Levo Gen 3 Changing 50T to 60T on Como (probably applies to Levo, Kenevo, Vado)

[WilliamBenner]

Hi everyone,

I'm a mechanical engineer, but completely new to e-biking.

I recently purchased a Turbo Como 5.0 with Gates Carbon Drive. It came with 50 tooth front sprocket, but I'd like to change it to 60 tooth. Unfortunately the 60 has 5-spoke and 130BCD, while the original 50 has 4-spoke and 104BCD. See the picture below where I'm holding the 60 tooth in front of the 50.

I purchased an adapter from Ti Cycles:

104mm to 130mm BCD Adapter — TI CYCLES FABRICATION

104mm to 130mm BCD ADAPTER This one was a tough nut to crack! Ideal for pairing larger 130BCD Gates Carbon Drive rings with wider 104BCD cranks for optimal performance on Rohloff Speedhub's outboard drive line. * Available as adapter only or as adapter with 7-piece SS chainring bolt set.

www.ticycles.com

I think for some applications this adapter would be perfect, but I'm not sure it will be a great fit for me. In order to work I'd have to flip the sprocket over and maybe cut it too, and then -- if I've done the math right (need to make some models and double-check in Solid Works), I think the chain line would be off by 0.010 to 0.020 inches. To correct this, I could have some custom shim washers made. But it sure would be easier to just put a 5-spoke spider on this, but I'm not able to find the brand name of the original 4-spoke, or find out if there is a compatible 5-spoke.

See this picture, which I snapped off of a YouTube video of someone removing it.

I'm wondering if someone knows of the manufacturer of this spider, and if the manufacturer also makes a 5-spoke version with 130 BCD?

Best regards,

William Benner

 

[WilliamBenner]

Hi everyone,

I had to modify the adapter ring, and also grind into one of the spokes of the 5-spoke sprocket, but I got it to work. See the picture below.

I made a video of the steps, and once I am able to edit it, I will post it on YouTube.

Now that it's done, there is a big difference in gearing. I haven't decided whether or not I like it ;-) We'll see...


Best regards,

William Benner

 

[boBE]

Interesting that a shop offers an adapter, there must be some demand for it. It probably does not apply to MTBs as the chainrings on those tend to be small and afaik none use belt drive.
Your work reinforces the mantra "everything must be modified".

 

[WilliamBenner]

It probably does not apply to MTBs as the chainrings on those tend to be small and afaik none use belt drive.

Yes indeed, that seems to be the case. Do you know of a better forum for me to discuss this?

By the way, I made a video about the process and modification, which is a bit different from what the manufacturer had in mind...

I just wanted to document it. The process is not straightforward and has some details...


Best regards,

William Benner

 

[WilliamBenner]

GT1 EBOXX E14, 10.499,00 €

GT1 EBOXX E14 in E-MTB, BIKES

en.nicolai-bicycles.com

Yes indeed, this one has a 50-tooth just like mine!

 

[boBE]

Yes indeed, that seems to be the case. Do you know of a better forum for me to discuss this?

Best regards,

William Benner

Good question, electricbikereview has a forum for Comos and Vados, the MTBs still get most of the attention. We have a Como (chain drive), the gearing is ok for our speeds.