Shimano rings on FSA crank?

FSA cranks do not fit Shimano rings

AlexRandall said:

The newer XT rings with the carbon/steel middle were a problem to fit to a Truvativ 104/64bcd crank due to the extra material around where the chainring bolts go. Just be aware that this may happen with other cranks too.

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Thanks for the warning, I found that FSA cranks do not fit Shimano rings either. So thought I'd report my experience so others thinking about it may avoid aggravation.

I finally got around to doing my yearly drive train replacement, waiting an extra month this year for the unusually extra long muddy season to taper off in NorCal. (BTW, Squirt brand dry chain lube, an unusual water based dry lube, used exclusively and before every ride last year, reduced my chain "stretch" wear to nil which was verified by a pro mechanic - unlike any wet or dry lube I've tried through the muddy winters in 28 years of trail riding. My FSA ring teeth, including a steel granny, were well worn to dolphin fin shape.)

I had some Shimano Deore 22 and 32 rings ready to use but they don't fit the FSA crank and MegaExo BB without modifications.

As you noted the Shimano ring's plastic so-called "carbon" ramps and one of the pins interfered with the FSA crank spider and required grinding some plastic away, and one shift pin of the middle ring prevents tightening the ring flat to the spider arm without grinding the spider a small amount to clear the pin. And the granny does not clear the FSA external BB, obviously designed with extra material to only allow clearance of smaller Shimano BB's.

I'll do the custom grinding and fitting this time to avoid spending more money. But will stay with the crank brand rings in the future.