Replace inner chainring on 10 speed Shimano 105 Triple with smaller one

[WSArmstron@aol.com]

I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
shift levers.
I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
will have to select a different bike.
Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
out.

[Sheldon Brown]

A shy person wrote:
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification?

Yes, we do this all the time.

See: http://harriscyclery.com/74

>I recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> will have to select a different bike.
> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> out.

That should work fine. When you go as small as 24, the use of a chain
deflector is almost always indicated, as explained at the link above.

Sheldon "Limbo" Brown
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
| Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts. -Richard
Feynman |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
Harris Cyclery, West Newton, Massachusetts
Phone 617-244-9772 FAX 617-244-1041
http://harriscyclery.com
Hard-to-find parts shipped Worldwide
http://captainbike.com http://sheldonbrown.com

[Espressopithecus (Java Man)]

In article <1185415958.128989.29570@57g2000hsv.googlegroups.co m>,
WSArmstron@aol.com says...

I'm running a 9-speed 105 brifter with a 12-27 and a triple 50-40-26.
Occasionally, it dumps the chain off when downshifting to the 26, but it
can be brought back with the FDR if you don't delay shifting until the
last second. Overall, I am satisfied with the shifting.

I have another bike with a 12-27 and triple 50-40-30. The 26F does help
on long, steep grades, but there's not a lot of difference between it
and the 30F. If a 24 tooth granny ring doesn't work for you, I'm sure a
26 will shift well enough and still give you a stump-puller low gear.

Java

[Qui si parla Campagnolo]

On Jul 25, 8:12 pm, WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.

Yep, it'll work, just practice a little shifting finessee, lessening
the pedal pressure when shifting to the 39t, and it'll be fine. Chain
may drag on the FD cage when in 24t and smaller cogs but just don't go
there.



> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> will have to select a different bike.
> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> out.

[Nate Knutson]

On Jul 25, 7:12 pm, WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> will have to select a different bike.
> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> out.

I'm pretty sure it will work, although not all that great and you'll
want a chain catcher. I only say pretty sure because I haven't seen a
10spd setup like this yet, but I don't think that should make a
difference. A lot of people's experiences with this will have been
with a road triple that comes with a 52 large ring and 42 middle. The
50 and 39 will make a good difference, especially if you change the 39
to a 38.

Especially if this is a dirt-cheap internet road bike or something,
you might consider just selling the STI's and getting bar ends and
different levers. Front friction will shift 24/38/50 no problem, not
kludgey at all, whereas performance with the STI's like this will
always be pretty blah.

[NeauDL]

An easy way to get the low gear that you want is simply to use an
11-34 cassette with the standard triple chainrings (30-39-53). You
would need a long cage mountain rear derailleur and a slightly longer
chain. IRD makes 10 speed cassettes in 11-34. You could keep the
standard cassette when you don't need super low gears and just put on
the 11-34 cassette when you're going to need very low gears. You can
check out these cassettes at interlocracing.com. I think any bike
shop could get them for you, probably at a price competitive with
Ultegra.

I use this approach for riding in the mountains, but on Shimano 9
speed.

L:. D. Lide

[Ozark Bicycle]

On Jul 25, 9:12 pm, WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> will have to select a different bike.

The 24 to 39 and 39 to 24 shift is "iffy" with an STI front shifter,
IME.

OTOH, 105 RD will clear a 30T cog, that and a 28T inner will give you
a "25 inch" gear.

Another alternative is using a friction shifter for the front (barend,
DT, 'traditional' Campy Ergo). Then, you can do as you wish.
> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> out.

[Steve Gravrock]

On 2007-07-26, WSArmstron@aol.com <WSArmstron@aol.com> wrote:
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.

I'm running 9 speed Tiagra/105 with a 52-42-26. Shifting between the
inner and middle ring is not as quick or as smooth as with the stock
30t ring, but it works. My guess is that a 50-39-24 will work as well.
You may need to set the low gear limit stop loose and use a chain
watcher, especially if you tend to shift the front under any kind of
load.

[jim beam]

WSArmstron@aol.com wrote:
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> will have to select a different bike.
> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> out.
>

why??? what's wrong with an mtb crank?

[Kenny]

On Jul 26, 10:12 am, WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> will have to select a different bike.
> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> out.

I have an Ultegra triple crank on tour bike. It has TA rings 48/38/26.
My real suntour cassette is an MTB 11-32. I use all possible combos
and don't give a hoot if some of ratios are redundant. On light
loaded touring in the mountains I'm in the 26 / 32 combo alot and
sometimes wishing I had a 34.

