All the advice you need to choose a road bike chainring : teeth, compatibility, gear ratios, etc.|>
Traditional double bicycle crankset: for couriers
The double pedal usually has 5-arm chainrings, with a centre distance of 130 mm for Shimano bicycle parts.">Shimano and Sram and 135 mm for Campagnolo. Most often found in 53/39 or 53/38 on original bikes, it is possible to replace the chainrings on the double crankset to obtain a combination of 52/42, 50/38, 52/39, etc. However, due to the diameter of the bottom bracket star, it will not be possible to go below 38 teeth for the inner chainring.
Triple crankset: for riding anywhere
The triple crankset has virtually disappeared from new bikes. However, with its three chainrings, it offers thethe advantage of offering a very wide range of gears, allowing you to tackle any terrain. Compared to the double crankset, it is suitable for less powerful cyclists and cycle tourists, with the option of fitting a small 30-tooth chainring (with a 74 mm centre distance). There are many different combinations to suit everyone's needs: 50/40/30, 52/42/32, 52/40/30, 48/38/30, etc. Compact bike crankset: versatilityThe compact crankset originated in mountain biking. It incorporates two chainrings with a 110 mm centre distance, allowing the integration of an internal chainring with 33, 34, 36 or 38 teeth. Without reaching therange of gears of a triple crankset, the compact crankset offers virtually equivalent performance, particularly with the development of 11-speed cassettes. Advantages over a triple crankset:: lower weight (up to 300 g), much less chain crossing and fewer gear overlaps. However, even with an 11-speed cassette, a compact groupset will have gaps in its gear range. On an original bike, the chainring will be too large for some gears, and the chainring will be too small for others. 11 speeds, a compact groupset will have gaps in its gear range. On an original bike, the most commonly used cassettes with a compact groupset have a gear range of 11-28 or 12-28. Some people criticise this type of transmission for its lack of reach on flat ground or downhill. In addition, the transition from the 34 to the 50 chainring is quite rough, which tends to increase chain crossing ifyou are looking for the smallest sprockets while remaining on the small chainring.
Single chainring drivetrain: cyclo-cross and urban
The single-chainring crankset borrows directly from technologies developed for mountain biking. The Sram XX1 is the best example of this, with its X-Sync gear system combined with an X-Horizon rear derailleur that keeps the chain in place. Obviously, the available options are limited, so the choice of chainring size (from 38 to 46) for the single chainring becomes crucial. In cyclo-cross, the single chainring has quickly gained popularity, appreciated for the weight savings it offers, but also for its reliability.
Choosing a road bike chainring
It is possible to change the chainrings.It is possible to change the chainrings to adapt it to your level or the type of route you are riding. Several criteria must be taken into account. The type of crankset (double, triple or compact) will determine the centre distance. The number of gears in the groupset, the position of the chainring and the brand of the groupset are also important factors. Campagnolo chainrings differ from Shimano/Sram chainrings in their centre distance (135 mm vs. 130 mm), but also in their specific mounting system. Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo chainrings are available as aftermarket parts. However, by turning to brands of adaptable chainrings such as Specialised TA, StrongLight or Miche, the choice of teeth may be wider, often at a lower price. In addition, Rotor or Osymetric oval chainrings can be fitted to a conventional crankset.
The double pedal usually has 5-arm chainrings, with a centre distance of 130 mm for Shimano bicycle parts.">Shimano and Sram and 135 mm for Campagnolo. Most often found in 53/39 or 53/38 on original bikes, it is possible to replace the chainrings on the double crankset to obtain a combination of 52/42, 50/38, 52/39, etc. However, due to the diameter of the bottom bracket star, it will not be possible to go below 38 teeth for the inner chainring.
Triple crankset: for riding anywhere
The triple crankset has virtually disappeared from new bikes. However, with its three chainrings, it offers thethe advantage of offering a very wide range of gears, allowing you to tackle any terrain. Compared to the double crankset, it is suitable for less powerful cyclists and cycle tourists, with the option of fitting a small 30-tooth chainring (with a 74 mm centre distance). There are many different combinations to suit everyone's needs: 50/40/30, 52/42/32, 52/40/30, 48/38/30, etc. Compact bike crankset: versatilityThe compact crankset originated in mountain biking. It incorporates two chainrings with a 110 mm centre distance, allowing the integration of an internal chainring with 33, 34, 36 or 38 teeth. Without reaching therange of gears of a triple crankset, the compact crankset offers virtually equivalent performance, particularly with the development of 11-speed cassettes. Advantages over a triple crankset:: lower weight (up to 300 g), much less chain crossing and fewer gear overlaps. However, even with an 11-speed cassette, a compact groupset will have gaps in its gear range. On an original bike, the chainring will be too large for some gears, and the chainring will be too small for others. 11 speeds, a compact groupset will have gaps in its gear range. On an original bike, the most commonly used cassettes with a compact groupset have a gear range of 11-28 or 12-28. Some people criticise this type of transmission for its lack of reach on flat ground or downhill. In addition, the transition from the 34 to the 50 chainring is quite rough, which tends to increase chain crossing ifyou are looking for the smallest sprockets while remaining on the small chainring.
