Installed a 50 tooth Chain ring on my Fold XS

[SondorsMXS]

EVH5150-did you presumably add a new chain for your bigger crank? Seemed like you went up quite a bit. I wonder if my chain is now "technically" a link to small and that could be the noise?

 

[wings02]

Wings02. Installing the chainring now. I heard a little chain noise since the install, so I followed Park Tool'd "How to adjust a rear derailluer"video (again). No abnormal noise before the chainring. I got the 50T, like you. Same source from Amazon. I am working on my bike with the bike upside-down, using my new "handlebar jack". That thing is awesome and going in my emergency flat tire kit!

Anyhow, It's raining cats and dogs, so no test ride today, but the noise does seem to be coming from the new larger chainring. I took pics before to make sure I was installing the spacer and bolts correctly. This new chainring is slightly thicker than the stock Sondors one. Would that push/pull the chainring out of alignment?

If it's not too much to ask, being the only other person I know with the same brand/size chainring-could you flip your bike upside-down and let me know if you have any noise from the chainring area?

I tried a few revolutions of the crank and did not have clicking. I took a picture showing the spacing between the chain ring and chain guide. When re-assembling just make sure the the spacers are on the inside of the chain ring

 

[SondorsMXS]

I tried a few revolutions of the crank and did not have clicking. I took a picture showing the spacing between the chain ring and chain guide. When re-assembling just make sure the the spacers are on the inside of the chain ring

Well, flipped it back over and went for a ride. Didn’t really hear any noise (though i did have one ear bud in playing music, so ill have to check it tomorrow with no music). So maybe it was just because i was upside down.

 

[SondorsMXS]

Oh, well I'm surprised how MUCH of a change going from 48 to 50! At first i was like “this feels the same”. But after going up and down hills, THAT is where you feel the difference. I will try and taken it off-road tomorrow. I need to make sure first gear is low enough for my needs. 52 might be WAY too big if you want to go offroad

 

[wings02]

On a few of my rides, I was on sidewalks when I went outside of my neighborhood. I will NEVER ride in the bike lanes. When I saw some grassy areas with a few small hills, I purposely took the bike on them to have a little fun. The front shock and seat post suspension really provide a smooth ride. I could have rode in first gear without PAS even with the 50 tooth chain ring. I cannot remember the exact gear I was in but it was a lower gear and I had the PAS set to around 3 or 4 out of 9. The PAS really made pedaling effortless and I must say, it was really fun!
On another note, the 50 tooth gear still provided effortless pedaling in low gears while going up my driveway which is a mild to moderate incline. On flat pavement, while in 7th gear, I could cruise around 17 mph while pedaling at a fast but comfortable cadence. I could still pedal while going above 20mph but for only short bursts. A 52 tooth gear would probably get me in the low 20's while still providing pedal resistance, but my low gear pedaling might be a little tough, not to mention the chain ring probably extending past the chain guard a little too much. The 50 tooth seems to fit MY needs but if someone does go up to a 52 tooth chain ring, PLEASE post your opinions.

 

[SondorsMXS]

I agree Wings02. It raining today, so I'm not riding. I'll take it offroad this weekend (supposed to be nicer weather) and post back!

 

[wings02]

For what it's worth, I went for a 10 mile ride today and took a sidewalk route along a busy road. I was anxious to see how 1st gear would perform. In front of me was an overpass of the turnpike with a decent uphill climb. I turned off the PAS, shifted down to 1st and gave it a try. Although I was pedaling semi hard, I did make it up the hill without too much effort. I would call it a decent workout. I did get a little nervous while on the overpass. The sidewalk turned into a narrow covered path completely overhanging the side of the bridge. There were metal bars for safety, but I was not in my comfort zone. This route will be crossed off my list. The lengths I don't go to for forum members! LOL! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

 

[wings02]

I did forget to mention, on some of my rides, I did wear biking shorts with padding. It does make a little difference in comfort.

 

[WarehouseGuy]

Wings02. Installing the chainring now. I heard a little chain noise since the install, so I followed Park Tool'd "How to adjust a rear derailluer"video (again). No abnormal noise before the chainring. I got the 50T, like you. Same source from Amazon. I am working on my bike with the bike upside-down, using my new "handlebar jack". That thing is awesome and going in my emergency flat tire kit!

Anyhow, It's raining cats and dogs, so no test ride today, but the noise does seem to be coming from the new larger chainring. I took pics before to make sure I was installing the spacer and bolts correctly. This new chainring is slightly thicker than the stock Sondors one. Would that push/pull the chainring out of alignment?

If it's not too much to ask, being the only other person I know with the same brand/size chainring-could you flip your bike upside-down and let me know if you have any noise from the chainring area?

Chances are your new chainring is a "narrow-wide" style that has a better grip on the chain. Plus, there is some additional tension on your chain and derailleur from the slightly larger diameter of your new "sprocket". The trade-off is a little extra "noise" for a chain that is less likely to slip off the chainring. I enjoy the mechanical song provided by the new chainring (42T) on my MXS, it makes me feel like I am part of the machine. Keep your chain clean and well lubed, the noise will lessen slightly over time, as chain and chainring mate. Also, mine makes much less noise in 4th gear than 1st or 7th gears. I believe it is due to the nearly perfect chainline present when I am in 4th gear. It's a trade-off ... the ability to pedal at a higher speed with a chain less likely to come off the sprocket, for a slight increase in "noise". I do not worry about the sounds my bike makes upside down, as I never ride it that way. Stay amused. 2184 miles on my MXS, so far.