Chainrings & Compatibility

person Posted By: Allbike list In: Technically speaking On:
Chainrings & Compatibility

All about chainrings and how to choose for your bike.

Toothed plates are essential components of a bicycle drivetrain and are coupled to the cranks of the chainset. The perfect match improves the user's performance by maximising and boosting their power.

Number of teeth of the chainring, how to choose?

The choice of the number of teeth depends on the type of use, as we may need more speed or less effort with more torque. Usually for urban or back road use, the number of teeth is higher to reach higher speeds and reach greater distances in less time, while when we talk about mountain bikes where the terrain has more elevation, a plate with a lower number of teeth can apply more torque with less effort which makes obstacles easier to overcome.

Compatibilities and their importance!

We start with the chain, where the size of the chain varies according to the number of gears in the transmission, and the teeth of the chainrings are designed to match the chain perfectly. When you want to use a 9-speed chain on an 11-speed chainring, you will have a bad result. Always keep this factor in mind so that you have a great experience with your bike. Monitoring the wear of the chain with some frequency and replacing it whenever it is in minimum condition will ensure a longer life of the chainring teeth which are the replacement factor for this component.

PCD, bolt circle diameter, what is it?

The BCD refers to the distance between the mounting screws of the pedal plate. It is mandatory to be sure which hole your pedalboard has, whether 4 or 5 holes, and the respective measurement between them.

Where do you usually find 4-hole plates?

The most popular sizes are 96, 104, 110mm on all types of bikes, and at the moment they provide a more balanced distribution of forces and therefore the most used by manufacturers today.

How to measure the bcd on a 4-hole dish?

prato pedaleiro 4 furos

Measure the distance (in mm) between the centre of one bolt and the centre of the opposite bolt. This value will be BCD.

In the case of the 5 holes we can find mostly in older model road bikes, although there are brands of components that in carbon pedals keep the five-hole drilling, thus maintaining its prevalence.

How to measure the bcd on a 5 hole plate?

Prato pedaleiro 5 furos

Measure the distance (in mm) between the centre of one bolt and the centre of the nearest bolt and multiply this value by 1.701 to get the BCD.

Direct Mount Plates, a future in the present.

Direct Mount plates have a direct connection to the centre of the pedalboard axle, without the need to obey drilling rules. The simplicity of their replacement allows the user to easily change the plate depending on the terrain they are going to face. Direct mounting offers a more direct transfer of power and greater rigidity.

Some very small dishes that would not be possible on traditional screw systems can be manufactured for Direct Mount systems.

Direct Mount Compatibility.

prato bicicleta direct mount

Direct mount systems are specific to each brand of pedalboard. The mounting design varies from brand to brand, where for example Shimano direct mount plates are not compatible with Sram pedals. Some brands use a threaded clamping system and others use a toothed clamping system. Direct Mount Installation and Removal Whilst replacing DM chainrings may be quicker in theory, please note that you will need a specific tool depending on the brand of rider.

What is the Offset on chainrings?

The offset of a chainring refers to the lateral displacement in relation to the centre plane of the crankset. This offset is especially important on bikes with wider rear thru-axles (such as 142mm or 148mm) and single chainring drivetrains, as it affects the chainline.

Why is Offset important?

Chainline: An ideal chainline allows the chain to move smoothly between the front chainring and rear cogs without extreme angling. An improper offset can result in an inadequate chainline.

Clearance: The correct offset ensures that there is sufficient clearance between the chainring and the bike frame to prevent any contact. Wear and Efficiency: A chainline that is as direct as possible reduces premature component wear and improves drivetrain efficiency.

Important Considerations about Offset on chainrings

Boost vs. Non-Boost, rear thru-axle pattern that has a direct relationship to the offset of the direct mount platter.

Offset is usually measured in millimetres (mm) and represents the distance the turntable is offset based on the centre plane of the pedalboard. For example, an offset of 3mm means that the platter is offset 3mm outwards from the centre plane of the pedalboard.

Additional drivetrain compatibilities:

Front derailleur compatibility: When wanting to change the size of the larger chainring, you will need to consider the compatibility with the front derailleur, in the case of doubles and triples, due to. -Chain spacing: We've talked about this before, but we can't remind you enough that you should always respect the number of gears in your drivetrain.

Chainring compatibility: Fixation, brands, material and design, always take these aspects into account.

Compatibility with the transmission and rear ratio: To avoid problems with adjustments, always respect the capacities of the derailleurs and this is determined by the number of maximum teeth and their capacities.

Remember, when buying a chainring for your bike, in addition to the BCD, it is important to check the number of teeth, the number of holes and the compatibility with the chain.

Maintenance

Regularly inspect the chainring teeth and if you notice excessive wear, have them replaced. Always keep the chain clean and lubricated to protect the other components, especially the chainrings.

Consult the specifications provided by the manufacturer where they usually provide all the important information on compatibility.

If you have any doubts and are unsure of your choice, please contact us, we are happy to help you find the solution and to help you have the best experience with your bike.

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