Chainrings

[jowwy]

Do i need to take the crank arms off to change the chainrings??

 

[Rob3rt]

Depends on the crankset, but generally no.

 

[jowwy]

fsa Tempo cranks on a Giant Defy 4

Depends on the crankset, but generally no.

 

[fossyant]

Generally you don't, but sometimes you might - Tripples being a little tricky.

 

[boydj]

It's a lot easier if you do. It's worth taking the cranks off regularly, especially square taper, just to clean them properly and re-grease. Trying to change chainrings in situ is almost certainly guaranteed bloody knuckles if the bolts are difficult to turn.

 

[eck]

If you do keep the cranks on, you can (slightly) reduce the chances of skinned knuckles by putting the chain on the big ring as you undo the bolts. DAHIKT.

 

[jowwy]

will i need to shorten my chain

ill be goin from 30/42/52 to 30/38/50 but keeping the same rear cassette which is 12/26

thanks

 

[boydj]

The chain length should be ok - you have only a two-tooth difference in the big ring, so very little difference.

 

[fossyant]

If you do keep the cranks on, you can (slightly) reduce the chances of skinned knuckles by putting the chain on the big ring as you undo the bolts. DAHIKT.

Good advice. Very good advice, as you often do it with chain off. Skinned knuckles many times.

I have, however learnt to be very careful with fixed gears, having had one 4 years. Don't get fingers near chain wheels or sprockets whilst spinning quickly... Loss of finger tips....

 

[Shut Up Legs]

On a similar note: is it possible to remove the small chain ring on a triple, without removing the right-hand crank? I've replaced the middle and large rings (once), so have no problem leaving the cranks on to do that.

 

[TheDoctor]

I don't think so. It's tricky getting to the bolts on the granny ring.