42-32-22 to 48-38-22

[Andy clarke]

Will I just have to adjust the front mech, or will I need a new one and chain. I've had a look round and seem to be getting mixed answers!! Has any one done this?? As I cannot afford a new bike

 

[arch684]

you will have to raise the front mech and adjust it and also fit a longer chain. I indexed the rear mech while I was at it anyway

 

[Bodhbh]

Like arch684 said, you'll need a longer chain and probably move the front mech. I ran that setup for a while with a regular deore MTB mech and it worked fine. I didn't like the mahoosive shift between 38 and 22 much tho - too much - it always felt like the chain had come off.

 

[Cubist]

Yep

Just move the front mech up the downtube so that the cage sits about 3mm above the chainring teeth on the big ring.

What cassette do you have? As above, the drop into a 22t granny may be a bit severe. You can get 24t or even 26 inner ring if the cassette will allow you a low enough gear, and check the capacity of the rear mech while you're at it.

 

[Andy clarke]

Sorry it's 48-38-28

 

[Andy clarke]

It's an 8sp on the rear should I go for a 9speed chain?

 

[raleighnut]

Sorry it's 48-38-28

That sounds a bit better.

 

[Andy clarke]

My mistake lol

 

[ayceejay]

Not vital statistics then

 

[Andy clarke]

No

 

[ColinJ]

I have just put a 48/38/28 triple on my Cannondale road bike and find the relatively small steps between the rings really pleasing compared to the bigger steps on my other road bike which has 52/39/26.

I had to move my mech the other way, down a few mm. It works perfectly, and it isn't even designed for a triple!