New chain ring combo on me langster

So to deal with spinning out I fancy getting some more teeth on my chainring. I'm currently running 42-16, can I jump to 48-16? I figure this should be fairly subtle...

To accomplish this is it as simple as buying a 48t chainring and just bunging it on?

And once this has been done how do you assess the new chain length? I reckon I can get this done myself so if I can avoid paying the LBS so much the better...

Thats a big jump in gear ratio, you might want to whack a 17t on the back if you are going to run 48t.

As for chain length, you could just add 6 links to the length of your old chain. Most chains come with multi use links like powerlinks or z links so just try longer, then remove 2 links if its too long until you get it right

Adding new links to a worn chain could result in problems. Depends on how worn the old one is. Maybe better to get a new chain. And +1 re 42 to 46 being a big jump.

Adding new links to a worn chain could result in problems. Depends on how worn the old one is. Maybe better to get a new chain. And +1 re 42 to 46 being a big jump.

I'm in a similar situation, starting to properly spin on long sections. What would be a better combo to upgrade to (currently on stock 42/16)?

Or is this a case of working out my ratio currently and going from there? I'm still a bit new at this.

Assuming youre rocking 700c wheels with 23mm tyres, youre rocking 69gi. A lot of people roll on 46 17 which gives 71.1gi. I quite liked that ratio for riding around the city, although I have since moved up to 48 17 giving 74gi. I would recommend 46 17 personally, espec for a newbie but hey, everyones different.

have a look here for the sheldon calculator
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/

You need a gear inch calculator. As you will read elsewhere Sheldon is your friend
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/

As noted upthread a move from 42->48 ring is a big one. There is a favourite gear ratio thread you can use the search to find on here where people discuss what they are running.

Assuming youre rocking 700c wheels with 23mm tyres, youre rocking 69gi. A lot of people roll on 46 17 which gives 71.1gi. I quite liked that ratio for riding around the city, although I have since moved up to 48 17 giving 74gi. I would recommend 46 17 personally, espec for a newbie but hey, everyones different.

Bang on the money there - thanks for the link.

I think I'll go for 46-17 with a new chain for the summer. Now to find a Sugino 46T chainring!

Edit: Thanks for the help from everyone.

ok so 46-17 sounds like a sensible thing to do. What effort is there in changing the sprocket?

changing the rear cog involves removing the lockring (either using a proper tool or a hammer and screwdriver) and then using a chainwhip to unscrew the cog. Its a straightforward job if you have the tools. The reverse applies for installation.

A word of warning, please make sure you get the sprocket/lockring done up properly. I bodged a job recently with the wrong tool and when I took it out for a test drive, tried to skid and popped the lockring off the thread.

Yowch :'(

Thanks for all the advice so far! Would I be wasting my money on this:

Ice Toolz Essence Tool Kit for Home Mechanics | Evans Cycles

Surely made in the finest Chinese sweat shops...

I'm fairly keen to get good at dicking about with bike bits...

^Good tool set.

After all, you don't wanna suck dick at dicking around with bikes...

Have you got a set of spanners or are you going to rely on that adjustable? You can get a good set of combination spanners at local tool shops for not much money - adjustables have a knack of rounding off nuts

...Only if the nuts are made of cheese

or if you need them tighter than a wizard's sleeve