Finding new chainring, bashguard

[TshirtFiend]

Admittedly, I'm still working on a bunch of skills, including hopping over logs/rocks. In the meantime, I've rather seriously ground down a couple teeth on my largest chainring. My chrankset is the Shimano FC-M442.

I've done a bit of research online to check out prices, and have found the whole (new) chrankset for <50, but I haven't found just the chainring. Am I going to be able to replace just the largest ring?

Secondarily, I'm looking into a bashguard to spare the new chainring. Salsa and Blackspire make guards that go over the outer ring, but it seems far more common to replace the third chainring. I'm not positive that I can't live w/o the largest chainring, but should I give it a shot?

I mostly do XC riding around Boston, and have a Spec. FSR XC if that helps.

[Gimpy00Wang]

Take a look at BBG for the bash. They are extremely reasonably priced, nearby (NY), and have a nice strength:weight ratio.

http://www.bbgbashguard.com/

- Chris

[TshirtFiend]

Nice. Thanks for the link. The Blackspire ones were especially expensive, and the Salsa ones hard to find at a reputable retailer.

Any idea: my outer ring is 44t…so are the guards that say "44t" big enough? I'd read elsewhere that I need the next size up to really protect the ring, but there is no size larger.

[ktmdad]

Hard to beat the price of the BBG bash if you just want to experiment.

You can also change the middle ring to a 36 (I assume a 32 now) and dump the outer for the bash. Yeah it's not a 44 but might be enough for you.

I put on the new e.13 Turbocharger bash guard. They are in Leominster MA and I picked it up there for $45. Very light and really neat looking IMO.

http://http://www.e13components.com/product_turbocharger.html

[TshirtFiend]

Yeah, 32t on the middle. I could try the 36t. Ok, so that gives me some options. Thanks.

I had heard about e.13 but I'm pretty sure that they don't have a 3-ring option, so I discounted them.

I still need to find replacement chainrings either way. Do I need to find ones specific to my crankset? Or w/ any with 4 bolts work?

[Jisch]

Generally any chainring with the same number of bolts and BCD (bolt circle diameter) will work. I have, however, been burned in the past with a STX (I think) Shimano crankset because it had an offset built into the middle chainring. I could only use a flat chainring with spacers, which was a pain.

John

[digger]

That big ring with a couple of teeth damaged probably still has a lot of life left in it. File off anything that interferes with normal chain operations or might hook your ankle. There can be a lot of teeth pretty much missing and the ring will still work. Plus I think that crank may have steel rings which are even tougher than the aluminum ones on pricier cranks.

Other reasons to go middle/bash. Less chance of carving your ankle or calf up on the big ring, more clearance over logs/rocks, shorter chain, big ring/bash may give you ankle or shoe interference.

That said, should be a standard 4 bolt 104 fit, but there are sometimes unexpected differences.

[ktmdad]

I had heard about e.13 but I'm pretty sure that they don't have a 3-ring option, so I discounted them.



What I am suggesting with the e.13 bash (or BBG etc.) is you keep the inner 2 rings and replace your 3rd ring with their bash guard. You could change your middle 32T ring to a bigger 36T and get back a bit of what you lose getting rid of the big 44T. If you're intent on keeping all 3 rings AND a bash then yeah, I don't think they have something available like that. The benefits of 2 rings and bash are clearly listed by digger above and I'll add a shorter cage derailleur when the time comes which offers better shifting and clearance from obstacles.

[TshirtFiend]

Thanks for the info guys. I think that gives me what I need to figure it out. Also, I had no idea what BCD meant, so that helps as well.

I guess it's just down to the 3-ring vs. bashguard decision, so I'll clean up the teeth and note how much I use that outer ring on my next ride.

[Jisch]

I have a big ring on my hard tail that is just about flat on the top and bottom - I still use it on the road with no problems. It really is amazing I can hammer with that many teeth gone.

John

[CFPMan]

I would try one of the low cost bash guards as a test and simply replace the big ring. Not only will you get the clearance that Digger explained, but when you realize the speed and momentum you have as your sliding over the rocks and trees you will be very happy and You won't miss the big ring. Good luck

[xxxcore]

When do you use a Big Ring in the woods? Really? If you're spinning Middle 7,8,9 and need to jump into a BR, you either are insanely fast with monster thighs or ride flat ass trails. Ditch the death/big ring, put on a bash guard and enjoy the extra clearance and don't worry about BR puncture wounds in the calves. BR's just end up being bash guards anyway.

[Aging Wannabee]

If you really really really want a big ring I have 3 aluminum shimanos lying around. I think they're all LX but would still fit your crankset... and the price is right.

[TshirtFiend]

Thanks AW. My plan is to go for a solid ride this weekend and pay special attention to 3rd ring usage. If I can live without it, I'll dump it. Otherwise, I'll send you a message.