CNC cut from 7075-T6 aluminum, this ring has modified shifter gates & special profiles to allow 8/9 speed chains to shift hassle free.
The middle ring is cut from thicker 0.190 plate to prevent the chain from falling between the granny & middle ring.
The outer & middle rings have stainless steel pins to further enhance shifting.
Submitted by
CBL
a Racer
from Redmond, WA, USA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
bikeparts.com
Strengths:
extremely durable and good shifting
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, FSA
Bike Setup:
Shimano LX crankset 22x32x44
Bottom Line:
I put about 2'500 miles a year on my bike, commute to work all year in rainy Seattle, and race this bike in both cross country mountain and cyclocross mudfest races. This chain ring had barely noticeable wear after 1 year of hard use. Fantastic product. No shifting issues.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg Canada Date Reviewed: June 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$33.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
strong, light, durable
Weaknesses:
doesn't shift on my bike
Similar Products Used:
Simano XT
Bike Setup:
2000 Trek 8500 with 2006 XT front der and new SRAM PC-991 chain
Bottom Line:
I bought a 104-32 (middle) Blackspire SuperPro to replace my wearing XT one. I replaced the chain at the same time with a top-of-the-line SRAM PC-991. My front der is a 2006 XT.
I tested it on my street. 100% of middle->small downshifts chattered and stalled for 3 or four full revolutions before shifting down, and 30% of them dropped right down to the bike frame. Half an hour of front der cable tension and limit adjustments yielded equal or worse (100% dropping) results. Small->middle upshifts always were perfect.
I put my wearing chain and XT chainring back on, and 98% of the middle->small downshifts were instantaneous and perfect, as were the small->middle upshifts.
MEC allowed me to return the chainring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P
a Cross Country Rider
from ATL Date Reviewed: February 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pinhotti
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
shifts well, durable, significantly under the price of the Shimano replacement rings
Weaknesses:
If you are overly concerned with counting grams, these may be a little heavier than Shimano, but I'm not sure. It just feels thicker.
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT, Race Face, Bontrager (crap)
Bike Setup:
Running the 32 tooth rings on two bikes with XTR 960 cranks.
Bottom Line:
Cant say anything about small or big ring Blackspires but the 32 tooth (middle) rings are working great for me. Im roaching the XTR 960 middle rings in less than 4 months. Been riding these for 3 months and I can hardly tell they have been used. I have not noticed any decline in shifting performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
charles
a Cross Country Rider
from holland Date Reviewed: June 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
performance, durability, workmanship, looks.
Weaknesses:
performance slightly below original shimano.
Similar Products Used:
XT and other shimano stuff.
Bottom Line:
In my opinion, these are the best replacement rings for shimanos. With XT rings, i've experienced some chainsuck, hence the replacements. Since then, no more problems, no matter how much mud they got on them. I use them in conjunction with XT cranks, HG 93 or CN 7701 chain, and XTR front derailleur. I use the large en middle ring, since i hardly use my granny. Shifting performance is slightly below XT rings, say 5 percent less, but they outperform shimano in workmanship, finish and durability. If you are looking for a good alternative for shimano rings, this is your best bet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island, NY USA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
go-ride
Strengths:
sweet looking
Weaknesses:
crappy shifting, dropped chains
Similar Products Used:
XT rings
Bike Setup:
'01 Enduro trailbike
Bottom Line:
i really wanted to like these. they look sweet in all black machined finish, they're NOT shimano, but they simply dont shift that well. and i use all my rings it wasnt the setup either. in three consecutive weekends i had violent chain droppages and skips during jumps and wheelie drops leaving me with bloody knees and no confidence in my drivetrain. I'm switching back to Shimano just to confirm my suspisions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce Bunn
a Racer
from Plattsburgh, NY Date Reviewed: September 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$86.00
Strengths:
Bought a whole set for my 751 XT cranks. I have immediately noticed improved performance. Less flex and noticebly smoother shifting than XT replacements that I have bought (I have been through 3 middle rings this season) Hopefully they are as durable as others have claimed. They look good
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bike Setup:
2004 Sugar race frame. Wippermann chain. XT cassette. XTR front and rear.
Bottom Line:
So far far superior performance, obviously will need time to tell on durability. I am a strong, low cadence at times, ring bending racer and these are noticibly stiffer than XT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LArs
a
from AZ Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Smooooth! Silent. Strong. wide-milled middle ring keeps chain from dropping between rings.
