After I had changed to Alfine 11 Di2, the chain line has been moved inwards. Now, since the crankset will be changed, I will need to ensure that the chain line is maintained more or less the same. To make the job easier, I checked the clearance between the right side chain stay and the 42T Gates front sprocket, while still using the Deore crankset. The final clearance should be around this value after changing to road crankset and 46T front sprocket.
2.5mm clearance between 42T front sprocket and right side chain stay
As shown in a previous post, the stock eccentric BB was removed, and replaced by the new Bushnell eccentric BB. A shim was used to reduce the internal diameter of the frame BB shell from 55mm to 54mm, in order to be able to use the Bushnell eccentric BB.
Bushnell eccentric BB installed, with the shim visible around it
A road BB should be used since the width is 68mm and a road crankset is used. Shown here is the SM-BBR60 bottom bracket.
New road BB installed in the eccentric BB
New crankset, front sprocket and belt installed!
Good clearance between the right side chain stay and the 46T front sprocket
This clearance is measured to be about 3.5mm. Chain line is straight.
Black coloured Bushnell eccentric BB blends in well with the black frame
Shiny Dura-Ace 7900 crank arm, with 46T Gates front sprocket and 118T Gates belt
Final picture of the Gates drivetrain
The crankset after some wet weather usage
The modification has been completed, and the Q factor has been reduced from 182mm to 146mm. This means a Q factor reduction of 36mm which makes a big difference in pedaling feeling and comfort.
At the same time, the gear ratio has been adjusted due to the changes in sprocket sizes. With the 46T front sprocket and a 28T rear sprocket, the gear ratios of the latest Alfine 11 setup can be seen below. On the Alfine 11, the lowest gear, Gear 1 has a big 29.2% difference from Gear 2, which some people like while some people don't. I personally don't mind having this big step, as it gives an extra low gear for climbing.
Range of Alfine 11 gear ratios with 46T front and 28T rear
With that, the objective to reduce the Q factor has been achieved. At the same time, the adjusted gear ratios means that most gears will be used most of the time, with a top and bottom gear reserved for slope riding.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Every comment is moderated before publishing due to spam bots. If you don't see your comment yet, it is likely that it is currently being reviewed. Thank you for your patience!