Replacement chain, cassette and chain rings

[earnest]

Hi Everyone,

My chain/cassette and certain chain rings need replacing, I am on a budget but would like to get light and high quality components.

I am new to the cycle mechanics side of things so please be patient with me. My cycle has been through several changes especially in terms of the frame which is now a size 'L' Defy 0 circa 2009, its component parts are taken from a humble Giant FCR 3 circa 2009. The spec for which is here:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bik ... /#features

These are the parts I was thinking of buying as replacements - are they correct for my bike?:

Chain: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-x8-99-8-speed-chain/

Cassete: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sram-pg850-8-speed-cassette/

I am not sure about the chainring replacement. As I understand it (I think?) this bike uses an 8-speed square taper chainset. So if I replace the chainset, would this Shimano alivio be OK? The description suggests that it is intended for MTBs which makes me wonder?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... tAod0k4A6A

Square taper chainsets seem to be hard to find which is a bit disconcerting. I note with chainsets that there are many variables involved such as bolt circle, length, and teeth. How can I check out which one is the right replacement?

Many thanks!

 

[the snail]

Think those parts should be fine, but the chainrings are a bit small for a road bike - what size are the chainrings on your current setup? You can get 48/38/28 alivio which is what's on my tourer. Good value, but not lightweight - the chainrings are steel rather than alloy

 

[earnest]

The existing chainset is a FSA Vero triple chainset, it is square taper, the crank length is 175 mm and the outer ring has 52 teeth. The only thing that matches is this:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-2303-square-taper-triple-8sp-chainset/rp-prod40623

I have no idea of weight and I can't find much in the way of reviews.

Can anyone suggest other similar chainsets?

Many thanks!

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Hi Everyone,

I am on a budget but would like to get light and high quality components

Cheap, Light, Strong... Pick Two !!

 

[Blue Hills]

I am not sure about the chainring replacement. As I understand it (I think?) this bike uses an 8-speed square taper chainset. So if I replace the chainset, would this Shimano alivio be OK? The description suggests that it is intended for MTBs which makes me wonder?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... tAod0k4A6A

Square taper chainsets seem to be hard to find which is a bit disconcerting. I note with chainsets that there are many variables involved such as bolt circle, length, and teeth. How can I check out which one is the right replacement?

Many thanks!

That chainring is fine (actually better than fine) as long as the gearing suits you. If it's for an around town bike or a tourer (where the granny ring will be very useful) It's perfect. i got one from Chain Reaction for £25 a while ago in a sale.

Square taper bottom brackets and chainrings are perfectly easy to get hold off in my experience.

And of course since that Alivio is steel it will likely last very well.

Someone saw it on my hybrid cum tourer and reconed that Alivio was for shopper bikes.

Rubbish.

As I say go for it if the gear ratios suit and you aren't trying to race.

 

[andrew_s]

Stronglight from Spa Cycles. It's a Compact BCD, but is also available with standard double rings.
Triples also available, and an XD2 own brand chainset, which is the same as the "old" Impact.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Unless you really want to lower your overall gearing, don't get that Alivio 42/32/22 chainset. The reason is if the components on your bike are self-consistent at the moment then the triple front mech would be specifically designed for a road triple with a significantly larger large ring than 42T - shifts would be sh*t, as if front shifts aren't already at the best of time.

One thing that is curious though, are you sure all the parts are from a 2009 FCR 3? I am asking because afaik the FD-R443 from the FCR 3 requires mtb cable pull ratio and therefore would not work well with drop bar triple sti front shifters, assuming you have drop bars on your Defy 0 that is. Just wondering.

Regarding chainset, apart from the Shimano 2303, this is another viable and (for a triple) fairly light option. It is hard to tell whether you would be able to reuse your bb even if it is in good condition, since it is hard to tell what length the current spindle is although it is likely JIS, and it is probably not knowable for sure until you measure it. What I would recommend is you do measure the existing chainline now, and seek advice here or elsewhere as to what bb you need, once you have decided which chainset you want, to reproduce the chainline - this is highly advisable for trouble free replacement.

The 850 cassette is a great choice, imho. Not only is it light (275g for 11-32 is not bad huh?), it is also good quality and inexpensive. An example that violates the famous rule brought up by @Mr Haematocrit above, and which is commonly attributed to Keith Bontrager. For no better reason than chin wagging, I actually think Bonty's rule is not great - not many components can be found that are cheap and light (irrespective of strength), and many if not most components that are expensive and light are not strong...

You should be able to drop approx 40-50 grams if you get a KMC X9SL chain, which would work just fine with your 8 speed drivetrain, but whether it is worth the price difference only you can decide.