CHEYN-ringz
Noun, Plural
Chainrings are the two or three rings attached to the crank arms of a bicycle.
Example usage: You need to change the chainrings on your bike if you want to change the gears.
Most used in: Mountain biking and road cycling.
Most used by: Cyclists of all levels.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Cogs, Sprockets, Chainwheels,
What Are Chainrings?
Chainrings, also known as sprockets, are components of a bicycle drivetrain that transfer power from the pedals to the rear wheel. Chainrings are typically made from aluminum or steel, and usually come in sets of two or three. The two chainrings are referred to as the inner and outer chainrings, and the three chainrings are referred to as the granny, middle, and big chainrings.
The size of the chainrings affects the gearing of the bike, as larger chainrings provide higher gearing and smaller chainrings provide lower gearing. Most road bikes have two chainrings, a standard 53/39T setup being the most common. Mountain bikes typically have three chainrings, with a standard 22/32/44T setup being the most common.
Chainrings can be changed to adjust the gearing of the bike. For example, a cyclist wanting to climb hills might switch from a 53/39T chainring setup to a 50/34T chainring setup to make pedaling up hills easier. Conversely, a cyclist wanting to go faster on flat terrain might switch to a 53/42T chainring setup.
According to a survey conducted by Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, 73% of cyclists use a double chainring setup, while 27% use a triple chainring setup. The most popular double chainring setup is a 53/39T, while the most popular triple chainring setup is a 22/32/44T.
.Exploring the Origin of Cycling Term 'Chainrings'
The term “chainrings” was first used in the early 1800s in the United Kingdom. It is used to refer to the large, circular sprockets at the front of a bicycle that the chain passes through. The chainrings are connected to the pedals and are what the cyclist uses to turn the chain, which in turn rotates the rear wheel.
The earliest bicycle chainrings were made of wood or metal and were usually connected to the pedals by a series of links. As bicycles became more popular, so did the use of chainrings, as they allowed for a more efficient transfer of power from the cyclist to the rear wheel. As technology advanced, chainrings were made from lighter and more durable materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber.
Today, chainrings are an integral part of a bicycle, and the design and material used vary depending on the type of bike and the cycling discipline. Chainrings are used in road, mountain, and BMX bikes, and are available in a variety of sizes and colors. They are a key component in the drivetrain of a bicycle and are essential for efficient and smooth pedaling.
