BCD144

[Deleted member 24574]

What is the smallest chainring this will accommodate ?

I believe it is 42.

 

[lewisfoto]

Campagnolo, and a few other smaller manufacturers, made a 41 tooth ring that just barely works.

on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-VINTAGE-19 ... 4897.l4275

 

[Midlife]

.....yep, 41 teeth but I never recall seeing one in the flesh.

They do pitch up on ebay every now and again.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RARE-Campagno ... 7675.l2557

Shaun

 

[Ian Raleigh]

I asked this question a year or so ago and was told 41t is the lowest, so set out trying to find a 41t ring! I never did find one.

 

[Deleted member 24574]

Hmmm, I can't be bothered for 1 tooth ... doubt I'd notice the difference.

Perhaps I can find a bigger freewheel but 6 speed does not seem to come any bigger than 24 without looking stupid ...

 

[Ian Raleigh]

It sounds like your thinking what I was thinking two years ago! Get up hills much easier!
Or get yourself really fit and use the original block, I opted for a bigger block :roll:

 

[Deleted member 24574]

Well I consider myself reasonably fit ... I can get well under the hour for a 25 but the gearing on my vintage ride still remains the biggest source of discomfort now I have sorted the clips / shoes out to a good solution.

42x24 = 47.3

Standard Double 39x22 = 47.9
Compact 34x18 = 48.3

On my normal road bike I run a compact and will often select 34x27 on the hills ... that is 34"

I'd like some smaller gears but I don't really see any solution that does no spoil the bike ...

 

[lewisfoto]

Though not a cheap solution, you could look for a Cyclo Pans freewheel kit and create custom freewheel gearing circa 70s and 80s.

 

[Deleted member 24574]

I think I'll just grind it out ...

 

[Ian Raleigh]

Don't forget you might have to remove the drop-out adjusters so you can sit the wheel further back, so you can go on the big sprocket!