For SuperPro wide-milled middle and stainless granny on 2x9 speed:
Weaknesses:
Spendy!
Similar Products Used:
Shizmano, sugino...
Bike Setup:
32lb light FR, argro trail 6x6
Bottom Line:
Sweetest rings I've used in ten years of riding.
Would give 5 + 5, but too spendy so they get a 4 in value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe therider
a Cross Country Rider
from usa Date Reviewed: May 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
yes
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
i honestly cantremember howmuch i paid 4 these, they were priced in line with raceface. They are great shifting and last a real long time. After one year they still have alot of life left to them and are shifting consistantly
Weaknesses:
i cant think of any...the small ring was machined for an 8 speed drivetrain, i ofcourse got horrible chainsuck,after calling them they replaced it immediatly, and were apologetic for the mistake, those polite Canadians...such a nice change from the arrogant cali attitudes i get so tired of.
Similar Products Used:
shimano, raceface, real(crap)!
Bike Setup:
yes, infact i'm riding today, thanx for asking.
Bottom Line:
some people were b1tching about the finish wearing off and other silly crap, get over it, this is a wear item, that means IT WILL NOT BE PRETTY FOREVER (personally im suspect of any mtnbike thats too clean or new looking, u know why)These rings have taken alot of real world abuse...log crossongs, rocks, snow, mud, sand, anything u can think of, and alot of it, i ride year around, and in season do 60 to 100 mi per week. I like these rings and thay have never let me down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike H
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kanata Lakes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Kunstadts
Strengths:
Well, to be honest I dont know. It shifts, it doesnt bend, and it looks cool. I dont know what more to ask for out of a chainring. Its not like it will dice, slice, chop, and blend....Jeese I'm hungry
Weaknesses:
Nothing. They work. Period.
Similar Products Used:
Truvativ Hussefelt stock chainring. ack both rings bent after only 2 weeks
Bike Setup:
2001 Norco Rampage, stock except ODI lock-ons.
Bottom Line:
they work. What else is tehre to say?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Davis, CA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
2nd Divide
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
WebCyclery
Strengths:
Shift great, no chainsuck!
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
XTR, LX, Sugino
Bottom Line:
From day one I used to have chainsuck issues with my bike using the XTR rings. It was worst in mud, but happened when dry, it happened when the rings were brand new, and it happened despite changes to the chainline. I had pretty much concluded that it was a problem with the clearance on the frame. Then I got a new crank spider and replaced the rings with BlackSpire SuperPros, with a Chuck granny. NO MORE PROBLEMS!!! Even in mud, even with different chainline setups, absolutely no chainsuck! It's unbelievable. I couldn't be happier. Plus the rings have lots of shifting ramps and seem to shift just as well as the XTR rings did. Shimano won't be getting any more of my money for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bart Maynard
a Racer
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Galbraith Mt (All)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Web Retailer
Strengths:
Not many!
Weaknesses:
Weak rings that shift poorly, bend easily and take little abuse.
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT, LX
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
These rings are terrible! The teeth on my middle ring are damaged on the top surfaces from my chain plates. They look like there are "V's" cut into them by a chisel. I had two bent teeth after 5 rides on trails that consist mostly of forest duff.
Buy something else!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcus Pendergrass
a Racer
from Northridge, CA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kachees Ridge (WA)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Small and Middle Rings are strong and shift well.
Weaknesses:
Big ring (46) installed to replace XTR will not hold a chain. The width of the teeth (top profile) on the ring causes the chain to catch and jump to the middle ring. I even bought a RaceFace Taperlock and moved the crank over 5mm to over-compensate for the chain catching. It still did nod prevent the cahin from jumping. Next I went to SRAM 68 from a Hyperglide chain (brand new). It still jumped.