Single chainring drivetrain: cyclo-cross and urban
The single-chainring crankset borrows directly from technologies developed for mountain biking. The Sram XX1 is the best example of this, with its X-Sync gear system combined with an X-Horizon rear derailleur that keeps the chain in place. Obviously, the available options are limited, so the choice of chainring size (from 38 to 46) for the single chainring becomes crucial. In cyclo-cross, the single chainring has quickly gained popularity, appreciated for the weight savings it offers, but also for its reliability.
Choosing a road bike chainring
It is possible to change the chainrings.It is possible to change the chainrings to adapt it to your level or the type of route you are riding. Several criteria must be taken into account. The type of crankset (double, triple or compact) will determine the centre distance. The number of gears in the groupset, the position of the chainring and the brand of the groupset are also important factors. Campagnolo chainrings differ from Shimano/Sram chainrings in their centre distance (135 mm vs. 130 mm), but also in their specific mounting system. Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo chainrings are available as aftermarket parts. However, by turning to brands of adaptable chainrings such as Specialised TA, StrongLight or Miche, the choice of teeth may be wider, often at a lower price. In addition, Rotor or Osymetric oval chainrings can be fitted to a conventional crankset.
The TA Specialities compatibility table allows you to identify the right chainring for each configuration, depending on the brand and model of crankset.
Do you speak gear ratio?
Gear ratio refers to the ratio between the number of teeth on the chainring (internal, external or intermediate) and the number of teeth on the cassette sprockets. For example, 50x14. The gear ratio is the distance travelled by the bike Each pedal revolution. The gear ratio is determined by the gear ratioand the circumference of the wheels fitted to the bike. For a 700x23c tyre, this circumference is 2.133 m. This requires some calculation. You need to multiply the gear ratio by the circumference of the wheel: (50/14) x 2.133: 7.62 m. There are many calculators available online to help you choose the right gear ratio!
On a more semantic note, the issues surrounding gear ratios have given rise to expressions specific to the world of cycling. These include "mettre du braquet" (to shift to a higher gear, i.e. to use the large chainring and/or the small sprocket), " mettre tout à droite" ("to go straight ahead") or "à gauche" ("to the left") (shift to the small chainring/large sprocket or large chainring/small sprocket), "shift up" or "shift to the large chainring" (shift to the large chainring). However, regardless of your level or transmission configuration, keep in mind that the important thing is to push down on the pedals ».
Shimano 5-spoke crankset, Sram and all brands
Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 43.5 mm
Centre distance: 74 mm
- Triple crankset
- Small chainring - 8/9/10 speeds - All brands- Teeth: 24 to 36 teeth Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 55.3 mm Centre distance: 94 mm- Triple crankset - Small chainring - 8/9/10 speeds - All brands- Teeth: 30 to 50 teeth
Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 64.7 mm
Centre distance: 110 mm
- Compact crankset
- Internal or external chainring
- Shimano, Sram
- 8/9/10 and 11 speeds
- Teeth: 33 to 44 teeth internally, 48 to 53 teeth externally
Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 76.4 mm
Centre distance: 130 mm
- Triple and double crankset
- Internal or external double chainring, external triple chainring - Shimano, Sram - 8/9/10 speeds in triple and double and 11 speeds in double- Teeth: 38 to 44 teeth internal double, 50 to 56 teeth external double, 46 to 61 external triple|>
Do you speak gear ratio?
Gear ratio refers to the ratio between the number of teeth on the chainring (internal, external or intermediate) and the number of teeth on the cassette sprockets. For example, 50x14. The gear ratio is the distance travelled by the bike Each pedal revolution. The gear ratio is determined by the gear ratioand the circumference of the wheels fitted to the bike. For a 700x23c tyre, this circumference is 2.133 m. This requires some calculation. You need to multiply the gear ratio by the circumference of the wheel: (50/14) x 2.133: 7.62 m. There are many calculators available online to help you choose the right gear ratio!
On a more semantic note, the issues surrounding gear ratios have given rise to expressions specific to the world of cycling. These include "mettre du braquet" (to shift to a higher gear, i.e. to use the large chainring and/or the small sprocket), " mettre tout à droite" ("to go straight ahead") or "à gauche" ("to the left") (shift to the small chainring/large sprocket or large chainring/small sprocket), "shift up" or "shift to the large chainring" (shift to the large chainring). However, regardless of your level or transmission configuration, keep in mind that the important thing is to push down on the pedals ».
