chain rings that'll last?

[diamondG]

I want to replace the chain rings on an xt hollowtech II, (the existing ones are worn).


I'm looking for hard wearing ones, we ye recommend these?

They're the slick shift and hardcoat ones.


http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Kits.aspx?ModelID=3364


Should I be replacing the chain at the same time, and can I do this without changing the cassette (assuming its no that worn)?

[rob1891]

I have a set of these. They will last longer than the old XT cheese-rings that you have but the middle does wear out, I've got 2 and a bit years out of mine and it is due a replacement, that would probably equate to a year of regular 2/3 times a week riding.


The 08 xt has a funky middle ring, steel teeth on a carbon ring, don't think it's available separate on CRC yet, but this might be more durable than the middleburns.


Ideally you should replace chain and cassette at the same time, and then at some juncture, replace all three at once. Get the new rings, wrap the old chain around them, if it looks like it fits snuggly then it is ok!

[ollietrex]

I just ordered a set of those with the hard coat but not the slick shift as they did not have the ones in stock that need when I ordered. Morgan I know runs these as well and they come quite well recommended in the reviews.


My current rings ended up looking like a bash plate so I am putting a new chain and rear cassette on at the same time. My thinking is to do the whole lot at the same time as then the wear on them will be about the same. In the future you might end up changing the chain and back socket and the front ring wont work any more meaning you need to buy another new one.

[Fergal]

I have the Middleburn hardcoats on both bikes - both are new but Paddy O' B has been using them a while and recommends them as far as I recall

[paddyobrien]

Yep the hardcoat ones are good alright, certainly much better than the XT ones. Be warned though that XT Hollowtech II stuff fits slightly differently to normal XT ones so you'll actually need the specific version that Middleburn make


Here's the middle ring one.


http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=10037


Not sure about if you need a specific inner and outer ring or if the normal ones work.

[paddyobrien]

Oh and definitely get the slick shift one if you can .. the normal ones are a pain in the hole as they won't let go of the chain easily when shifting. (or maybe i needed to adjust my derailleurs)

[paddyobrien]

update .. shimano do specific rings for the hollowtech so the normal middleburn inner and outer ones probably won't work on hollowtech II stuff

[Fergal]

if you have the same cranks as me Graham (which I think you do) you'll be ok

[Barrydanzig]

there is a whole article on middleburn products in this months DIRT magazine, they have a "100% british" thing going on at the moment, and its quite interesting.

[shanethepainter]

Alternately,

to minimise wear and tear on your drivetrain components you could take time off from cycling,

(this can be justified by breaking wrists or other non essential bits!)

How is that wrist Barry?

[Barrydanzig]

its going grand, just been catching up on my mtb magazine reading! did you know you can pick up magazines from a few months ago for like €2 in cyclesways? its amazing!


still looking for a turbo trainer though...anybody wanna lend me one?!


see hippy update for more information regarding the wrist!

[Oisin]

The new Shimano composite/steel middles rings are available from this german mail order place: http://www.actionsports.de/Cranksets/Shimano-XT-FC-M770-Chainwheels-22-32-44::11551.html


Wonder if they are good in terms of durability? They should be being steel teeth.