Author Topic: Top Hat (Read 908 times)

sparkysx · « **on:** January 06, 2012, 04:16 PM »

I was looking at this chainwheel and it says it needs a top hat to go on a 3 piece crank, whats a top hat?

Cheers

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350512572989'ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2012, 04:33 PM »

It's the stepped converter washer. There's a few different ones as it happens, to suit different chainrings & crank axles.

sparkysx · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2012, 04:46 PM »

So with one of these top hats, this chainwheel should fit a 3 piece?

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2012, 05:13 PM »

Correctamundo.

It used to be that if you had a one piece crank you just threw the chainring on. If you had a three piece then you needed the top hat washer as the axle is skinnier on a three piece. Like I said, there's a few different ones kicking about and the differences can be tiny. Sometimes very straightforward, sometimes a pain in the arse.

Measure the hole if you're able to do it accurately, chances are you just need a traditional 22/19mm top hat. Give Stodgy a ring at the RADBMX shop - he has a decent collection of various top hats. 01494 761511.