[NickP]

Ask for a different crank with more sensible chainring sizes. An MTB crank
with something like 44-32-22. If you need a 24t chainring then you don't
need a 50t chainring, particularly with an 11t or 12t small cog. After all,
when I started road racing in the 1970s, the largest gear most people had
available to them was 52-14 or 52-13. That's exactly the same gearing as
44-12 or 44-11.

Nick

<WSArmstron@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1185415958.128989.29570@57g2000hsv.googlegrou ps.com...
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> will have to select a different bike.
> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> out.
>

[RS]

I"d just go with a 28 which will work fine and should be plenty low,
almost 1:1 with the 28:27.

Rick

In article
<1185415958.128989.29570@57g2000hsv.googlegroups.co m>,
WSArmstron@aol.com says...
>
>
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
>Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
>cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
>shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
>one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
>recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
>as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
>To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
>will have to select a different bike.
> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
>those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and
old
>24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could
try
>out.
>

[WSArmstron@aol.com]

On Jul 25, 10:12 pm, WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> shift levers.
> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> will have to select a different bike.
> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> out.

Wow, this list is HOT! I am the OP for this topic, and this has
been my initial post to this list in many, many years. 17 answers in
less than 24 hours - Thanks for the input! There has been some
speculation about my motives, so let me expand on where I am coming
from.
I have 2 road bikes, a touring bike, and an MTB, with vintages
running from 1976 through 1995. Although it is the bike I use the
most, the 1991 Miyata 1000 LT (Loaded Touring) is the bike I want to
replace with a new road bike. It has a Shimano Deore DX drive train:
stock setup was 50-44-28 Biopace chainrings, 12-28 7-speed cassette,
and SIS bar end shifters. I replaced the Biopace rings with round
ones so I could spin at a higher RPM, and replaced the inner chainring
with a 24 so I could make it up the hills of the NYS Finger Lakes
region with a full load without stopping every mile to catch my
breath.
It's been a decade or so since I have loaded up 55 lbs of
camping equipment and hit the road, but I still do many day rides of
30 to 85 mile duration. I don't see myself with a future need to
carry a heavy load. I am looking for a replacement bike that is 10
lbs lighter (including less rotating weight), high pressure road
tires, integrated brake and shift levers, and gear ratios similar to
my Miyata. I need the 24 inch gear ratio on the low end these days to
get myself up the 6 to 13% grades I find on my rides. Yup, fitness is
a factor. I am now 64, and I don't think this is the time to give up
my granny gear capability. As for pedaling faster than 30 MPH? My
cruising cadence is 85 to 100 RPM, with short bursts at 110 or more.
On a shallow downhill, I can be still be applying torque to the pedals
at over 36 MPH. I want integrated shift levers for hands on control
and rapid shifting, particularly on the rear derailleur.
From my viewpoint, the bike I have selected does not fall in the
category of "dirt-cheap internet road bike or something", although it
is the baseline of 5 models in its line. My choice is the Specialized
Roubaix Triple, which fits the bill with the exception of its 30 inch
gear low end.
I know from 2001 and 2004 postings on this list that the 30T to
24T inner chainring replacement will work on the pre-10 speed Shimano
105 systems. The issue is will it work on the 10-speed Shimano 105.
It seems like a simple change, even with the addition of a chain
catcher. When I need the low end, it is there. From the Miyata mod I
am used to a degraded shifting performance when moving up to the
middle chainring, so this is not a big deal for me. I would use only
the larger rear cogs with the inner chainring (the ones that give me
lower than 39 inch ratios), so FD rubbing using the smaller rear cogs
is not an issue. I don't believe replacing the 50 and 39T chainrings
is an option, because they are a matched pair built to work with the
particular shifters, including ridges and/or pins to help lift the
chain to the larger ring. Yes, redundancy used to be a dominant
factor in matching multiple chainrings and sprockets, but now the goal
is smooth shift transitions, and with 10 choices between 12 and 27
teeth in the rear, who cares about redundancy? The chainwheel
shifting is like having an overdrive and "underdrive".
So, thanks again for the suggestions and leads to possible
solutions. I will most likely be back with more questions.

