Cross bike chain set

[Matt]

I'm currently running a 38/46 chain set on my Trek and hate the gearing - really want to get back to 32/44 like I had on my old crosslight. I bought an MTB chain set though (as per old bike) and the chainset offset was miles out! I was something like 10mm outboard of where it needs to be so now I am stumped.

Do I get a road bike triple with 30/42 (the closest I can find) and remove the outer ring?

Do I buy a middleburn double MTB chainset and hope that the offset is OK?

Do I persevere with rubbish typical cross bike gearing that I hate?

Why are the offsets so non standard GGRRRRR!!!!!

Or can someone help me!!!!!!!

Cheers
Matt

[Richard Painter]

But what exactly is it you don’t like about the ‘gearing’ and could you not change the cassette to get the gearing you wish? Nice cheap option. Alternatively, I assume you wish to have specific gearing from having a 32/44, or do you just prefer smaller rings on the front?

If you want 32/44 why not just buy the rings you want from somewhere like Spa Cycles and make your own combination. They do 33 and 44 chain rings that is almost what you want; of course it also depends on what BCD you have. They also do a 32/44 chainset but the crank length is for younger riders which might indicate that such front ring combos are normally only available for that market when considering non-MTB and making your own combination, with the appropriate crank length, might be the way forward; albeit slightly expensive way forward. Spa Cycles will also sell a Stronglight chainset in the crank length of your choice with the ring combo you want.

Regards offset, all depends on bottom bracket (BB) length (or width if you prefer) and you can get them from 103 to 131mm. So why not work out what BB length you need and buy the appropriate one (really cheap option). You might find this option is not workable as you may already have a relative narrow BB.

Finally, best check the front mech will cope with a 32 as you might need to change to a triple front mech which will of course have a slightly deeper cage to allow the smaller size which is normally associated with triples and not doubles/compacts, particularly as the compacts recommend a compact compatible front mech.

Alternatively, pop along to Fred Williams who will probably solve all your problems as they sell/can get chain rings, and if they can’t, their advice is worth the trip and you can always admire the kit on display.

[Matt]

Ok think I am getting there!
After a very helpful couple of emails and phone calls to Isla I have got my head round chain lines and have bitten the bullet and ordered a middleburn duo!

I know roughly which BB I need but will wait until I get the crank through and put it on an old slave BB and then see if I can get away with a Shimano UN54 or if I am forced to pimp my ride further with something like a Royce

[Louise]

Nice!!

[pixsell]

Hey Matt, You could just have grown some legs mate........ ha haaa. You must have seen that comin!

[Matt]

Given the choice between mega bucks Royce or bargain Miche bottom brackets I went for the latter.

They get mixed reviews but for £12 we'll see how it lasts. Chain line all sorted and have been out for a ride and all working beautifully!

I went with 170mm cranks for the first time to see what they are like, the shorter length does feel different but I'm not sure if its better or not yet!

I have to say though that middleburn cranks are a beautiful bit of engineering! I went for 32/44 chainrings as this has worked in the past, think that I might try 29/42 when they wear out though with more compact block......

[Lee Roy]

Let me know how you get on with the Middleburn chainset, I'm looking for a new one and I did consider the new Middleburn HT2 version but I heard they were a little flexy.

[Matt]

Mideburn chain set running well with no problems, the quality seems a whole load better then other square taper stuff I have used.

For cross bike use I think that running 32/42 rings are optimum, will change when they get worn (hopefully not for a while!)