Carbon Chainrings?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 756
Bikes: custom built roadie
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Carbon Chainrings?
Was thinking of buying a 53t FSA K-Force Aero TT Chainring for my bike, but wonder about the durability of carbon wrapped chainrings. Anyone here with experience?
-Steve
-Steve
#2
How much does it weigh?
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Weight Weenie on a budget.
Posts: 3,427
Bikes: Lotus Fixed, Bianchi Virata 2004
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
consider asking in the weightweenies forum as well, there are more than a few people there who use the carbon chainrings often, if not everyday.
https://weightweenies.starbike.com/fo...wforum.php?f=3
https://weightweenies.starbike.com/fo...wforum.php?f=3
#3
rider of small bicycles
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Rochester, New York
Posts: 1,687
Bikes: Cannondale
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
-mark
#4
Mitcholo
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Oost Vlaanderen in mind, Cleveland in body
Posts: 8,850
Bikes: 2010 Mitcholo w/ Sram Force/Red
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's actually just aluminum teeth with a thinner aluminum body, and wrapped in carbon, IIRC.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 756
Bikes: custom built roadie
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
wasn't looking for any gains. was just looking for a diff look for my race bike. i wouldnt be surprised if this chainring weighed more than my current (DA) chainring actually. it's suppose to be more aero, but the day that helps anyone on these forums win a race is the day stupid people stop posting in the road forum. i am looking for durability though.
#6
rider of small bicycles
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Rochester, New York
Posts: 1,687
Bikes: Cannondale
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
News Flash ... there's really nothing "stealthy" about a carbon chain ring. Alu is good. Alu is your friend. Carbon slapped onto a chain ring is a marketing tool. Avoid giving "the man" more money than he deserves.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 756
Bikes: custom built roadie
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
stealthy for what? anyway, Al is fine. I just so happen to prefer the look of these over my current ones. once again not expecting any performance gains. just wondering about durability.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 4,850
Bikes: Yeti ASRc, Focus Raven 29er, Flyxii FR316
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Steve,
They're basically a lenticular shaped, carbon-over aluminum chainring. They'll be heavier (a dozen or two grams, here) but if you're looking for something that screams "I'm here to party, let's get down" they're hard to beat.
They are NOT what I would call a carbon chainring. Those are for WW idiots (the idiots among the WW crowd, most of whom are just fine).
FSAs are pretty commonly found on TT rigs. I'll be using a 54t during crits/hilly RRs this year, to force me to keep my cadence up, but give me a nice weeee little bit extra on downhills.
They're basically a lenticular shaped, carbon-over aluminum chainring. They'll be heavier (a dozen or two grams, here) but if you're looking for something that screams "I'm here to party, let's get down" they're hard to beat.
They are NOT what I would call a carbon chainring. Those are for WW idiots (the idiots among the WW crowd, most of whom are just fine).
FSAs are pretty commonly found on TT rigs. I'll be using a 54t during crits/hilly RRs this year, to force me to keep my cadence up, but give me a nice weeee little bit extra on downhills.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 756
Bikes: custom built roadie
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Steve,
They're basically a lenticular shaped, carbon-over aluminum chainring. They'll be heavier (a dozen or two grams, here) but if you're looking for something that screams "I'm here to party, let's get down" they're hard to beat.
They are NOT what I would call a carbon chainring. Those are for WW idiots (the idiots among the WW crowd, most of whom are just fine).
FSAs are pretty commonly found on TT rigs. I'll be using a 54t during crits/hilly RRs this year, to force me to keep my cadence up, but give me a nice weeee little bit extra on downhills.
They're basically a lenticular shaped, carbon-over aluminum chainring. They'll be heavier (a dozen or two grams, here) but if you're looking for something that screams "I'm here to party, let's get down" they're hard to beat.
They are NOT what I would call a carbon chainring. Those are for WW idiots (the idiots among the WW crowd, most of whom are just fine).
FSAs are pretty commonly found on TT rigs. I'll be using a 54t during crits/hilly RRs this year, to force me to keep my cadence up, but give me a nice weeee little bit extra on downhills.
#11
Carpe Diem
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149
Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
On a road bike, it seems pretty pointless.
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#13
Carpe Diem
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149
Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 4,850
Bikes: Yeti ASRc, Focus Raven 29er, Flyxii FR316
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think he's referring to the relative contributions of wheels vs. a 53/54/55t chainring to aerodynamic drag coefficients.