The chain rocks on the large ring as though the machining does not match the standrd chain bushing designs.
Similar Products Used:
XTR Rings (circa) 1993
Bike Setup:
Custom Davidson with XTR
Bottom Line:
This product is fine for the small and middle rings, but the width of the teeth on the big rings will cause you hours of hell.
Don't buy the big rings!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: January 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Daley Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Quality product, very well made, machined from solid not from Shimano cheese metal.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
XT rings
Bike Setup:
Superlight, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
Shift as well as the stock Shimano XT rings, but at around half the cost, therefore far better value. Fit perfectly on the XT 4 arm cranks. (Oh, and they look better too!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott DeYoung
a Cross Country Rider
from Mass Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything in the woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Just does not miss when shifting, super smooth, well designed, and they look good too.
Weaknesses:
The word weakness was not even a consideration when these rings were on the drawing board.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M60 with a few minor upgrades, chainrings being one of them.
Bottom Line:
Needed a new middle chainring after sheer pedaling tourque bent the middle chainring ( couldn't come up with any other explanation, didn't hit anything. ) So went to MTBReview.com and browsed chainring review section, Black Spire Pro Series were highly talked about, bought the granny and middle ring, and boy were all those reviews right!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Ali
a Cross Country Rider
from Leytonstone London England Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Epping Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
chainreactioncycles.co.uk
Strengths:
Strength, shifts wonderfully, very rigid.
Weaknesses:
Shifting at low speed sometimes sounds a bit painful.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore
Bottom Line:
I bought the Blackspire Super pro ramped and pinned 44t four arm chainring a couple of months ago, to replace my knackered shimano Deore 44t ring which refused to shift properly. (I proceeded to use it as a bashring)My Blackspire ring shifts first time every time, sometimes at low speed it sounds at bit horrible but apart from that its much better than the cruddy shimano ring, I will be buying the inner rings to match my 44t. I think everyone should have these rings on their bike if they can afford it, in short they are nigh on perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Prosser
a Cross Country Rider
from Bedford Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
North Downs @ Coed Y Brenin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles, Ireland
Strengths:
Attention to detail - from the lazer etched graphics to the pick up pins and ramps. Thicker than XT rings and apparantly will last longer. Shifting is superb...take my word or it.
Weaknesses:
The black anodizing might get scratched?! Though looks fairly hard wearing to me.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager rings and crankset (not impressed-got chainsuck from the off) shimano DX (years ago) Shimano XT.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8900 (warranty frame from a faulty 1999 8000 frame - had to wait for 3 months for the frame to come from the US), Full XT, Rolf Propel wheels, Dean titanium seatpost, Flite titanium, Sachs PC89 9spd chain....ummm...Avid Rollamajig.
Bottom Line:
The reviews on this page say it all - these rings are sweet. They shift better than anything I've ever used before and fit my Y2K XT cranks perfectly. They are substantially thicker than XT and look as though a lot of thought has gone into the design. I've recommended them to everyone in my club and would buy these puppies again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lincoln Parish Park, LA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
www.webcyclery.com
Strengths:
Well made. Beautiful. Good fit for replacement of XT set. Kind of beefy for XC (but so am I).
Weaknesses:
None I can find.
Similar Products Used:
XT, CODA Expert
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept Pro, SRAM Chain
Bottom Line:
Great replacement for thin XT set. In this part of the country the middle ring takes all the heat. Mine wore out and the XT middle ring was hard to find. Ordered this set from webcyclery, bolted them on, and immediately noticed smoother drivetrain and shifting. The XT cranks are strong and light (I weigh 240) and these are good upgrade. Nice gift for anyone riding XT cranks. Black spire even offers a stainless steel small ring for those with suck problems. I no longer lust after a raceface crankset (weight penalty anyway). I will buy these again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
"Fast Bacon" Mojo
a Downhiller
from Whistler, BC Date Reviewed: June 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
DH trails on Whistler
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super strong; cool matte black finish; sweet, smooth, precise shifting....and again, super strong! Don't come loose like my old RF's did.
