Bike Chainrings

What is a Chainring

A bike chainring, also known as a sprocket, is a round, toothed mechanism located at the front of a bike's drivetrain and attached to the crankset. Its main function is to transmit power from the rider's pedalling to the bike's rear wheel via the chain.

Chainrings come in different sizes, and the number of teeth on each ring can vary. The number of teeth on a chain ring is typically referred to as the "size" of the ring. The larger the chainring, the more teeth it will have, and the harder it will be to pedal. Conversely, the smaller the chainring, the fewer teeth it will have, and the easier it will be to pedal.

Most road and mountain bike drivetrains have one or more chainrings located at the front of the bike. A standard road bike might have two or three chainrings, while a mountain bike might have one or two. Some high-end road and electric bikes have a "compact drive" system that uses a smaller chain ring for more relaxed rides and uphill climbs.

What are Chainrings made of?

Chainrings are typically made from aluminium alloy or steel, with steel being more durable but heavier, and aluminium is lighter but less durable. The most common sizes for chain rings on road and mountain bikes range from 34 to 52 teeth.

Chainring Maintenance

The chainring is a critical component of the bike's drivetrain. When it needs to be replaced, it's important to ensure the replacement ring is compatible with the rest of the drivetrain components, such as the crankset and the rear cassette, and that the chain line is correct.

It's also important to note that when a chain ring is worn out or the teeth on the ring are damaged, it can cause the chain to slip or skip, which can be dangerous while riding. Therefore, it's important to regularly check the chainring and replace it if worn out or damaged.