[zon]

I'm tired of eating middle rings! I'm a 220# aggressive XC rider so I put a bit of stress on them. I have tried Raceface and FSA 32t rings and dont get more that a couple of months out of them at best. Need suggestions on a good middle ring that would last, (gasp) a whole season. Are the Salsa rings any good? How about Blackspire, or the Truvative steel rings? I'm thinking a steel ring would last longer that the recycled beer can versions out there. Any thoughts?

 

[Homebrew]

Shimano Deore middle ring is steel and about $15 at your LBS. Same top quality smooth Shimano shifting as XTR, just a bit heavier.

 

[jrm]

Ive had good luck with the

I'm tired of eating middle rings! I'm a 220# aggressive XC rider so I put a bit of stress on them. I have tried Raceface and FSA 32t rings and dont get more that a couple of months out of them at best. Need suggestions on a good middle ring that would last, (gasp) a whole season. Are the Salsa rings any good? How about Blackspire, or the Truvative steel rings? I'm thinking a steel ring would last longer that the recycled beer can versions out there. Any thoughts?

Salsa and Truvativ steel rings. Still goin strong.

 

[zenorb]

You are an animal.

Might want to reevaluate how you are using your gears. Maybe make a conscious effort to use the big ring when upshifting and granny when going down. If you are blowing through a middle ring in 2-3 months then you are:
1) riding a boatload of miles
2) really putting alot of effort into a pedal stroke
3) not using your other rings as much as you might

the first is great, the second and third may be damaging your knees.

I used to use the middle ring for everything. Never got out of it in fact. Now that I use the other rings more I find that I am able to ride more efficiently. Might not be your issue but it is a thought...

(edit: just reread your post - this is probably not your issue - leaving it here for someone that might need it)

 

[upendoed]

imo

I too am a heavy fella at 210 lbs. Although I would not consider myself aggresive. More like just trying to survive. I went through Race Face garbage for years before I finally decided I was sick of the "beer can" crap. I bought my middle and granny ring from Cycle Dynamics. So far I love them. I have had no problems at all. Plus they are great guys to deal with.

http://www.cycle-dynamics.com/

But this is just my opinion. Good luck.

 

[zenorb]

oooh... ti bling on the chainring.
Tasty!
Do you think the ti chainring cuts down on chain suckage?

 

[zon]

1) riding a boatload of miles

And the answer is!! Plus I think I have settled for cheap chainrings cause I a tightwad. i have sent CycleDynamics an email to get a price quote on the bling ring and have located a Deore steel ring at a LBS. My guess is that tightwad will win this one and I will end up with steel.

 

[upendoed]

chain suckage

Well that is a tough question. I had the pleasure of putting these on a new frame because the old one broke. I now have a Fuel that from the little research I have done are prone to chainsuck. I get a little, but I know which gears it happens in and adjust my shifting.

But as for the bling ti rings. One of the best purchases ever. They are excellent craftmanship and smooth shifting. And the best part have lasted longer than any other ring I have owned.

 

[NuMexJoe]

Deore steel middle lasted me (a 200# masher) a couple years of moderate mileage with no big ring (33# bike w/ bash guard). Just ordered another, and at ~$15 ea., you can buy a bunch for the price of a Ti ring. Shifting quality seems fine to me. My $0.02,
- Joe

 

[Rufudufus]

I'm using a Cycle Dynamic ti middle ring too. It's about the only bling on my bike (OK, Thompson seatpost), and it's mighty nice. Now how do I sneak a CD ti cassette past my wife? Damn tuition payments!

 

[zon]

Cycle Dynamic ti middle ring too

So how much does one of these set you back?

 

[zon]

Well just ordered a Deore steel ring from Airbomb for 13$. Anxiously waiting....

 

[Crusty Oldman]

What exactly is going wrong? You don't say. Do you jump a tooth? What does the wear look like? The chainring wears, but the chain and rear cassette are still okay??? Sounds like your chainring is the wrong pitch.

 

[zon]

Do you jump a tooth? What does the wear look like? The chainring wears, but the chain and rear cassette are still okay??? Sounds like your chainring is the wrong pitch.

No jumping, slight chain suck on middle ring is first sign it's wearing. Usually will see "cupping" on the buisness side of a few teeth and some burs working over to the sides of the teeth. Cassette and chain are perfect, It just looks like the alunimum on the chainring cant take the stress and is deforming under torque. Granny ring is stainless and virgin looking and big ring is Al but looks only slightly used, probably cause it is.

 

[Rufudufus]

So how much does one of these set you back?

I think it was about 60 bucks, shipped. If you order a little ring too they'd probably drop the price a bit.

 

[02_NRS]

do you change chain w/sprocket?

No jumping, slight chain suck on middle ring is first sign it's wearing. Usually will see "cupping" on the buisness side of a few teeth and some burs working over to the sides of the teeth. Cassette and chain are perfect, It just looks like the alunimum on the chainring cant take the stress and is deforming under torque. Granny ring is stainless and virgin looking and big ring is Al but looks only slightly used, probably cause it is.

since they wear together it maybe a good idea.

 

[zon]

Well my new Deore middle ring was just delivered, sweet piece of engineering. The steel definitely gives it a "sturdy" feel. Will be slapping it on tonight and breaking it in tomorrow.

 

[Crusty Oldman]

...breaking it in tomorrow.

Say "trying it out" instead!