Ramped and pinned chainrings

[Kalidurga]

Ok, I'll bite: What's a "ramped and pinned" chainring? That's a new one for me.

[KnottedYet]

It's where the teeth are asymmetrical, at first glance the ring looks worn out in spots. Supposed to help the chain catch in the teeth of the larger ring as you shift.

The pins are little stubby posts sticking out on the inside of the ring, at first glance it looks like someone left some bolts loose. Supposed to help lift the chain up to the teeth.

All together they make the shifting quicker and smoother.

I just wonder how important that is to the kind of riding I do (probably not too important) and to the mechanical parts of my bike (that's what concerns me, I don't want to wear anything out that could be avoided with a different ring.)

[DebW]

How important they are depends on how big a jump you have between chainrings. I imaging they improve shifting quite a bit on a compact double with a big gap. They would be superfluous with something like a 45-52 because it's going to shift quickly and easily anyway. I actually haven't ridden anything with ramps and pins, but they should allow you to get away with shifting under somewhat of a load and being generally sloppier with your shifts. And they should make wide-gap doubles and triples a reasonable choice rather than a miserable choice. Guess you'd have to ride a specific combination with and without ramps and pins to know for sure. If you can find an unpinned chainring with a good return policy (Suginos are available) try it out and see how it shifts for you.

[KnottedYet]

DebW, I love you!! I knew you'd come through for me! Flossie has a simple set of rings right now on her new compact double 46t and 34t. I haven't noticed any trouble yet with shifting. If I decide I'm too strong for the 46t, I'll look for a ramped ring if I go up in tooth count. (since the jump will be larger then)

Thank you!!

[SadieKate]

Knotted, Deb is right on the mark and it's actually easier to get ramped rings. Some are better than others but ramped/pinned rings are more readily available.

[Kalidurga]

It's where the teeth are asymmetrical, at first glance the ring looks worn out in spots. Supposed to help the chain catch in the teeth of the larger ring as you shift.

The pins are little stubby posts sticking out on the inside of the ring, at first glance it looks like someone left some bolts loose. Supposed to help lift the chain up to the teeth.

All together they make the shifting quicker and smoother.

Oooohhhh, ok. I had read something a while back about the asymmetrical teeth on Shimano cogs, but I don't remember if they were referred to as "ramped".

Ya learn somethin' new every day....