Shimano 5-spoke crankset, Sram and all brands
Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 43.5 mm
Centre distance: 74 mm
- Triple crankset
- Small chainring - 8/9/10 speeds - All brands- Teeth: 24 to 36 teeth Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 55.3 mm Centre distance: 94 mm- Triple crankset - Small chainring - 8/9/10 speeds - All brands- Teeth: 30 to 50 teeth
Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 64.7 mm
Centre distance: 110 mm
- Compact crankset
- Internal or external chainring
- Shimano, Sram
- 8/9/10 and 11 speeds
- Teeth: 33 to 44 teeth internally, 48 to 53 teeth externally
Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 76.4 mm
Centre distance: 130 mm
- Triple and double crankset
- Internal or external double chainring, external triple chainring - Shimano, Sram - 8/9/10 speeds in triple and double and 11 speeds in double- Teeth: 38 to 44 teeth internal double, 50 to 56 teeth external double, 46 to 61 external triple|>
TA Syrius special features,
5-arm Campagnolo crankset
Chainrings compatible with Campagnolo cranksets have a specific mounting system. On compact cranksets with a 110 mm centre distance, the rear chainring is slightly offset compared to Shimano and Sram chainrings. Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 79.4 mm Centre-to-centre distance: 135 mm- Triple and double crankset
- Internal or external double chainring, internal/intermediate/external triple chainring
- Campagnolo
- 8/9/10 speeds in triple and double and 11 speeds in double
- Teeth: 39 à 44 teeth on internal double 8/9/10 and 11 speeds, 50 to 53 teeth on external double 8/9/10 and 11 speeds, 39 to 48 on internal triple, 39 to 42 external triple and 46 to 61 external triple
5-arm Campagnolo crankset
Chainrings compatible with Campagnolo cranksets have a specific mounting system. On compact cranksets with a 110 mm centre distance, the rear chainring is slightly offset compared to Shimano and Sram chainrings. Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 79.4 mm Centre-to-centre distance: 135 mm- Triple and double crankset
- Internal or external double chainring, internal/intermediate/external triple chainring
- Campagnolo
- 8/9/10 speeds in triple and double and 11 speeds in double
- Teeth: 39 à 44 teeth on internal double 8/9/10 and 11 speeds, 50 to 53 teeth on external double 8/9/10 and 11 speeds, 39 to 48 on internal triple, 39 to 42 external triple and 46 to 61 external triple
Distance between 2 consecutive holes: 64.7 mm
Centre distance: 110 mm
- Compact crankset
- Compact internal or external chainring
- Campagnolo
- 8/9/10 speeds and 11 speeds in compact
- Teeth: 48 to 53 teeth external compact 11 speeds, 34 to 42 teeth internal compact 11 speeds, 40 to 53 teeth external compact 8/9/10 speeds, 33 to 42 teeth internally compact 8/9/10 speeds
Shimano 11-speed 4-arm crankset On the cranksets, Shimano has developed a type of chainring with four asymmetrical arms that maintain the 110 mm centre distance specific to compact cranksets. This design ensures that the chain stays in the chainring even when the rider is out of the saddle. four asymmetrical arms that maintain the 110 mm centre distance specific to compact cranksets. This design has thethe advantage of excellent rigidity while reducing weight. But the main advantage remains the numerous possible chainring combinations, up to 53/39. Specialized TA X110 chainrings are available in inner (33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 42, 44 teeth) and external (48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 teeth).
Campagnolo 4-arm 11-speed crankset
In 2015, Campagnolo also adopted the 4-arm design for its Super Record, Record and Chorus 11-speed cranksets. This time, the Italian manufacturer developed a "standardised double centre distance" construction. This solution uses an internal chainring with a112 mm centre distance and an external chainring with a 145 mm centre distance, allowing for a wide variety of configurations, from double 53/39 or 52/36 to compact 50/34. There are no compatible chainrings available yet.
Centre distance: 110 mm
- Compact crankset
- Compact internal or external chainring
- Campagnolo
- 8/9/10 speeds and 11 speeds in compact
- Teeth: 48 to 53 teeth external compact 11 speeds, 34 to 42 teeth internal compact 11 speeds, 40 to 53 teeth external compact 8/9/10 speeds, 33 to 42 teeth internally compact 8/9/10 speeds
Shimano 11-speed 4-arm crankset On the cranksets, Shimano has developed a type of chainring with four asymmetrical arms that maintain the 110 mm centre distance specific to compact cranksets. This design ensures that the chain stays in the chainring even when the rider is out of the saddle. four asymmetrical arms that maintain the 110 mm centre distance specific to compact cranksets. This design has thethe advantage of excellent rigidity while reducing weight. But the main advantage remains the numerous possible chainring combinations, up to 53/39. Specialized TA X110 chainrings are available in inner (33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 42, 44 teeth) and external (48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 teeth).
Campagnolo 4-arm 11-speed crankset
In 2015, Campagnolo also adopted the 4-arm design for its Super Record, Record and Chorus 11-speed cranksets. This time, the Italian manufacturer developed a "standardised double centre distance" construction. This solution uses an internal chainring with a112 mm centre distance and an external chainring with a 145 mm centre distance, allowing for a wide variety of configurations, from double 53/39 or 52/36 to compact 50/34. There are no compatible chainrings available yet.
