Quote:
Originally Posted by snguyen268
What is the biggest factor that limits the max chainring size, especially on metal tubing bikes? Is it chainstay length? Bottom bracket shell width? Or chainstay shape/thickness? How is this constraint often dealt with?
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Mostly the chainstays (length, shape, yoke or not) and tire clearance.
Keep in mind that these 'wide' 1x groups have chainlines spaced out further and wider q-factors, so there is a compromise there too.
IMO, a 48T chainring would be pretty bonkers to have on a gravel bike, especially for a 1x. My Crux has a 42/11-40 and its fine for the local gravel (regular roads, rolling and no huge climbs) and my custom has a 36/10-42 and I'm about to switch it up to a 38/10-46. The gearing on either of those two bikes will get me almost 30mph @ 90rpm.
I would not compromise tire clearance or CS length for a bigger chainring beyond a 42-44T.