Bill Armstrong
Ref:
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.rec.bicycles.recumbent/browse_thread/thread/d387c63b93f84e4f/56f59cbb469984be?lnk=st&q=Shimano+105&rnum=15#56f59cbb469984be

http://groups.google.com/group/rec.bicycles.tech/browse_thread/thread/672bc5e079526218/9a83bfe64e199dac?lnk=st&q=Shimano+105&rnum=2#9a83bfe64e199dac

[Booker C. Bense]

In article <1185416638.065000.73930@m37g2000prh.googlegroups.c om>,
Ozark Bicycle <bicycleatelier@ozarkbicycleservice.com> wrote:
>On Jul 25, 9:12 pm, WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
>> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
>> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
>> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
>> shift levers.
>> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
>> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
>> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
>> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
>> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
>> will have to select a different bike.
>
>The 24 to 39 and 39 to 24 shift is "iffy" with an STI front shifter,
>IME.

_ I use a 26-39-52 with 105 brifters. It's not perfect, but it
works well enough if you have the front derailler that works with
a 39t middle cog. Your old cogs will fit and should work.


>> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
>> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
>> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
>> out.
>

The bolt diameter is the same, and the teeth are the same. The
outside width of the chainring might be a bit larger. Double
check that the skinny 10spd chain won't get stuck between the
inner and middle chainrings.

_ Booker C. Bense

[Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman]

Ozark Bicycle wrote:
> W.S. Armstrong wrote:
>
> > I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> > Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> > cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> > shift levers.
> > I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> > one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> > recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> > as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> > To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> > will have to select a different bike.
>
> The 24 to 39 and 39 to 24 shift is "iffy" with an STI front shifter,
> IME.
>
> OTOH, 105 RD will clear a 30T cog, that and a 28T inner will give you
> a "25 inch" gear.
>
> Another alternative is using a friction shifter for the front (barend,
> DT, 'traditional' Campy Ergo). Then, you can do as you wish....

I have ridden a bike with 54/44/24 chainrings and 8-speed chain, and
shifting was acceptable using a bar-end shifter.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

[Ozark Bicycle]

On Jul 25, 9:38 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
> WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
> > I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> > Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> > cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> > shift levers.
> > I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> > one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> > recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> > as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> > To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> > will have to select a different bike.
> > Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> > those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> > 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> > out.
>
> why??? what's wrong with an mtb crank?-


What's a MTB crank going to do for the OP?

[jim beam]

Ozark Bicycle wrote:
> On Jul 25, 9:38 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>> WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
>>> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
>>> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
>>> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
>>> shift levers.
>>> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
>>> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
>>> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
>>> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
>>> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
>>> will have to select a different bike.
>>> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
>>> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
>>> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
>>> out.
>> why??? what's wrong with an mtb crank?-
>
>
> What's a MTB crank going to do for the OP?
>

give him a lower granny gear without all this messing about?

[RBrickston]

In article <UvudnbPAQOsGhTXbnZ2dnUVZ_ovinZ2d@speakeasy.net>,
spamvortex@bad.example.net says...
> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
> > On Jul 25, 9:38 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
> >> WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
> >>> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> >>> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> >>> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> >>> shift levers.
> >>> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> >>> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> >>> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> >>> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> >>> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> >>> will have to select a different bike.
> >>> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> >>> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> >>> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> >>> out.
> >> why??? what's wrong with an mtb crank?-
> >
> >
> > What's a MTB crank going to do for the OP?
> >
>
> give him a lower granny gear without all this messing about?
>

And when he wants to use the 50 tooth ring?

[jim beam]

RBrickston wrote:
> In article <UvudnbPAQOsGhTXbnZ2dnUVZ_ovinZ2d@speakeasy.net>,
> spamvortex@bad.example.net says...
>> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
>>> On Jul 25, 9:38 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>>> WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
>>>>> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
>>>>> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
>>>>> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
>>>>> shift levers.
>>>>> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
>>>>> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
>>>>> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
>>>>> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
>>>>> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
>>>>> will have to select a different bike.
>>>>> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
>>>>> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
>>>>> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
>>>>> out.
>>>> why??? what's wrong with an mtb crank?-
>>>
>>> What's a MTB crank going to do for the OP?
>>>
>> give him a lower granny gear without all this messing about?
>>
>
> And when he wants to use the 50 tooth ring?


for what? how many people /need/ to pedal faster than 30mph?

bottom line, look at the op's question. they're not driven by speed,
they're driven by either touring or lack of fitness. mtb gearing is a
better solution to meet their goal.