Weaknesses:
Zip.
Similar Products Used:
RF, $himano
Bike Setup:
RM7, Shivers, Gazzi's, all the fixin's
Bottom Line:
These guys are building some really nice rings - they've got it right - super strong, built phat, smooth shifting - no worries. Less expensive than a lot of comparable products out there and overall, way better. Seeing a lot more Black Spire stuff out there nowadays, so it's not just me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Not Fisher
a Weekend Warrior
from Crappy UK Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ones without foot and mouth
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction - a great shop in Ireland
Strengths:
Nice looking (I like the graphics), thick (harder wearing than thin), deep-profile (again, they're harder wearing), and suprisingly (cos nothing shifts like a shimano)they shift brilliantly - no noticeable downgrade in performance over shimano..
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
I paid same for these rings as what I could have got a whole XT 2000 Chainset. But that's not the point.. Shimano rings are thin - that's partly why they shift so well and totally why they don't last long.
Bike Setup:
Fisher MT TAM
Bottom Line:
Buy them. I think they are a good ring... better than shimano - and look better made... the whole ring is cnc'd.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Matthews
a
from Vancouver BC Date Reviewed: September 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Simons Bike Shop
Strengths:
I bought these to repalce the rings that came on my Rocky Mountain Thin Air. The Black Spire Rings were highly recc'ed by the owner of the shop. He was right. They shift way better then the original rings. He gave me a pretty good deal as well price wise.
Weaknesses:
None so far. They shift really well.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face
Bike Setup:
Rocky Thin Air
Bottom Line:
Hey the rings are a vast improvement over the ones that came on the bike. I am a hppy guy now. Would I buy them again. Yes and I would tell a friend good things.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Kerr
a Downhiller
from North Van BC Date Reviewed: September 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All of Them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Cove Bike Shop
Strengths:
The rings work great. Best shifting rings at the most affordable price. Way cheaper than Shimano.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT.Race Face
Bike Setup:
Rocky Thin Air.
Bottom Line:
Would I buy them again. Yes I would and I would rec' them to my riding friends.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Gymby
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
North Shore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
These are the best shifting rings I have ever owned other then Shimano which are hard to get.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano,Real(which were awful)
Bike Setup:
Rochy element TO
Bottom Line:
I would buy these again. They are well priced, have a good range of size, and work well. I see more and more of the stuff form these guys on the trails, so they are doing something right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Mills
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide Australia Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anderson Reserve
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Shift well. Pinned and ramped.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Vertex
Bottom Line:
I bought these rings in Sydney from a guy who knows the owner of Black Spire. He swears by the product line so I thought I would give them a try.
I am not disappointed. They do what they are supposed to, and are reasonabley priced.
I would buy them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Mills
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide Australia Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Andersons Reserve
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Shift well. Priced right. Look Good.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Vertex
Bottom Line:
These rings shift well and offer good value. I would tell my friends to buy them. No problem.
I really liked the way the middle ring shifts from the granny. Quick and clean.
Who should buy this? If you ride a Mountain Bike these will work for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yuri
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Shifts fairly well and comes with all the ramps, ground teeth and pins you think you might need to do the job...
Weaknesses:
The "step" to accommodate the narrow 9 speed chain rubs the chain on my 8-speed drivetrain when I'm in the smallest three cogs in the back. The "spider" portion of the chainring needs filing to fit Raceface cranks. The graphics look really cheesy (why, oh why did they put the web address on the chainring? So those computer geeks cycling with laptops could look 'em up at the trailside?).
Similar Products Used:
Shimano rings and older BlackSpire rings (my DeKerf came with the original BlackSpire rings).
Bike Setup:
DeKerf Team WCS with XTR and XMO shock.
