Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


Triple chainring to single
#1
Anyone ever switch their triple chainring down to a single? It's triathlon time again, and all three chainrings all getting in my way, and since I never get out of the biggest ring, I'm gonna take two off.

Now, my question is about chainline...Should I move the biggest ring into the middle ring's position to ensure a better chainline?

I would have just torn the damn thing apart, but I don't have time this morning, so any help would be appreciated...

Thanks folks.
Dedicated scholar of bicycles
  Reply
#2
Hm, I'd give it a try... unless you don't really use the larger sprockets in the rear, in which case you could just leave it as it is at the moment. Take it for a spin and observe how the chainline looks like when in the extreme gears on middle and largest chainring. If all gears seem accessible from the middle chain ring: mount the large chain ring on the inside of the crankset (you have to get the short stack chainring bolts). For my next OD I'll definitely need the smallest chainring, more than 15% climb on the bike course...
The main question is: Why would you do this? How heavy are the two chainrings? Even more weight could be saved by removing the left shifter (in case of STI, as those are heavy, replace it with a brake lever, otherwise the race marshals will be unhappy).
  Reply
#3
I'm not really concerned with weight so much as just keeping concentration during the triathlon, and on my last tri, I noticed I never shifted out of the large ring, and it was a hilly course.

I think I'll give it a whirl tonight.
Dedicated scholar of bicycles
  Reply
#4
Well, after a very frustrating battle with the LBS, I cut my chainring nuts down myself with a hacksaw. Not pretty, but it works. I mounted the largest chainring in the middle position, and the chainline seems good. I'll slap on the pedals and take it for a ride tomorrow.

I've always wanted a 9 speed...Big Grin
Dedicated scholar of bicycles
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
3,157
08-09-2024, 07:10 PM
Last Post: Jesper
 
90,188
01-09-2016, 12:50 AM
Last Post: Bill
 
12,266
01-24-2014, 12:51 PM
Last Post: nfmisso
 
14,171
01-02-2013, 03:29 AM
Last Post: Joe_W
 
9,106
04-13-2011, 04:12 PM
Last Post: nfmisso
 
15,358
02-23-2011, 12:00 PM
Last Post: X-RAY
 
11,794
02-13-2011, 04:31 PM
Last Post: cyclerUK

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
POLL: Are non-recumbent riders looking a...
Yesterday 12:37 PM
Rusty chain inspite of cleaning,lubing
Yesterday 07:19 AM
New rider — happy to be here
Yesterday 05:01 AM
How did your cycling start?
06-10-2025 08:01 PM
What happened to Hövding?
06-09-2025 01:42 PM
"There's been better times
06-09-2025 10:41 AM
Is anyone riding with music?
06-09-2025 12:46 AM
Good morning form Alberta CA
06-08-2025 10:49 PM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
06-08-2025 04:31 PM
The great thing about trikes
06-08-2025 09:21 AM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Criminal
26 posts
no avatar 2. rydabent
19 posts
no avatar 3. GirishH
17 posts
no avatar 4. Flowrider
11 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
10 posts