SCOTT: Interesting...I also use my 38T middle ring most of the time...I really never use the Big ring unless I'm going down a hill, while also trying to keep up with the group. But I suppose if bigger cogs were in line with the 52 tooth ring, I could use it more, perhaps with less vibration. Sounds like an option...In a few years when I need a new cassette.

TRAILFLOW: I did tighten my ring bolts, and found several that seemed pretty l loose, we'll see if that makes a difference on my way home tonight.

CNY-BIKEMAN: The bike is a Jamis Quest Comp (Steel...Reynolds 520 tubing). I'm just curious that I don't remember having this problem on my $200 Walmart Schwinn flat-bar road bike, which had a Triple Chainring paired with 7 speed Tourney stuff...I was riding the same group rides, which include one long downhill section where everybody tops out their gears.