Another chainset question

[pubrunner]

One of my older bikes (c.1973) is rather (for me) highly geared. The chainset has an outer ring of 52 teeth and an inner of 48. At the rear, there is a 5 speed cassette group, of which the largest is 22.

I'd like to use the bike more, but it is hard work in my local area, I never get to use the outer ring.

The bike is exceptionally smooth riding and the chainset seems to have had very little wear. The chainset only has 3 bolts (each 9cm apart) - I've never seen another like it - does this mean I won't be able to change the inner ring ? The position of the bolts allows plenty of space for a smaller inner ring - if I can find one !

The chainset has the letters 'maxy' upon it and on the inside of the crank are the numbers 171 then a slight gap then 41-5. The 'plate' on the front of the crankshaft says Sugino or Subino (I think) Japan. I've never heard of this make and fully expect to be told it is a right pile of youknowwhat, but it is a very pleasant bike to ride.

Should I just get a new chainset/crankshaft or can I obtain that elusive 3 bolt inner chainring ?

Thank you for any advice

 

[Chuffy]

Hmmm, Sugino are a well known manufacturer of chainsets, cranks and the like. The 171 is probably the length of the cranks (which is odd in itself as cranks are normally 170, 172.5 or 175 long). It does sound as if the bike has very high gearing. The cluster of sprockets at the back is a screw-on freewheel, not a cassette. You might have more luck tracking down a larger freewheel with a 25t sprocket, which will help somewhat and might be easier than finding the elusive three bolt chainring. HubJub are an online emporium specialising in niche parts, mainly for the fixie brigade, but they do deal in Sugino parts and are very nice chaps. They might be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck!

 

[zimzum42]

Also try SJS Cyles (sjscycles.co.uk or .com or whatever)

They stock loads of odd oldskool parts.....

 

[Chuffy]

Dropping '3 bolt chainring' into Google brings up a few selections. Try this link to Chainreaction Cycles and look for the Middleburn rings (about half way down the page). Of course you will need to know the bolt circle diameter to be sure that it will fit. If it does then there's a 42t Middleburn ring with your name on it.

 

[02GF74]

haven't you or someone else asked this before? (I seem to recall the 3 bolt chain ring thing).

If the bottom bracket uses a square tape, then I woudl fit a new chain set; I;d be surprised if t he middleburn rings are compativle with componetnes on a 30+ year old bike but you never know....

 

[pubrunner]

'Thank you' to all those who have responded on this thread.

I've decided to go for a new chainset; I can't afford a new Campagnolo Chorus, but a Chorus 04 can be had for only £49.99. This is about 1/4 the price of the latest Chorus - has it improved so much ???

I'm also considering a Campagnolo Centaur 07 chainset for £104.99 and then there is the Shimano 105 with Hollowtech II for £76.99. At the risk of re-hashing previous 'arguments', I'd be interested in opinions of any of these. . .

. . . . . . .

Is the Campagnolo Chorus 04 £49.99 noticeably 'inferior' to the Campagnolo Chorus 07 which is £219.9 ? If not, isn't the 04 model very good value for money; or has chainset technology improved a great deal ?

Would most riders notice a difference if they had a bike with the Hollowtech II technology ?

How does the Campagnolo Centaur compare with the above ?

I don't really want to spend more than about £100, 'cos with a youngster in nursery, our outgoings need to be reduced not increased and I think that is about the amount that I could 'get away' with spending; anything more than that, and I think my beloved would get out the rolling pin. - On that note, I could do with a few reasons/excuses to get out on some longer rides - am I the only one who finds it difficult to 'permission' to get out for more than about an hour 'cos of the Missus & kids ?