Ramped and pinned chainrings

[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.