Dawes Kingpin: larger chainring

[gededwards]

Hi Guys
I have a Dawes Kingpin folder, the silver alloy type, 7-speed cassette with rear mech and a 48T front chain ring.

If the chain ring was bigger, I think I could use the bike more as I could get more speed (it has 20" wheels). I saw a guy in London with a 61T (I think) front chainring on his Brompton a while back who was bombing along!

Can I increase the size of the Kingpin front ring without damaging the bike in the long term? If so, can anyone recommend the part(s) and approx. cost please? I realise I'd have to change the chain too.

 

[Smokin Joe]

If the front chainring is detachable from the crank you can. Depending on the make and type of chainset fitted it will either have a 110, 130 or 135mm BCD (Bolt circle diameter, meaning the bolts that attach the chainring). Just replace with the same type and you can fit any size you want, though as you say the length of the chain will need to be altered. 48 to 61 is a massive jump though, even four or five teeth will make a considerable difference.

 

[lpretro1]

And your front mech may not work...

 

[Smokin Joe]

And your front mech may not work...

You don't have one with a single chainring

 

[Cycleops]

I can't see from the pics online of the Kingpin whether the chainring is detachable. If it is and you can obtain a larger one to the same bolt pattern you'll be fine. If not you may need a new BB and complete chainset. Don't know what fixing your current BB is.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Paging @CarlP . http://daweskingpinbike.blogspot.co.uk

 

[Cycleops]

The Kingpin that CarlP has is an old one, I think the op has a newer version.

 

[EltonFrog]

Paging @CarlP . http://daweskingpinbike.blogspot.co.uk

The Kingpin that CarlP has is an old one, I think the op has a newer version.

As cyclops says wrong type of Kingpin the OP's one is a modern one I think.

 

[lpretro1]

You don't have one with a single chainring

Ha ha - only just noticed that

 

[mickle]

Smaller sprocket is cheap and easy.