[Joe Bernard]

On Jul 25, 9:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
> RBrickston wrote:
> > In article <UvudnbPAQOsGhTXbnZ2dnUVZ_ovin...@speakeasy.net>,
> > spamvor...@bad.example.net says...
> >> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
> >>> On Jul 25, 9:38 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
> >>>> WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
> >>>>> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> >>>>> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> >>>>> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> >>>>> shift levers.
> >>>>> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> >>>>> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> >>>>> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> >>>>> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> >>>>> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> >>>>> will have to select a different bike.
> >>>>> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
> >>>>> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
> >>>>> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
> >>>>> out.
> >>>> why??? what's wrong with an mtb crank?-
>
> >>> What's a MTB crank going to do for the OP?
>
> >> give him a lower granny gear without all this messing about?
>
> > And when he wants to use the 50 tooth ring?
>
> for what? how many people /need/ to pedal faster than 30mph?
>
> bottom line, look at the op's question. they're not driven by speed,
> they're driven by either touring or lack of fitness. mtb gearing is a
> better solution to meet their goal.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

The OP is clearly not interested in replacing the cranks. He's going
to buy the 105 triple bike if he can use a 24-tooth granny he already
has.

[jim beam]

Joe Bernard wrote:
> On Jul 25, 9:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>> RBrickston wrote:
>>> In article <UvudnbPAQOsGhTXbnZ2dnUVZ_ovin...@speakeasy.net>,
>>> spamvor...@bad.example.net says...
>>>> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
>>>>> On Jul 25, 9:38 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>>>>> WSArmst...@aol.com wrote:
>>>>>>> I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
>>>>>>> Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
>>>>>>> cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
>>>>>>> shift levers.
>>>>>>> I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
>>>>>>> one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
>>>>>>> recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
>>>>>>> as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
>>>>>>> To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
>>>>>>> will have to select a different bike.
>>>>>>> Are the inner chainrings for 10-speed triples different than
>>>>>>> those made for (1991) 7-speed triples? I have an old 28T and and old
>>>>>>> 24T chainring, each with the required 74 mm bolt diameter, I could try
>>>>>>> out.
>>>>>> why??? what's wrong with an mtb crank?-
>>>>> What's a MTB crank going to do for the OP?
>>>> give him a lower granny gear without all this messing about?
>>> And when he wants to use the 50 tooth ring?
>> for what? how many people /need/ to pedal faster than 30mph?
>>
>> bottom line, look at the op's question. they're not driven by speed,
>> they're driven by either touring or lack of fitness. mtb gearing is a
>> better solution to meet their goal.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> The OP is clearly not interested in replacing the cranks.

but that's the point - he should be interested! by the time he's done
dicking about with cogs, and quite likely derailleurs and chain keepers,
he'd have spent less money and less time just going mtb.


> He's going
> to buy the 105 triple bike if he can use a 24-tooth granny he already
> has.
>

[Steve Gravrock]

On 2007-07-26, NickP <someone@nowhere.au> wrote:
> Ask for a different crank with more sensible chainring sizes. An MTB crank
> with something like 44-32-22. If you need a 24t chainring then you don't
> need a 50t chainring, particularly with an 11t or 12t small cog. After all,
> when I started road racing in the 1970s, the largest gear most people had
> available to them was 52-14 or 52-13. That's exactly the same gearing as
> 44-12 or 44-11.

I'll admit that I've never tried it, but I'm skeptical about such a setup
with indexed road shifters. Road front derailers are shaped for a larger
big ring than that. It seems like that would cause problems. Mountain
bike front derailers shaped for a 44t big ring are easy to find, but
won't index with road STIs.

[NickP]

"Steve Gravrock" <usenet@sdg.users.panix.com> wrote in message
news:slrnfahr5s.l1h.usenet@panix1.panix.com...
> On 2007-07-26, NickP <someone@nowhere.au> wrote:
>> Ask for a different crank with more sensible chainring sizes. An MTB
>> crank
>> with something like 44-32-22. If you need a 24t chainring then you don't
>> need a 50t chainring, particularly with an 11t or 12t small cog. After
>> all,
>> when I started road racing in the 1970s, the largest gear most people had
>> available to them was 52-14 or 52-13. That's exactly the same gearing as
>> 44-12 or 44-11.
>
> I'll admit that I've never tried it, but I'm skeptical about such a setup
> with indexed road shifters. Road front derailers are shaped for a larger
> big ring than that. It seems like that would cause problems. Mountain
> bike front derailers shaped for a 44t big ring are easy to find, but
> won't index with road STIs.

That's just disinformation from Shimano. I equipped my wife's touring bike
with Ultegra 9s STI levers, an XT front derailleur, and a 110
BCD crank with 44-34-24 chainrings, and it indexes perfectly across all
three chainrings.

