Chainring on 2023 Titan Switch Sport

[Martin29er]

I recently bought my “training wheels” gravel bike, 2023 Titan Switch Sport - 2x9 speed.

As an entry level affordable bike it ticks all my boxes, except for the chainrings on the crankset. Standard fitted are 5 hole 46/36T rings. I want to fit a smaller ring, perhaps a 30T but struggling to find a ring that size for gravel/road application. I will consider upgrading the crankset and BB only as a last resort.

Any bright spark ideas out there that can assist me in my quest?

 

[RossTopher]

went down this route with a friend who got the comp. same ratios.

in what world Titan thought putting an 11-28 cassette on a gravel bike was a good idea. Mindboggling and annoying as its an immediate cost.

I found him a 30t chainring at Capegro Sports (the FSA agents) but it was bought 4 weeks ago and still hasnt arrived, and he's had no updates.

the frame is great, so maybe just bite the bullet and upgrade the crankset. the alternative is a wider range cassette, new chain and possibly a derailleur extender coz the microshift ones i think are short cage.

its all costly. the small chainring is the most economical option, but you'll be best served importing a 30t yourself, if you can find one.

[RossTopher]

and... ive just had a brainwave. PM me your number if you can.
i am collecting a bike next week, and can help you out with any of: 9 speed cassette, crankset, BB and derailleur if you need.
 

[Martin29er]

Thanks Ross, will look at the 30t local/import options. 
Have you followed up with Capegro at all before I go that option myself?

Edited April 27, 2023 by Martin29er

[RossTopher]

i think he's going to follow up tomorrow. but the guy said it would be about 4 weeks. but he's not heard anything.

the gearing on those bikes is bizarre.

[Martin29er]

Thanks Ross, will look at the 30t local/import options. 
Have followed up with Capegro at all before I go that option myself?

Would the 30 work with the fitted f derailleur?

 

[dasilvarsa]

https://rookcycles.com/collections/rook-scout

Homework

[RossTopher]

13 minutes ago, Martin29er said:

Thanks Ross, will look at the 30t local/import options. 
Have followed up with Capegro at all before I go that option myself?

Would the 30 work with the fitted f derailleur?

 

i reckon it will be fine, as its within the 16 tooth difference. i can let you know if/when he ever gets his 30t

[Martin29er]

Ok thanks 

[Nico van Loggerenberg]

Is it silly to suggest changing out the cassette rather? 9 speed MTB cassettes go cheap. 

[dasilvarsa]

13 minutes ago, Nico van Loggerenberg said:

Is it silly to suggest changing out the cassette rather? 9 speed MTB cassettes go cheap. 

Not at All.

This bike is supplied with a 11-28 cassette.

I would change the Cassette and Rear Derailleur and Shifter. (Microshift 9 speed is fitted).

11-36 or 11-42 at the back.

Then we can start climbing those trails.

 

 

[Martin29er]

1 minute ago, dasilvarsa said:

Not at All.

This bike is supplied with a 11-28 cassette.

I would change the Cassette and Rear Derailleur and Shifter. (Microshift 9 speed is fitted).

11-36 or 11-42 at the back.

Then we can start climbing those trails.

 

 

 

[Martin29er]

A cassette change is a very viable option. Without changes to the fitted shifter/derailleur, what is the biggest cassette that can be fitted to get closest to a 1:1 ratio, assuming 1:1 is the best possible ratio?

Edited April 27, 2023 by Martin29er

[OVERDRIVE]

@Titan Racing Bikes might want to chip in here? 

[RossTopher]

40 minutes ago, Martin29er said:

A cassette change is a very viable option. Without changes to the fitted shifter/derailleur, what is the biggest cassette that can be fitted to get closest to a 1:1 ratio, assuming 1:1 is the best possible ratio?

i know the 11 speed Microshift RD on the Comp is limited to an 11-30.
not sure about the 9. you can grab one of those extenders from Summit or Rapide for 150-200 bucks and try going bigger.

I have 9 speed 11-32 and 11-34 cassettes with minimal usage and a Sora RD that are going begging if you do go the cassette and derailleur route. it does seem the most viable in 9 speed.

[Martin29er]

@RossTopher thanks for the advice. The hanger extender seems the easiest and cheapest option. Will have a look at it.