Wrench Help: Ultegra Di2 & Praxis Rings

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sigismond0
Posts: 235
Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2013 8:29 pm

by sigismond0

Stamping can be something that simple, but if you take a look at Sram's rings you'll see that they are actually shaped where the ramps are. Usually what happens is there is a series of progressively more refined dies that slowly stamp/forge the metal into a secific shape, cutting out the excess metal in the process.

But I think we're getting a bit off topic here!

OP: Let us know about the chain orientation and whether that changes anything. If that doesn't do it, the chain length/B-knuck are the next things to look at.

415brian
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 4:48 pm

by 415brian

goodboyr wrote:I know that you've used the big/big plus 2 method, but that basically creates a length that's the absolute minimum you can have. In other words, big/big without the "plus 2" will usually be too short. Depending on the bike and the chainstay length, that still could be too much tension. I've had this happen to me on another bike, and adding 1 pair of links did the trick. Longer is ok as long as you don't get any chain sag. If its possible, try to add a pair of links. Or, as an alternative, try winding in the B screw on the rear derailleur to marginally reduce chain tension.


Gotcha - thanks. When I test the KMC chain, I'll test with extra pair of links.

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415brian
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 4:48 pm

by 415brian

sigismond0 wrote:OP: Let us know about the chain orientation and whether that changes anything. If that doesn't do it, the chain length/B-knuck are the next things to look at.


Yep, will do. Here's my draft order of operations (edits welcomed):

1. Check 7901 chain orientation
2. With 7901, adjust b-screw for more slack
3. Try KMC chain (with extra links)
4. Try KMC chain with same links (if slack in #3)
5. Try SRAM red chainrings (last resort)

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rmerka
Posts: 618
Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 4:23 pm
Location: Austin, TX

by rmerka

sigismond0 wrote:But I think we're getting a bit off topic here!


Good call! my bad. No further interruptions from me unless I can substantively add something. :wink:

bmxbandit
Posts: 69
Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:47 pm
Location: UK/Industry

by bmxbandit

@op I posted a topic on a similar subject before seeing yours, it seems you have the issue as one of my builds(abeit mechanical 6700 with praxis), was solved by going back to the shimano rings. I'd suggest trying that first, also, from that first pic your chain is installed correctly.

415brian
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 4:48 pm

by 415brian

bmxbandit wrote:@op I posted a topic on a similar subject before seeing yours, it seems you have the issue as one of my builds(abeit mechanical 6700 with praxis), was solved by going back to the shimano rings. I'd suggest trying that first, also, from that first pic your chain is installed correctly.


Thanks for the additional feedback. I just read your thread (http://goo.gl/N18aC) and agree it may be related. I have access to a compact Ultegra crankset. Aesthetics aside, seems like I could try FC-6750 chainrings on my compact Quarq Elsa if all else fails. Similar to this FC-7900 + Quarq Cinco setup:

Image

415brian
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 4:48 pm

by 415brian

415brian wrote:Yep, will do. Here's my draft order of operations (edits welcomed):

1. Check 7901 chain orientation
2. With 7901, adjust b-screw for more slack
3. Try KMC chain (with extra links)
4. Try KMC chain with same links (if slack in #3)
5. Try SRAM red chainrings (last resort)


Update:
1. 7901 orientation was correct: no change
2. Add slack to 7901: no impact (slack was pretty good to start)
3. KMC chain with extra links: too much slack, so proceeded to #4
4. KMC chain with same links: seems better, was not able to reproduce the chain jump in a short test. I need to confirm with a longer test tomorrow morning (my girlfriend and neighbors can only tolerate so many zipp freehub clicks).

Thanks all. Goodnight.

415brian
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 4:48 pm

by 415brian

415brian wrote:4. KMC chain with same links: seems better, was not able to reproduce the chain jump in a short test. I need to confirm with a longer test tomorrow morning.

Just did a slightly longer test outdoors: no chain jump. Hallelujah! I'd like to test some more, but I'd probably recommend anyone running Praxis rings to run a KMC X10SL chain.

Thanks all for your help. Super valuable!

kode54
Posts: 3749
Joined: Tue May 23, 2006 9:39 pm

by kode54

my RD hanger was slightly bent awhile ago. shifting on the rear also affected the front because of alignment.

took it into my LBS, and sure enough, the RD hanger was out of alignment. straightened it out and no more issues. just a suggestion to check that as well. the KCNC chain may be more forgiving at the moment.
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415brian
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 4:48 pm

by 415brian

415brian wrote:I have access to a compact Ultegra crankset. Aesthetics aside, seems like I could try FC-6750 chainrings on my compact Quarq Elsa if all else fail

I wanted to compare the performance of my Praxis rings with Ultegra FC-6750 (compact) rings. It turns out, the FC-6750s will not fit on Sram/Qaurq crank arms, at least not the compact version (110BCD). The 3D profile of the Shimano rings conflicts with the wide Sram crank arm (see red circles below). Modification might be possible, but I didn't try:

Image

AptosBigRing
in the industry
Posts: 66
Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:59 pm
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Contact:

by AptosBigRing

Hi 415Brian,
Just saw your thread and wanted to chime in. Give us a call tomorrow at our Santa Cruz office. Would be glad to chat and see if we can help or if you figured it out. We love our rings with Di2...so just curious about your set up. It sounds like just a tweak is needed but would like to help if we can.

NOTES for those inquiring on the thread :
- We do highly suggest using a Shimano/KMC/Campy chains...you choose for your pref. All work/test very good on our profiles.
- We make our own rings : Exclusively at our own factory with our in-house Cold Forging process. This is how we create the complex tooth profiles and the great benefit of the process is the AL grain alignment for hardness & durability. You can see more about our forging process on our site. http://praxiscycles.com/pages/forging

Hope this helps!
Adam@Praxis
Praxis Works
Manufacturer
Santa Cruz, CA
www.praxis-works.com

415brian
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 4:48 pm

by 415brian

AptosBigRing wrote:Hi 415Brian,
Just saw your thread and wanted to chime in. Give us a call tomorrow at our Santa Cruz office. Would be glad to chat and see if we can help or if you figured it out. We love our rings with Di2...so just curious about your set up.

Thanks Adam for reaching out! After switching to the KMC chain, my shifting has been flawless with Praxis rings + Di2. So, no help needed at the moment. In hindsight, my original problem could have been an edge case: TT bike (short chainstay) + compact rings + maybe a flawed Dura-Ace chain.

I've been very happy with my Praxis rings. I just ordered another pair for my road bike. Thanks for the continued, excellent customer service.

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