Nick

[russellseaton1@yahoo.com]

On Jul 26, 5:52 pm, NeauDL <ldl...@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> An easy way to get the low gear that you want is simply to use an
> 11-34 cassette with the standard triple chainrings (30-39-53). You
> would need a long cage mountain rear derailleur and a slightly longer
> chain. IRD makes 10 speed cassettes in 11-34. You could keep the
> standard cassette when you don't need super low gears and just put on
> the 11-34 cassette when you're going to need very low gears. You can
> check out these cassettes at interlocracing.com. I think any bike
> shop could get them for you, probably at a price competitive with
> Ultegra.

Competitive with Ultegra if you add $100 to the Ultegra 10 speed
cassette price to get it near the IRD 10 speed 11-34 cassette..

$169.99 for 10 speed IRD Shimano spaced 11-34 cassette. Before 20%
off today.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600087&subcategory=60001109&brand=&sku=20125&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Freewheels

$65.99 for Ultegra 10 speed cassette. Not showing the 12-27 now but
they have it sometimes. Price before 20% off coupon today.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600087&subcategory=60001109&brand=&sku=13274&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Freewheels

$59.45 for the Shimano 105 10 speed cassette in 12-27. Before 20% off
coupon today.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600087&subcategory=60001109&brand=&sku=17355&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Freewheels



>
> I use this approach for riding in the mountains, but on Shimano 9
> speed.

About the only good thing about Shimano. 9 speed cassettes range from
11-21 to 12-34 and work with any and all shifters. Cheap cassettes
too. Less than $20 to whatever you want to pay at the other end.
Fairly easy to put on a cheap Shimano long cage rear derailleur,
$15.99 at Nashbar for a Deore before 20% off coupon, and the big
cassette and have pretty low gears.


>
> L:. D. Lide

[Steve Gravrock]

On 2007-07-27, WSArmstron@aol.com <WSArmstron@aol.com> wrote:

[ Wanting to run a 50-39-24 triple ]

One other thing to consider: A smaller granny ring is by far the
cheapest way to get lower gears. If it doesn't work well enough, you're
only out $20 or so. I say give it a try.

[Ozark Bicycle]

On Jul 27, 12:53 am, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
<sunsetss0...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
> > W.S. Armstrong wrote:
>
> > > I am about to order a new road bike that comes with a 10-speed
> > > Shimano 105 drive train components: 50-39-30T chainrings, 12-27T
> > > cassette, front derailleur, rear derailleur with long cage, and STI
> > > shift levers.
> > > I would like to replace the 30T inner chainring with a smaller
> > > one, preferably a 24T. Is this a compatible modification? I
> > > recognize that it may not shift up to the middle chainring as smoothly
> > > as stock, but as long as it gets the job done I would be satisfied.
> > > To me, this is a deal breaker -- if I can't get a 24 inch low gear, I
> > > will have to select a different bike.
>
> > The 24 to 39 and 39 to 24 shift is "iffy" with an STI front shifter,
> > IME.
>
> > OTOH, 105 RD will clear a 30T cog, that and a 28T inner will give you
> > a "25 inch" gear.
>
> > Another alternative is using a friction shifter for the front (barend,
> > DT, 'traditional' Campy Ergo). Then, you can do as you wish....
>
> I have ridden a bike with 54/44/24 chainrings and 8-speed chain, and
> shifting was acceptable using a bar-end shifter.
>

Yep. "Old fashioned" friction front shifting solves the problems
created by "new" indexed front shifting.

[ttoshi]

I ran a 52-42-26 with 105 FD (9-spd) and 11-34 Deore in the rear with
Ultegra STI shifters with no problems at all.

I didn't like the spacing between the 26 and 42, so I thought I would
get a 38 middle ring and try a Dura-Ace 9spd FD, since it uses 53-39,
I thought I would try 52-38 and 24. I couldn't get the Dura-Ace to
work, but got the 105 to work with
52-38-24. I do use a chain watcher, and for the 24, I need to do a
half-click with my Ultegra STI shifters to shim the FD so I don't get
chain rub as I shift the RD into higher gears while in the granny
ring, but otherwise I am extremely happy.

I know it would work much better with the 48-38-24, but I actually
like the 52 ring. I need the low gears when I tow my son in the hills,
but like the high gears for riding on my own. Yes, I do pedal on
downhills 30+ mph when the occasion allows.

The other thing I didn't see mentioned is that you can get a stock
Sugino XD crank which allows a 48-38-24 (I think you can get from
Rivendell bicycles) and a square taper BB as another option.

Toshi