Is there a noticeable ride quality on Sugino Zen chainrings? They cost almost double or triple what other proper track chainrings, just fixie points at the end of the day?
by AngelCasablancas
Is there a noticeable ride quality on Sugino Zen chainrings? They cost almost double or triple what other proper track chainrings, just fixie points at the end of the day?
by AngelCasablancas
10 Comments
No. Omnium cranks aren‘t worth the money either.
I mean, very few people ride often enough or consistently enough to notice a difference between most rings. But professional track racers in Japan? They can probably tell. That being said, they are beautiful pieces of kit, I just appreciate the engineering/finish.
been riding my zen since about 2007. no noticable wear. don’t skid and have looked after them but still in tip top condition. they’re worth the money in my opinion
I have a Zen chainring on my track bike and a really high-end cog as well. Not for any particular reason other than I could afford them and wanted to pimp out my track bike. It’s the quietest and smoothest bike I’ve ever ridden but it’s not that much nicer than any other fixie I’ve ridden.
EDIT: For context, this is with an Izumi Super Toughness chain. I always hear people online say the chain itself is noisy, but my Keirin bike is almost completely silent when it’s running nice and clean.
I did notice but I believe it is because it was a minute difference to my chain line. It was significantly quieter than my last chainring. 53T Sugino Zen vs 49T All City that came with the Thunderdome it was put on. I kept both ~93ish gear inches but I forget, I think I just swapped 49/14 for 53/15 (the larger cog could be part of the improved smoothness).
I will say that any amount of grime overcomes this advantage quickly. Cleaning the drive chain regularly is the biggest win here, not $$$ parts.
Maybe mileage and wear?
They have a few select sizes on sale – i picked up a 46T at 50% off and i finished the build last weekend for a ride event coming up on Sunday.
From my short time with it – it feels good, very smooth drive (i use MSW) and the quality of the chainring itself is very good – I have it on Andel cranks. We’ll see how it wears. Previously, I’ve used All-City chainrings and cogs for the past decade or so and have also been pleased – but with them going out of business i decided to explore a little.
I think It’s a psychological effect more than that the bicycle is actually faster, you will not notice it because they are marginal things. sugino made Beautiful pieces of art, very well machined and finished. but even if you compete on the track There is nothing wrong with other track chainrings. It’s more important to have the chain tension well adjusted, a good chainline, a lubricated chain…
The average person is not riding fast, hard, or often enough to benefit from the marginal gains that you get from perfectly round, or cnc’d chain rings.
That being said, there is a peace of mind to be had with quality products. If you want to feel gains, spend it in comfort or wheelset. Quality saddle, tape and lightweight wheelsets will be more bang for your buck than a zen.
If you want to have baller ass components that last and maintain better, who am I to stop you from scooping up a zen and some direct drives.
if you’re a messenger and are demanding on your whip, then yeah, you will be thankful your bike can take the beating without having to maintain as much throughout a single work day.
if you’re just a hobbyist then it’s just for fixie points like you said.