Chainrings for mountainbikes

Chainrings are one of the key components of a mountain bike's drivetrain. They are the toothed rings that attach to the cranks, and are responsible for transferring power from the pedals to the chain, and ultimately to the rear wheel.

There are several factors to consider when choosing chainrings for your mountain bike, including the number of teeth, the material, and the shape of the teeth. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Number of teeth: The number of teeth on a chainring determines its gear ratio. Generally speaking, larger chainrings have more teeth and provide a higher gear ratio, while smaller chainrings have fewer teeth and provide a lower gear ratio. The right number of teeth for you will depend on your riding style, fitness level, and the terrain you're riding on.

Material: Chainrings can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. Aluminum is a popular choice for its lightweight and durability, while steel is heavier but more durable. Carbon fiber is the lightest and strongest, but also the most expensive.

Shape of teeth: Chainrings can have different tooth profiles, which affect how well they grip the chain and transfer power. Some common tooth profiles include round, oval, and narrow-wide. Round chainrings have evenly spaced teeth and provide a consistent power transfer, while oval chainrings have a slightly asymmetrical shape that can help smooth out pedaling strokes. Narrow-wide chainrings have alternating wide and narrow teeth that help keep the chain in place and prevent it from bouncing off.

It's important to choose the right chainring(s) for your bike and riding style to ensure efficient and reliable performance. It's also worth noting that chainrings are often designed to work in combination with specific cassette configurations, so you may need to consider both components together when upgrading or replacing parts.

Chainrings for gravelbikes

The chainrings on a gravel bike are similar to those on a mountain bike, in that they are responsible for transferring power from the pedals to the chain and ultimately to the rear wheel. However, there are some key differences to keep in mind when selecting chainrings for a gravel bike:

Number of teeth: The number of teeth on a gravel bike's chainrings will depend on the rider's preferences and the terrain they'll be riding on. Some gravel bikes use a 1x (one-by) drivetrain with a single chainring, while others use a 2x (two-by) or even 3x (three-by) drivetrain with multiple chainrings. Generally, a larger chainring will provide a higher gear ratio for faster riding on smoother terrain, while a smaller chainring will provide a lower gear ratio for easier climbing and rougher terrain.

Material: Gravel bike chainrings are typically made from lightweight, durable materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum is a popular choice for its affordability and durability, while carbon fiber is lighter and stronger but also more expensive.

Tooth profile: The tooth profile of a gravel bike chainring can affect shifting performance and chain retention. Some gravel bike chainrings feature narrow-wide tooth profiles to help keep the chain in place on bumpy terrain, while others may have ramps and pins to aid in shifting between gears.

Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD): The BCD is the measurement of the bolt pattern that attaches the chainring to the crank arm. Different cranksets have different BCDs, and it's important to choose chainrings that match the BCD of your crankset. Some newer gravel-specific cranksets have a smaller BCD to allow for smaller chainrings and more gear range.

Ultimately, the right chainring(s) for your gravel bike will depend on your riding style, fitness level, and the terrain you'll be riding on. It's worth doing some research and consulting with a knowledgeable bike mechanic to ensure that you choose the right components for your needs.

BCD for chainrings

BCD stands for "Bolt Circle Diameter", which is the diameter of the circle that passes through the centers of the bolts that attach the chainring to the crank arm. It is a measurement that is commonly used to describe the size and compatibility of chainrings and cranksets.

There are several common BCD sizes for chainrings, including 110mm, 130mm, and 104mm. The specific BCD that you need will depend on the type of crankset you have, as well as the number and size of chainrings you want to use. For example, a compact road crankset typically has a 110mm BCD, while a standard road crankset has a 130mm BCD.

It's important to choose chainrings that are compatible with your crankset's BCD to ensure proper fit and function. Some cranks have a fixed BCD size, while others may allow for multiple BCD sizes and therefore greater flexibility in choosing chainring sizes and combinations.

When replacing or upgrading chainrings, it's important to ensure that the new chainrings have the same BCD as the old ones, or that the new chainrings are compatible with your crankset's BCD. A bike mechanic or knowledgeable salesperson at a bike shop can help you determine the correct BCD and choose the right chainrings for your needs.

Manufacturers chainrings

There are many brands that make high-quality bicycle chainrings, here are some examples:

Shimano: Shimano is a well-known brand that produces a wide range of bike components, including chainrings. They offer a variety of chainring options, from road to mountain bike, and their products are known for their durability and reliability.

SRAM: SRAM is another major player in the bike components market. They offer a range of chainring options for road, mountain, and gravel bikes, including their popular "X-Sync" narrow-wide tooth profile that helps to keep the chain in place.

Race Face: Race Face is a Canadian brand that specializes in mountain bike components. They offer a variety of chainring options, including their "Narrow Wide" tooth profile, and are known for their high-quality and durable products.

FSA: Full Speed Ahead (FSA) is a brand that produces components for road, mountain, and gravel bikes. They offer a variety of chainring options, from standard to compact, and their products are known for their lightweight and high performance.

Wolf Tooth: Wolf Tooth is a relatively new brand that specializes in narrow-wide chainrings for mountain and gravel bikes. They are known for their innovative designs and high-quality products.

There are many other brands that produce high-quality bicycle chainrings, and the right brand for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to choose a reputable brand that offers quality products that are compatible with your bike's drivetrain.