just purchased a used 2020 Talon 2 29er to convert with a bbs02. will be exclusively flat (no climbing) and looking for maximum top speed. with that in mind I was planning on a 52T front chainring, but when I look at the bike, I'm not sure the chainstay can accommodate an 8.5" front chainring. i'm concerned not just with the 52T physically rubbing on the chainstay, but also the angle of the chain if I can get enough offset for the chainring to clear the chainstay.
So my question is does anyone have any experience with this particular bike to know if I can get away with a large front chainring? If so just how big can I safely go?
Thanks!
Louis
I have done a 2021 Talon1 earlier this year and I believe they are the same frame, but you may want to check that. I used a Lekkie 46T and needed 2 x 2.5mm spacers to get the chain ring away from the chainstay. I looked at mine and the chainstay comes out significantly more just after the ring. I can pedal ok until about 30mph, then it feels too fast, but i don't go over that very often so it's not an issue for me.
good question, the 52T has good offset but it can run into your chainstay if they are wide, rendering it useless. mostly depends on the frame. you could try ordering a couple rings and return one if it doesnt work, but generally the ring that works on most all bikes is the 42T. also 46T. grab one lekkie spacer to add 2mm in case you need it