The gears are called chainrings. And yes, you will need to replace the entire crankset. The crankset on your bike has chainrings that are riveted together. They do not have removeable chain ring bolts.
What would you recommend then?? I assume the 24//34/42 are the sizes for the current chainrings... do I have to upgrade to another crankset with the same sizes?? Thanks...Vtolds said:I would stay away from both of those. They are both cheap, and riveted and you will have the replace the whole thing if you bend another chain ring. I would go with a bit more expensive piece that has replaceable chain rings.
I read that the ISIS standard would be a good upgrade from the square taper. From what I can tell a new ISIS BB would cost around $30-40. Does that sound about right? I have been doing some google shopping for "ISIS BB" and "ISIS Cranksets" etc. and have come across brands such as Truvativ, FSA, and even see that Nashbar has a BB but don't have a clue what a good/inexpensive option would be ... same goes for the cranksets... any specific recommendations or guidance would be appreciated. Thanks for the help.Vtolds said:If you like your gearing now, you can most certainly find those same rings on a newer crankset with bolted on chain rings but you dont have too you could go with different sizes. You could even change out the BB while you are at it, way more choices out there if your willing to upgrade from square taper.
Actually I just upgraded to Isis with a Truvativ Isoflow Crank and I like mine, but mine came of a stripped Rockhopper I am not sure where you can buy them currently. Pricepoint has this nice pack deal http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16...6-Cranks/Bolts/Race-Face-Ride-XC-Crankset.htm You will need the tool to remove the old bottom bracket and the tool to install the new one. And you will need to make sure your old bottom bracket is 73mm otherwise it will not work. So I guess my suggestion is for you time figure out what size yours is then we can better help determine what exactly you need.Mikey_Dawg said:I read that the ISIS standard would be a good upgrade from the square taper. From what I can tell a new ISIS BB would cost around $30-40. Does that sound about right? I have been doing some google shopping for "ISIS BB" and "ISIS Cranksets" etc. and have come across brands such as Truvativ, FSA, and even see that Nashbar has a BB but don't have a clue what a good/inexpensive option would be ... same goes for the cranksets... any specific recommendations or guidance would be appreciated. Thanks for the help.
Also - I am riding a 2009 Trek 4300... I really dont want to dump a ton of money into a new BB / Crankset since I will ugprade bikes in a few years so if my best option is to get a decent square taper crank then I am fine with that option. Still would love a couple recommendations to check out if you have any suggestions...thanks.
Either one of the above would work, but both are marginal cranksets with riveted chainrings. Besides having a fixed chainrings that you cannot replace, the bigger problem is that chainrings on cheaper cranks, as you have experienced, are not very strong. Good cranksets have strong replaceable chainrings. They're strong to take the abuse, and replaceable because they can be damaged (rock vs. ring) and they definitely will wear out.Mikey_Dawg said:
Actually, 24/34/42 is a bit of an odd size. Standard MTB cranks tend to come with 22/32/42 or 22/32/44 rings. Chain length is what you'll need to watch out for if you go to 44t. Considering the damage in your pictures, I would replace the chain anyways, chain pins are pressed into a very narrow plate, they don't handle lateral flexing too well and from the position of your granny, your chain must have sustained some serious flexing.Mikey_Dawg said:What would you recommend then?? I assume the 24//34/42 are the sizes for the current chainrings... do I have to upgrade to another crankset with the same sizes?? Thanks...
Isis is good, but given your consideration, not wanting to put too much money into this repair, I would go with the square taper. Buy crank, tightened it down, works just fine. I rode with a square taper for many years.Mikey_Dawg said:I read that the ISIS standard would be a good upgrade from the square taper.
Vtolds said:Pricepoint has this nice pack deal http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16...6-Cranks/Bolts/Race-Face-Ride-XC-Crankset.htm You will need the tool to remove the old bottom bracket and the tool to install the new one. And you will need to make sure your old bottom bracket is 73mm otherwise it will not work. So I guess my suggestion is for you time figure out what size yours is then we can better help determine what exactly you need.