I'm converting a 2021 Specialized Sirrus - X 4.0. It comes with 40T front chainring and 11 speed Shimano rear cassette. I'll be installing 1000w BBSDH system, 52v.
1. Should I shoot for a smaller chainring like the 40T the bike came with or use the 46T that the motor kit comes with. Is there any issue with throwing chains with the smaller chainring up front? I do live in a hilly area, but my main concern is with the bike functioning smoothly. I'm sure the motor will get up the hills I face.
2. I notice that the bling rings are a lot more expensive, are they a lot better?
3. Since I already have a single ring up front with my 1x drivetrain, do I even need another chainring?
4. Will I need a new chain if I switch to a 46T chainring?
5. With the 11 speed cassette and I thin chain, is there an issue with the stock 46T chainring that comes with the Bafang motor kit fitting the chain in the teeth?
Thanks in advance and sorry for all the questions, I am a noob.
So it depends on your terrain. You said its kind of hilly so you need to climb. You can see if your current chainring works ok. But based on what u said, 40-42t is going to be your sweet spot. The Lekkie performs better than stock, grips the chain better, preventing chain slips. Test your current ring to see if chain jumping is a problem. And what Ive found, yes you have to have a different chain that fits each different chain ring. Because its going to pull your derailleur either too loose or too tight if you just swap the front ring...probably wont work. Only exception is if you downsize from a larger tooth ring to a lower tooth one, then you can potentially remove a few links from the bigger chain to make it fit the smaller ring. again kind of a pain to do. easier to find your sweet spot, likely 42t lekkie and size a chain for that and call it good. i tried a 52t but realized for my area its not helpful and i need a new chain to fit it...