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View Full Version : how small can you get?

akelman
09-05-2005, 02:10 PM
Hello all:

I currently run a record aluminum crankset with a 39-53 set up. I'd love to switch to compact at some point, but I don't have the money right now, nor will I for some time. So here are my questions: First, how small are the smallest rings that will work well on my standard Campy Record crankset? Second, where do I get the small front rings that I covet for these cranks? Third, and finally, is there any downside to moving away from my time-honored 39-53 rings? I almost never use the big ring (I'm weak, weak, and weak, not to mention chicken legged), and the small could stand to be a bit smaller, particularly if the big weren't so huge.

Thanks for your consideration.

Ari
ergott
09-05-2005, 02:19 PM
The smallest you can get is a 38 (not worth buying if you have a 39). You could sell the Record crank and get a good aluminum compact from ebay with no money out of pocket.
akelman
09-05-2005, 02:29 PM
Okay, a 38 may not be worth it. But what about the big ring? How much smaller than 53 can one go?

Thanks,

Ari
ergott
09-05-2005, 02:39 PM
Okay, a 38 may not be worth it. But what about the big ring? How much smaller than 53 can one go?

Thanks,

Ari
http://harriscyclery.net/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1728&Catalog=39&sort=Price

PS I have no affiliation with them.
Louis
09-05-2005, 02:45 PM
http://harriscyclery.net/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1728&Catalog=39&sort=Price

PS I have no affiliation with them.

Another Shedon Brown goodie:

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/chainrings.html
ergott
09-05-2005, 02:49 PM
oops. You have Record which has 135 BCD. Make sure you know that when shopping.
ergott
09-05-2005, 03:02 PM
Here's the first thing Google found.

http://www.parker-international.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/1073/groupID/3/categoryID/45/v/075ea8e6-3693-45cf-a22c-0c3a8df94cbd
ShockTreatment
09-05-2005, 03:15 PM
I'm running a 50t chainring on the outside of my Campy 135mm BCD crankset on my road bike. These are fairly common, and it's about as small as I can use with a brazed on front derailleur boss.

On my cross bike, I run a 39-44 (also Campy). The 44 was designed to be an inner ring, but works fine on the outside.