Noisy drivetrain the norm with oval chainrings?
05-06-19, 10:32 AM
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Noisy drivetrain the norm with oval chainrings?
I just installed Absolute Black oval 48-32 chainrings on an Ultegra 8000 crankset on my gravel bike. I was told shifting would be a bit slower but not noisier. After five rides, two mechanic adjustments, the problem persists. The drivetrain is quiet when the chain is in the middle cogs but gets noisy on the edges on both rings. Is this normal or do I need a better mechanic?
05-06-19, 10:43 AM
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If it is a rhythmic noise in timing with the shape of the oval, chain rubbing the cage as it is pedaled then check that the front derailleur cage is parallel to the chainring and not angled.
I have AB 46/30 oval rings on Ultegra 6800 cranks. The FD was set up with the cage slightly angled relative to the ring. Noise was significantly reduced when the front derailleur was set parallel to the rings instead.
It still isn't perfect but I also run an XT 11-42 cassette with the B screw turned around so all bets are off for me.
Nice kitchen, by the way.
-Tim-
I have AB 46/30 oval rings on Ultegra 6800 cranks. The FD was set up with the cage slightly angled relative to the ring. Noise was significantly reduced when the front derailleur was set parallel to the rings instead.
It still isn't perfect but I also run an XT 11-42 cassette with the B screw turned around so all bets are off for me.
Nice kitchen, by the way.
-Tim-
05-06-19, 11:57 AM
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Where is the noise coming from is the real question. If it's chain rub on the ft der cage then one would hope that "adjustments" would reduce or eliminate the noise. If coming from the meshing of the chain onto the new rings' teeth (as I suspect is the case) then avoiding those cog/ring combos, trying various different chains (as in brand), or tolerating the noise as the teeth wear in more are the likely choices.
Of course this assumes that you're not meaning a cross chained combo as they really should be avoided if possible. Andy (whose kitchen is being updated as this is written).
Of course this assumes that you're not meaning a cross chained combo as they really should be avoided if possible. Andy (whose kitchen is being updated as this is written).
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05-06-19, 12:32 PM
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Bianchi bottles next to the sesame oil are a nice touch.
I need a new toaster.
-Tim-
I need a new toaster.
-Tim-
05-06-19, 02:44 PM
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...I run a couple of oval chainrings, but I don't run any of them on the largest position. Mine run quietly. You might try replacing the largest chainring with a round one and see if that solves your problem.
06-16-19, 07:34 AM
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If it is a rhythmic noise in timing with the shape of the oval, chain rubbing the cage as it is pedaled then check that the front derailleur cage is parallel to the chainring and not angled.
I have AB 46/30 oval rings on Ultegra 6800 cranks. The FD was set up with the cage slightly angled relative to the ring. Noise was significantly reduced when the front derailleur was set parallel to the rings instead.
It still isn't perfect but I also run an XT 11-42 cassette with the B screw turned around so all bets are off for me.
Nice kitchen, by the way.
-Tim-
I have AB 46/30 oval rings on Ultegra 6800 cranks. The FD was set up with the cage slightly angled relative to the ring. Noise was significantly reduced when the front derailleur was set parallel to the rings instead.
It still isn't perfect but I also run an XT 11-42 cassette with the B screw turned around so all bets are off for me.
Nice kitchen, by the way.
-Tim-
The problem is that the cage has a taper that causes some light contact with the chain as the oval ring decreases in diameter. If I adjust in extra clearance on the inside, shifting is slower. Getting it precisely adjusted is a learning curve.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 06-17-19 at 04:01 AM.