Bottom Line:
I don't think I'd consider these rings again unless, in the very least, the graphics are removed. I can't believe BlackSpire designed the rings *not* to fit RaceFace cranks (geez, don't they make rings for RaceFace? Mebbe' it's just some ploy to get us to buy the RF rings...) without some rework. Not good...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Johnson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Victoria BC Date Reviewed: December 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Solid Product Shifts Very Well Super kool graphics
Weaknesses:
None that are obvious
Similar Products Used:
Shimano(Expensive)
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain TO
Bottom Line:
I bought these rings as a replacement for my XT four bolt rings. I made the right choice. They work really well and cost less than RaceFace or Shimano.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Johnson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Deep Cove BC Date Reviewed: October 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Shift really well
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Raceface Real
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain TO
Bottom Line:
These are far superior in the way they shift compared to the other rings I have used. I would have to say they rival Shimano in shifting. Price wise they are cheaper than either of the other ones as well. The graphics are pretty cool. I will definitely buy products form these guys again.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George Godfrey
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kelowna Date Reviewed: October 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
severed dick
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Solid Shift great. No chain suck. Look Good
Weaknesses:
Hard to get
Similar Products Used:
RaceFace, Syncros(Blah) Real Agh
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky Marzochhi
Bottom Line:
I tried a lot of supposed 9 speed rings. I had a lot of trouble with chain riding on the top of the next ring during a shift, and what appeared to be the chain dropping between the rings. Not with these rings. They work great.Good work guys.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big kahoona
a Cross-Country Rider
from Koln Date Reviewed: September 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Awesome Shifting Kool Graphics A really nice product
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Race Face, Real
Bike Setup:
Yeti
Bottom Line:
This is the new 9 speed from Black Spire. Super shifting. The wider middle ring prevents chain suck, and the placement f the outer ring prevents the chain from riding up on the middle ring
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ben florie
a Cross-Country Rider
from reisterstown, maryland Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
look kinda cool
Weaknesses:
wear fast,don't shift, just plain suck
Similar Products Used:
real rings, cheesy stamped-steel shimano sh*t
Bike Setup:
gt tempest, cook RSRs
Bottom Line:
i bought these when i replaced my aceras with old cook RSRs. i paid $30 for the middle and big rings, with a vuelta inner. i got a 36t and 48t, and they worereally badin just 3 pretty dry rides! F*CK giving them 1 star, they suck!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross-Country Rider
from Idaho Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Put all new chainrings, XT rear cassette, chain, and XT derailleur on and was rewarded with constant grinding sound as I pedaled in the middle ring. Replaced the middle chainring with a Black Spire - silence. Seems like the other center ring was poorly stamped out and the gear spacing was not right. 5 chilis for solving a problem.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Paulaus
a weekend warrior
from The Netherlands Date Reviewed: November 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have used Balck Spire chainrings for two years. they last forever and shift very well. I would buy them again and have told my friends to do the same. i understand from my shop that they are bringing out a cool new black ring with stainless steel shift pins. I look forward to another upgrade.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TYLER HANSEN
a racer
from B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
Mine is not a review but more of a question of sponsorship. I'm looking to replace the chainrings on my track bike and I'm wondering if you offer any financial assistance in terms of sponsorship. If you would like to see my cycling resume I would be more than happy to send it over to you via mail or by computer[E-mail] I will be doing the EDS track series throughout the US. next season and I feel you would get great exposure. Sincerly, Tyler
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vince Zaccone
a cross-country rider
from Santa Barbara, CA Date Reviewed: September 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
I got a Black Spire 46T big ring last summer while on a road trip in Canada. Very thick and strong ring, which is important because I'm notorious for breaking teeth off of my big rings while scraping them over rocks and such. Anyway, I bashed it real hard not too long ago but it survived and a little bit of vise-gripping later it is good as new. Shifts great too,
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gooch
a cross-country rider
from California Date Reviewed: September 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
