Originally Posted by
FBinNY
Stop throwing money at a problem until you're sure of the causes and remedies. Based on your report, logic points to the middle ring rather than other things, but that doesn't ensure that replacing it will solve anything. Give it a chance to break in, and give yourself time to eliminate any other factors. Chain vibration in and of itself isn't an issue, so you may be pursuing something that doesn't matter, and nay not be 100% solvable.
Of course, it's your bike and your money, but I'd hate for you to waste it based on my blind analysis of the issue.
and how long is break in? 1000 miles? I've looked at and swapped out so much there is little left to do.
Unfortunately, this isn't some buzz or hum that is slightly annoying. Before I removed the links from the chain it was pretty much verging on unridable. It's far too bad to ride another 100 miles on, let alone 650. I've spent ages with it on the stand, there is nothing to see or replicate and i've changed or swapped out everything except the RD, FD and chainrings.
Not a very nice introduction to Ultegra or modern cycling :/
Thanks for you help again.