So I've been to my LBS today who aligned my rear derailleur hanger which massively improved my shifting. My road bike has recently had a new cassette and chain, but the LBS have advised that I get new front chain rings as they are starting to shark tooth.
Judging by the picture, can you please confirm if i need new front chain rings?
If it does need new chain rings, what can be the consequences in continuing to ride on slightly worn chain rings? The bike is shifting well, but i don't want to ruin my chain if my front chain rings are worn.
Thanks for your help!
by Sean_Sports92
8 Comments
De grease and clean, then inspect if the chain ring looks like shark teeth change
The way I validate if they are done is to do the finger test around one of the teeth, check if they have a strong edge enough to cut you if you apply too much forcd.
If they feel smooth to the touch they most likely are still good
I agree with the LBS. Using old chainrings will accelerate chain wear.
It depends on how it rides. Are you skipping teeth? Is your chain worn in with it?
Yes ! Look at the teeth’s in the approximately 90 degrees angle to the crank arms where happens the strongest wear and compare them with those of a new chainwheel …: they’re already significantly thinner..! When you change the cassette and the chain I‘d highly recommend you to change also the chain ring …this will also give the new chain and cassette a longer life…
The chainring’s Margaret Thatcher.
Take this from a many year pro mechanic and owner of shops: Teeth in many rings are shaped differently to assist in the chain moving to/from one ring to another. While you may have a little wear on your rings, they do not look bad. Aluminum rings wear differently than the smaller steel cogs on a cassette, but they share some similarities. First, clean the chainring teeth. Then, feel with your fingernail, the ‘leading edge’ of the tooth (the side of the tooth pushing against the chain roller – on the top of the ring, it would be the front of the tooth). If there is a significant burr, or the tooth feels thicker on that face, the ring is worn. If not, then you are fine. There are so many teeth on the large ring that they tend to last for years. Smaller inside rings (which are usually worn faster if you are in a hilly area) don’t usually last as long. Keep your chain, rings and cogs clean and lube with a good lubricant. Don’t over-lube and keep the chain wiped down BEFORE you ride and you should be good for quite a while.
It’s good practice to change cassette, chainring and chain together. Other wise the worn out part will accelerate wear on the others. Also it’s good practice to replace chain before it wears out, it will prolong the wear of cassette and chainring.