Hmm... such great reviews for these rings and they just wouldn't work for me. When my inexpensive OEM Shimanos wore out I replaced them with the Black Spires and simply could not get the front derailleur to shift. I tried everything... all to no avail. The chain would even hang up on the shift ramps of the big ring which was like suddenly hitting neutral. I switched to Avitar Werx rings and mith just a minimum of adjustment they were shifting perfectly and have been now for several months. The Black Spires almost seemed too thick. My chain, a Sachs seemed to hang up very slightly on the teeth which made the chain bounce very slightly. The Spires seemed to be well-made but simply wouldn't work for me
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a racer
from manchester n.h. Date Reviewed: August 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
i've got 22, 34, 44 on my bike. they shift well, have them on a race face turbine lp. xtr front derailler. took a bit of jimmying because the xtr is for standard and the rings are compact, but i got it to go and they work well. they look sweet, especially on the red race face. 4 flaming shits cause i was pissed i had a hard time rigging the derailler and i'm not sure if the rings had anything to do with it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jarrod
a cross-country rider
from Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
Got a 44 and 32 tooth a month ago, I have about 300 miles on these things. THey rock. THey seem to shift better than shimano rings at a fraction of the cost. They look great and seem to last a long time. Buy em you won't be sorry. I nee to write fifty words or they won't post this thing
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allen
a cross-country rider
from Maine Date Reviewed: April 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a 44t ring to replace the Sugino piece of shit that came OEM on my bike. The guy at the LBS said Blackspires ruled(I'd never even heard of them). I got the 44t, hey, nice ring! Promptly went and got a 34t middle. Rings are nicely finished, stout, and shift great. I'm happy!
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Submitted by
Blaine Detering
a downhiller
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: March 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just bought a set of a 34 and a 46 for the 'Vee (not without a bit of trepedation) as it was the only ring that REI carries. I love the way that it shifts, 'tis indeed a groove.... No new scars from popping like the old XTR. It is working well with the Sachs chain and XTR 12/32 cassette.... Handles just like my old raceface with seemingly the same ramps...
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Submitted by
Joe Davinport
a cross-country rider
from Tsali Date Reviewed: February 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
These rings are the best I've had on my bike. I've ridden them hard all year and they have yet to even wear down. They shift really smoothly and the material (hardened aluminum alloy) seems very durable. Buy these rings if you are upgrading your drive train- you won't be disappointed.
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Submitted by
Lee Biggerstaff
a cross-country rider
from Morganton Date Reviewed: February 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
I really like these rings. Canada made. Great Shifting. Good Looking. I got them with my Cook E Cranks and they shifting over my previous is very good (97 LX). I got they whole deal for 225. Cook E Cranks, Dust Caps, Spyder and Black Spire Rings. I am getting sleepy. zzz zzzz zzzzz zzzz zz zzz zzz zz z. Whoa must have fallen alseep trying to write 50 Words.
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Submitted by
Flyfisher
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: February 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
I needed to replace my 48 tooth chainring as a result of changing the other 2 rings--> they did not want to shift. I put a Black Spire 44t standard on and moved the front derrailleur down a hair and now the shifting is as slick as a pimps hairdo. The ring is a nice grey color and is of a beefy design; it looks cooool and rides smoooothly! I bought it from the Deep Cove Bike Shop and they gave me a great deal as well as great service. They also said that the ring is fairly stout, so riding over logs and neighborhood pets should be no problem. Buy 'em.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Gray
a weekend warrior
from Penticton, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: February 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
I recently put a Black Spire Super Pro Series 46T compact chainring (phew, what a mouthful!) on my bike. Made, it seems, by the same factory that produces Raceface chainrings, it is hard anodized 7075 Al with machined shifting ramps. And I love it! Shifts up from the 32T middle chainring happen like magic. The first few times I had to look down to see what had happened, because I didn't hear a sound. But there the chain was, wrapped around the 46T just the way it was supposed to be. I am quite impressed so far, and will probably replace the rest of my chainrings with Black Spire. Under a rational rating system I'd give it a 4 - it is just a chainring, after all - but since anything less than 5 is damning with faint praise on this site, I will go the whole hog.
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