I need a new chainset (front cog?)

[Booyaa]

The front chain ring on my bike is a bit buckled at one point and now the chain touches the outer ring on each revolution, there are also quite a few teeth that are either broken or almost entirely gone.

The current chainset is a Suntour 44t 170mm, when looking for a replacement do I need to have the same size or can I go with a different size? The front ring is a single and there are 8 rings on the back.

Also, when buying a new chainset, do they all come with two cranks? I have seen a few where it states the left crank comes with it, if it is not stated do I assume a left crank does not come with it?

Sorry for all the questions but I am really unsure as to what the impact of the different gearing/number of teeth etc.. make...

Cheers

 

[musa]

Go for same size and one that has the same width for the bottom bracket I assume a square taper 68mm??. Different size will be in terms of crank length so 170mm could be 165, 172.5 and 175mm depending on what you need. But most likely, any replacement should be fit as standard but do double check.

They come with left crank as the right crank is already attached to the chain ring in the form of a spider (most likely)

Difference in teeth numbers will dictate your gear ratio

 

[Booyaa]

Go for same size and one that has the same width for the bottom bracket I assume a square taper 68mm??. Different size will be in terms of crank length so 170mm could be 165, 172.5 and 175mm depending on what you need. But most likely, any replacement should be fit as standard but do double check.

They come with left crank as the right crank is already attached to the chain ring in the form of a spider (most likely)

Difference in teeth numbers will dictate your gear ratio

Thanks a million! No idea about the width but will double check it is a square taper!

In regards to the gear ratio, will more teeth give me a wider range, (in my dumbo speak, an easier, and a harder gear) or would less teeth give me that range? I am really useless when it comes to gearing! To be honest though, I am quite happy with the ratios as they are so would go for the same if I could, just interested to know what effect the different numbers make

Oh, and the ones with a single cog were mostly labelled as a single speed one, I take it that is fine to use with a rear 8 speed?

 

[simon.r]

More teeth will make every gear harder, less teeth will make every gear easier.

A singlespeed chainset may not work, as they are often designed to work with a 1/2" wide chain, whereas an 8 speed cassette (rear cogs) will need a 3/32" width chain. Check the chainset you intend to buy has a 3/32" chainring.

 

[simon.r]

Example - this chainset is listed as singlespeed but will take 3/32" chain (see item description).

 

[musa]

thanks simon.r beat me to it

as he said

 

[Booyaa]

Excellent, thanks both. I think I will stick to the same number of teeth then. Very helpful, ta.