Which 38-Tooth Chainring Should I Get? Aluminum or Stainless Steel?
10-15-21, 10:55 AM
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Which 38-Tooth Chainring Should I Get? Aluminum or Stainless Steel?
I'm looking to get a new pair of 130mm BCD chainrings.
The outer ring will be a Shimano 105 5703 50-tooth chainring.
Shimano doesn't make a 38-tooth 130mm BCD inner chainring and so I'm looking at two possibilities: a Dimension aluminum ring or a Surly stainless steel ring.
Any opinion on which one I should get?
I don't know what kind of aluminum alloy is in the Dimension ring but I would have to guess that it's something low-end since it would otherwise be indicated.
The warning I've read for the Surly ring is that a 9- or 10-speed chain will have tight fit and require a break-in period.
The current bike setup is a 9-speed with friction shifters that I may upgrade to 10-speed.
Thanks in advance
The outer ring will be a Shimano 105 5703 50-tooth chainring.
Shimano doesn't make a 38-tooth 130mm BCD inner chainring and so I'm looking at two possibilities: a Dimension aluminum ring or a Surly stainless steel ring.
Any opinion on which one I should get?
I don't know what kind of aluminum alloy is in the Dimension ring but I would have to guess that it's something low-end since it would otherwise be indicated.
The warning I've read for the Surly ring is that a 9- or 10-speed chain will have tight fit and require a break-in period.
The current bike setup is a 9-speed with friction shifters that I may upgrade to 10-speed.
Thanks in advance
10-15-21, 11:02 AM
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38T is large enough that I would use aluminum. Sugino makes a good plain aluminum ring, but prices have crept up on those.
32T or smaller is where I'd start to consider steel, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time in that ring. My wife's new bike came with a 46/30 crank, and I discovered that the 30T was magnetic after getting it home. Good choice on their part.
32T or smaller is where I'd start to consider steel, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time in that ring. My wife's new bike came with a 46/30 crank, and I discovered that the 30T was magnetic after getting it home. Good choice on their part.
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10-15-21, 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by estasnyc
The warning I've read for the Surly ring is that a 9- or 10-speed chain will have tight fit and require a break-in period.
Now I buy only TA rings, they are like jewelry. You can get them easily from Chain Reaction or from Peter White.
Good luck!
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10-15-21, 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by ThermionicScott
I discovered that the 30T was magnetic after getting it home. Good choice on their part.
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List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
10-16-21, 07:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Kimmo
Why do you say that?
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10-16-21, 08:50 AM
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^ Exactly what @HillRider said. Especially if a newer rider (not casting aspersions) might find themself using the small ring a lot.
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RUSA #7498
Originally Posted by chandltp
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Originally Posted by noglider
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10-16-21, 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by estasnyc
I could get the Sugino. Would you recommend this over the Dimension brand?
But I'm sure it would be fine for the job.
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RUSA #7498
Originally Posted by chandltp
There's no such thing as too far.. just lack of time
Originally Posted by noglider
People in this forum are not typical.
10-16-21, 01:37 PM
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My own rule of thumb is if you need to pull the crank to change the chainring, and you use that ring a lot, get one that will last the longest.
I’ve read mixed opinions on larger steel chainrings, granny gears are fine.
John
I’ve read mixed opinions on larger steel chainrings, granny gears are fine.
John
