evwxxx

I suppose this has been hashed out before, but my question is how to determine what length (width? Stack height?) of chainring spacer to use in any situation. I am currently putting together a Stronglight 99 triple but need to acquire spacers, and they seem to come in a variety of sizes, from 1.5mm up to 6mm at least! So, is there a way to determine the correct “space” between rings, or is it brand and model specific? I also have a TA Cyclotourist 5 that I want to go triple on. Any advice appreciated!

philbob57

Don't know about Stronglight, but I tripled my Cyclotouriste cranks. I was able to buy a slew of TA stuff from a fellow BF member; that included 2 sets of triple chainring bolts. Each set had 6 nuts and bolts, washers, and 12 spacers. My shifting was awful until I did some trouble-shooting. Then I was able to see a difference in the thicknesses of the spacers. I disassembled the crank and I think the thinner spacers went between the outer and middle rings. I documented my experience on BF, but I can't find the post. Also, someone noted, I think, that his triple worked with spacers were the same size. Go figure. (ETA: The difference might be in the vintage of the rings - I mixed an old 45 with a new 42 and 28. The new rings seem to be a bit thicker than the old one. Maybe if the rings were of the same vintage, the spacing might be less important.)

In any case, TA sells the set of triple nuts/bolts/spacers for 47 euros, and you can find them on ebay - and maybe even BF. Velo-Duo-Cycles in the UK also sells TA triple bolts, for 40 pounds.

You'll also need a triple axle - TA part 373 gives me a great chainline; 374 is another, longer option. You probably have a 344, but check: it's stamped in the middle of the axle.

evwxxx

I have a set of Stronglight triple chainring bolts on the way from the Mercian website store, and there are a good number of no-name spacers available on the Bay, but am just not sure what size spacer to get

oneclick 

I have a 99 triple, will go measure and let you know.

evwxxx

Thanks!

C9H13N 

I have a 99 triple and it has spacers with a shoulder on them. You can have the spacers if you want, pm me your address and I’ll send them to you. I hate triples and if I ever use the 99 on a project it will be as a wide double.

evwxxx

Thanks! PM sent