The problem – Carla’s granny ring is shot. It’s already been rotated 90 degress for more life, so that’s not an option. What’s more is that the Specialized Four Arm chainset takes a non standard granny ring, and only TA Spécialités make them. We have one on order, but it won’t arrive in time for Sundays VTT Rando at Bessines. Some lateral thinking is required.

The thinking – I thinking about eliptical chainrings, and how it wouldn’t matter too much if the granny ring wasn’t exactly centered as the rear mech could cope (certainly for a couple of hours). Maybe it would be possible to mount a standard Shimano granny ring just using one bolt to anchor it, and some of the others to hold it. I decided to try it.

A stroke of luck – After removing the old granny ring, I was offering up, checking, measuring, when I noticed that the outer edge of the bolt holes lined up nicely with the inner edge of the granny ring. So thinking about which way the pedaling force operates I bodged the chain ring on as per the picture. It worked perfectly!!!

Carla rode the Rando, which was excellent by the way. The bodge worked perfectly!

Chainrings don’t last long in the winter mud do they? Some say they’re made of cheese! The way ramped chainrings are designed they’re meant to be fitted one way only. The big ring especially often has a bar that goes behind the crank arm so that should the chain come off it cannot slip down between the crank and the ring. Now, bear in mind that most cyclists do not/cannot pedal with equal force throughout the 360 degress rotation of the cranks then the chainrings become worn more through the ‘power phase’ than through the ‘resting phase. Or, they become worn more just after ‘top dead centre’ where you get more power down than they do anywhere else.

When your chainring is sufficiently worn your chain starts to jump. But always in the ‘power phase’ where the rings are worn most. So what’s to stop you rotating the chain rings through 90 degrees to even out the wear? Nothing really. Especially if you’re not in the habit of changing under load. Shifting efficiency should be affected, but I can’t really tell the difference, and like I’ve said before….Riding budjet is finite, and when it’s gone it’s gone. What you spend on mundane stuff you can’t spend on groovy stuff, so scrimping will help you get a little more miles for your moolah.

Riding budjet is finite, and when it’s gone it’s gone. What you spend on mundane stuff you can’t spend on groovy stuff, so scrimping will help you get a little more miles for your moolah.
Not only does the slapping of chain on chainstay drive me mad, it also damages the frame. Didn’t want no ‘lizard skin’ holding moisture and grit, so made this natty little number from an old Spesh tyre. Stayed in place no problem for a couple of years now. Good scrimp yes? 🙂

Riding budjet is finite, and when it’s gone it’s gone. What you spend on mundane stuff you can’t spend on groovy stuff, so scrimping will help you get a little more miles for your moolah.

Here’s an idea for that old pair of tights you have, or that leg-warmer that was once one of a pair. Simply cut it to length then cut open almost all the way, and hey presto! a natty chest and neck warmer, for those cold winter days. I made this one around 4 years ago, and it’s still going strong.

Lusso make one, it’ll cost you £12 ish. Make one (or even two if it’s from old tights) like mine for nothing, and spend the money you save on somethin sexy 😉