72andsunny

Carbonfiberboy pointed outs a lot of chain noise in my other thread. As stated there, it’s mostly from the rear disc; however, while chasing a creak that I was sure was one or more bottom brackets but has turned out to be the thudbuster ST seatpost, I’ve noticed that I’m getting some grinding from the chain rings. It goes away if I greatly loosen the timing chain. Park Tool says my chain has not stretched. So my question is: how loose is too loose? In the video, the first part is at its tightest in the revolution, then its loosest, then pedaling backward, then forward.

Is it time for new chainrings? I believe I’m on a second chain, but the timing rings are original as far as I remember. I don’t think I’ve ever rotated them.

Sorry to be clogging up this forum. I’ve got nothing to do until the quad gets here...

reburns

That looks looser than I ever had them when I used chains for timing. I think the recommendation is usually 1/2-1" deflection. I’d go ahead and swap timing rings between front and back, and try to get the tension fairly uniform over a full pedal rotation in the process, and see if it quiets down at all. Do the rings appear to be worn at all?

72andsunny

Thanks! I switched the rings. Much, much smoother now. At least riding solo. I need to place an ad on Craigslist for a more reliable stoker.