For the record some chains (Miche) come with only 100 links and others (KMC) are more generous with 110. I always opt for KMC as the only time I bought Miche I had to add links for it to be any use on any of the bikes I tried it on.

Odd number sprockets and chainrings are good too. As Jamie said 19t is good. 43t or 47t chainrings will give you lots of skid patches = the same number skid patches as teeth on your sprocket, doubled if ambidextrous. 47:18 and 43:16 will give you lots of skid patches with an average sized gear (68gi to 71gi -ish). Different people have different strength / preferences / flatter commutes etc though.

The number of patches is dictated by the denominator of the gear ratio when cancelled down. e.g. 48/16 cancels down to 3/1, which equals 1 skid patch (Bad, because you're melting through a single section of the tyre every time you skid.) 48/19 doesn't cancel down, hence you get 19 skid patches.

Of course, if you really wanted to run 48/16, you could a) Not skid or b) Periodically move the chain 1t round the rear sprocket so the skid patch moves round the wheel. Kind of a pain.

what do you mean by skid patches ive seen it mentioned before but never bothered to learn what its about.... until now!

the crankset i got is 48t, i was hugely suprised at the difference it makes, i dont know why i didnt think it would make such a huge difference, ive ridden geared bikes all my life and i know how the gearing system works. im flying along the streets when its flat but i really need to get out the saddle when i come to an incline, im dreading some steeper hills like wells road etc. im possible thinking of changing my back cog any recommendations which will work well with the 48t?

http://www.muc-off.com/shop/pr..... 

It is not a long term solution, as it needs to be re-applied, but only every other month or so, and after each soap wash. It's oil based, and forms a non sticky film over the frame, leaving it water proof, and gives it a lovely shine. Just thought I would mention it as it would make a nice short term solution. 

1/8 will sit on 3/32 but not the other way round, at the front at least, not sure about the back, never tried it. regular run 1/8 with 3/32 chainrings though.

chain splitters are pretty essential part of any toolkit. £25 is fuckload of dosh though.

you could have got a park brute for less, or even a multi-tool with one that would probably do the job. i'm sure my park tool cost way less than that. anyway, it should be a good one, cheapo chain splitters are a false economy when nailing eighth pitch chains, or even devious half-link beasts.

you will definatly be able to see if its the wrong size, if the chain ring is a 1/8 and the chain is a 3/32 it wont go on at all but if the chainring is 3/32 and the chain is 1/8 it will fit but be sloppy.

 what a ball ache eh

just need to borrow my mates care to pop down!

just by laying your old chain on the new chainring would show if its the right size (1/8th or 3/32 width)

im currently at st mary redcliffe school building site and im looking for somewhere close i can take the bike, hopefully get them to add another link onto the chain, im also not 100% certain the chain is now suitable for the crankset, however comparing it against the original it does look identical. So im hoping it will be fine once the additional links are added.

Anyways any advise is great on a local shop.  

this place is in Yate: http://www.chromebysandt.com/ worth giving them call maybe..

Update:

It's a toss up between Crystal Meth & and gloss protective spray