I.e., if you're looking for big gains, chainrings are about the last thing you should consider. Even if it has a lenticular shape to it, like these.
However, as stated before, they look positively BAD ASS.
I.e., if you're looking for big gains, chainrings are about the last thing you should consider. Even if it has a lenticular shape to it, like these.
However, as stated before, they look positively BAD ASS.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 4,850
Bikes: Yeti ASRc, Focus Raven 29er, Flyxii FR316
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Again, as stated...I don't think anyone uses them for their aero properties.
They buy them for 1) the size and 2) the looks.
Get over it.
They buy them for 1) the size and 2) the looks.
Get over it.
#18
Carpe Diem
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149
Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
#19
rider of small bicycles
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Rochester, New York
Posts: 1,687
Bikes: Cannondale
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You're right ... his job as a moving billboard is obviously very effective if he has convinced people that they need a solid, carbon-covered chainring. That sure does work for him ... and Cervelo ... and FSA. If you hate your money so much, I'd be happy to provide my paypal address and you can just give it to me.
-mark
-mark
#20
Carpe Diem
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149
Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You're right ... his job as a moving billboard is obviously very effective if he has convinced people that they need a solid, carbon-covered chainring. That sure does work for him ... and Cervelo ... and FSA. If you hate your money so much, I'd be happy to provide my paypal address and you can just give it to me.
-mark
-mark
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
#21
How much does it weigh?
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Weight Weenie on a budget.
Posts: 3,427
Bikes: Lotus Fixed, Bianchi Virata 2004
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There are full carbon chain rings available, if you are interested and have the money for it.
https://fairwheelbikes.com/index.php?...dex&cPath=8_33
(example on a bike: https://fairwheelbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=862)
There are also carbon+ti chainrings available, which may last a little longer than the full carbon chainrings. They also look really great, but cost a bit more.
https://fairwheelbikes.com/index.php?...dex&cPath=8_34
(example on bike: https://fairwheelbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4227)
Again - let's not give each other sh*t for individual preferences in components. If some people are interested in tuning for lightweight bicycles, then that's their interest and let them enjoy it - it has nothing to do with you.
If some people simply want to buy components for the aesthetics, again - that's their individual interest and it has nothing to do with you. Either be helpful to their pursuits or find another topic to comment on. (I admit in this aspect I've made comments on people's overly decal'd bikes... but really, I shouldn't)
https://fairwheelbikes.com/index.php?...dex&cPath=8_33
(example on a bike: https://fairwheelbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=862)
There are also carbon+ti chainrings available, which may last a little longer than the full carbon chainrings. They also look really great, but cost a bit more.
https://fairwheelbikes.com/index.php?...dex&cPath=8_34
(example on bike: https://fairwheelbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4227)
Again - let's not give each other sh*t for individual preferences in components. If some people are interested in tuning for lightweight bicycles, then that's their interest and let them enjoy it - it has nothing to do with you.
If some people simply want to buy components for the aesthetics, again - that's their individual interest and it has nothing to do with you. Either be helpful to their pursuits or find another topic to comment on. (I admit in this aspect I've made comments on people's overly decal'd bikes... but really, I shouldn't)
Last edited by prendrefeu; 04-04-08 at 12:12 PM.
#22
Resident Alien
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Location, location.
Posts: 13,089
Mentioned: 158 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 349 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
6 Posts
You're right ... his job as a moving billboard is obviously very effective if he has convinced people that they need a solid, carbon-covered chainring. That sure does work for him ... and Cervelo ... and FSA. If you hate your money so much, I'd be happy to provide my paypal address and you can just give it to me.
-mark
-mark
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 756
Bikes: custom built roadie
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You're right ... his job as a moving billboard is obviously very effective if he has convinced people that they need a solid, carbon-covered chainring. That sure does work for him ... and Cervelo ... and FSA. If you hate your money so much, I'd be happy to provide my paypal address and you can just give it to me.
-mark
-mark
really now, it amazes me how narrow-minded educated people can be sometimes.
#24
Lotion/Basket/Hose
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,368
Bikes: 1992 Schwinn Paramount
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I don't understand why some of you are all bent out of shape about these chainrings. If you want to talk about money wasted on negligible gains, we can talk about Record, Dura-Ace, or Red groups.
To the OP: buy those suckers. I would.
To the OP: buy those suckers. I would.