Hi!
I recently got a Cube Nulane Pro which comes with a Shimano GRX FC-RX600, 46x30T crank set. My previous (stolen!) bike had instead a Tiagra FC-4700 50x34T crankset. The new bike now feels too low geared, I never use the smaller 30T chainring and I would like to get more speed.
Is it feasible to simply change the chainring(s) on the GRX FC-RX600 for something with more teeth without having to buy a whole new crankset?
Shimano's compatibility chart doesn't list any options for it. Are there alternative brand options?
Any other issues I should consider? Like longer chain or derailleur issues?
Is this doable by a novice bikewrencher or something I should bring it to the shop for? I have never maintained or disassembled a crankset.
Thanks!
by loudan32
2 Comments
You’re not going to be able to just swap chainrings on a 2x setup like this. If you were running 1x there’s a range of options (just like MTB, which are also 1x).
For zero compatibility issues the best thing to do is a new crankset AND front derailleur. The GRX400 FD has a max chainring size of 46 and while Shimano always specs these things conservatively, there’s no guarantee it’ll run well with a 50/34. You’d want to do some research there.
The job is fairly straightforward, especially the crankset, but it really depends on your skill with tools. Some people can’t find the business end of a screwdriver and for them it’ll be impossible. Really impossible to tell you what would work best for you.
If you want 50/34 you’ll need to swap crank, chainrings, and possibly front derailleur I believe.