Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 9,193
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1565 Post(s)
Ultegra (Centeron, ceramic bearing) upper pullies have had far greater friction than the lower (ball bearing) pully since the 6500 gruppo arrived in 1997.
I used to oil the seals before each race.
Grease isn't supposed to be used in the ceramic pully bushing, but thin grease should be ok.
Dura Ace top pullies have (since 1997) used a sophisticated floating ball bearing system with two rows of tiny balls rolling directly on a cylindrical sleeve, and with good seals to boot. These cost almost $40 each, but might be a good idea for racing use.
As far as the cross chaining causing lateral displacement, are you sure the indexing is adjusted properly?
How is your crankset's big ring sighting down with the cassette? Shouldn't be more than a couple of cogs away from center.