New Chain Required for Chainring Upgrade

[bauldbairn]

I've got a Hybrid "Revolution Courier Classic 09" from EBC. I'm more than happy with the bike overall - canal cycle paths + fitness road cycling + weekend leisure.

I find on my daily fitness cycles(16miles X 2) I never use gears, 1, 2, 3(even up the steepest of hills) and find 7 and 8 easy enough to drive on the flat(unless there's a headwind). Sometimes I can't pedal fast enough to keep up with 8th down hills at about 33mph(on my NiteRider speedo). With 26" X 1.85" wheels / tyres.
The rear cassette is geared 11t - 32t, 8 speed(Shimano HG). The front chainring is currently 44t(Suntour). I've recently bought a 48t(Shimano HG) front chainring to allow me to access(use) gears 1, 2 and 3, and also push 8th on downhill stretches.

I fitted the new chainring(without chainguard) for a trial ride around the street locally to see if it would operate properly(change gear etc) and do what I hoped it would - it does(I think). Then I changed back to the old one as it's a relatively new bike(4 months) and I don't want to damage anything at speed - out on the open roads.

My question is(at last), do any of the experienced cyclists out there think this is a good combo. Will it do what I'm expecting it to, and more importantly will the 4 extra teeth require a longer chain to compensate(the reason I put the old chainring back on after my trial ride). There is still some spring / take up left in the derailer(Shimano Acera) when it's on the largest rear sprocket(with the 48t fitted).

Advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[nmcgann]

.......
There is still some spring / take up left in the derailer(Shimano Acera) when it's on the largest rear sprocket(with the 48t fitted).

Thank you!

If it will go largest front-largest back with the chain not stretched really tight then the chain length is fine.

You should never be using that combination of gears anyway (and probably the sprocket next to biggest) as the chainline is so poor.

 

[youngoldbloke]

If it will go largest front-largest back with the chain not stretched really tight then the chain length is fine.

You should never be using that combination of gears anyway (and probably the sprocket next to biggest) as the chainline is so poor.

- but its only got one chainring! - so no problem

 

[bauldbairn]

If it will go largest front-largest back with the chain not stretched really tight then the chain length is fine.

You should never be using that combination of gears anyway (and probably the sprocket next to biggest) as the chainline is so poor.

Thanks! Should have made it clearer - there is only a single front chainring. But chainline was something I looked at - because it's a bigger sprocket it is in a slightly different position on the crank(to clear the frame).

 

[bauldbairn]

- but its only got one chainring! - so no problem

Correct! Well spotted - didn't clearly mention it was a single(only spoke about the one sprocket though).

Chainline has only moved slightly - to compensate for the bigger sprocket.

Thanks for your reply!

 

[HLaB]

My hybrid has a 48 (biggest ring) and a 11-32 cassette. I spend 90% of the time in the big chain ring so you should be fine. I've no idea about the chain length, Sheldon could advise. My only thoughts is the old chain may be slightly worn and you do not want to to be putting a worn chain on your new chainring.

 

[walker]

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[Landslide]

If it will go largest front-largest back with the chain not stretched really tight then the chain length is fine.

If you do find you need a couple of extra links, just go and ask your LBS if they've any spare, rather than buying a whole new chain. They may well have some bits left over from chains they've fitted for customers.

 

[bauldbairn]

My hybrid has a 48 (biggest ring) and a 11-32 cassette. I spend 90% of the time in the big chain ring so you should be fine. I've no idea about the chain length, Sheldon could advise. My only thoughts is the old chain may be slightly worn and you do not want to to be putting a worn chain on your new chainring.

Thanks! That's good to know about you spending 90% of the time on your 48t - ties in with what I'm thinking.
Bikes only about 3 months old - done less than a 1000 miles and they are mostly fitness miles(same gear for long distances), not commuting miles(up and down through the gears / accelerating etc)? No signs of visible wear though(hooking of the sprockets).
Alivio 48t chainring only cost about £12, but I am aware of the extra damage done by old worn parts on new and I wouldn't want to waste the new chainring for the sake of another £12 quid or so. Suppose the same could be said for the old cassette on the new chain - if I have to fit one? Cheers for mentioning it!

 

[youngoldbloke]

I'd be very surprised if there is any appreciable wear - but anyway worth getting yourself a chain wear checker, http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=NP08354 or measuring the chain to make sure (Sheldon Brown again or just Google it).

 

[bauldbairn]

I'd be very surprised if there is any appreciable wear - but anyway worth getting yourself a chain wear checker, http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=NP08354 or measuring the chain to make sure (Sheldon Brown again or just Google it).

Will do! Thanks for taking the time to answer!

 

[bauldbairn]

If you do find you need a couple of extra links, just go and ask your LBS if they've any spare, rather than buying a whole new chain. They may well have some bits left over from chains they've fitted for customers.

Cheers! Don't really use my LBS - as an engineer(of sorts) I quite like to do the work myself.
I know I should support them as their important for people who can't do the work themselves - and also for the spares you mentioned above. Would feel a bit cheeky if my first intro was "Hi!" got any links for my chain.
I've always meant to pop in for a browse, because we are lucky in Falkirk to have 2 bike shops that have been around for more than 40yrs(Malley's and GW Smith's). Too dependant on the internet for spares - and information.

Thanks for the info, anyway!

 

[bauldbairn]

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Eh! Cheers!