a 4 bolt MTB Crank 104, 64 BCD..

110 OTOH minimum 34t, 74 min 24t..







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Rings on my PHT went south after seven years of touring, "gravel grinding" and commuting/errands, my LBS found me a matching set of RaceFace rings. IIRC. 46-36-24. I really liked going from the 48 to the 46 because most of my commuting/errand miles are on fairly flat ground. The smaller big ring allows me to spread the love amongst more of the smaller cassette cogs that I didn't use as much with the 48.

Sounds like the practical thing to do is replace the bottom bracket and crankset.

Thank you all for the advice.

I ended up having the crank arm pedal threads strip out on me earlier this year on, I believe the same crank arm, trying to find a replacement for it is a joke. Pretty much you would be better off going for a new crankset. I know, whenever I get around to it, that's what I will end up doing.

Indy, this statement really made me smile, very cute and also very accurate!

I actually have thought the same thing with using the mtb crank on my Troll, 44/32/22.
I really noticed how compared to other cranksets, I pretty much use all three chainrings and all of the cogs on my cassette in any days ride, and while there are probably cogs that get used more often or a larger percentage of the time, I really do feel that the wear is being spread out much better with the crankset.
Im talking riding the bike all loaded up.

Thanks. Because the bike sees a lot of commuting/errand action on mostly consistent terrain, I kept wearing out one specific cog faster than the others. My normal go-to gear in the city. And it doesn't help that you are constantly stopping/slowing and speeding up again due to traffic control devices.

I think some people who don't use their touring bikes for daily riding don't understand how big-city riding can take its toll on parts. Brake pads are another great example. I am often hitting the brakes every 250'-500' to at least slow down, if not stop completely, when riding in the city.

My (85~97) Touring bike did not have the latest drivetrain parts,
30 years back I got steel chainrings.. they last longer than aluminum,

For my Koga WTR, I got a Surly Stainless steel chainring,
only one since It's an IGH [14 speed. (the R)]





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