[Abox]

My XT middle ring is starting to chainsuck and while researching where to get a replacement found the review here...sounds like it's pretty common with the XT. Can I stick another brand middle ring on this crankset? If so whatcha recommend.

Thanks!

 

[the Inbred]

i've been telling folks that come into the shop to buy a ring that Race Face is the way to go, as that is what we have, generally...LX, XT, XTR, and Race Face. i believe Blackspire might be a good alternative, as well...i just started using Blackspire rings.

 

[Jayem]

When's the last time you changed your chain?

 

[Abox]

Race Face is the way to go

Do you know if that'll fit on the xt crankset or would I need to buy a whole Race Face set.

 

[Dmytro]

Do you know if that'll fit on the xt crankset or would I need to buy a whole Race Face set.

Race Face Rings should fit on your XT crankset. Be sure to get the the 4 bolt, 64/104mm pattern.

 

[OregonXC]

I like Salsa chainrings...

http://www.salsacycles.com/comps_chainrings.html

 

[TNC]

The LX chainrings are generally as good as any in the Shimano lineup, and they're relatively cheap. There's hardly any weight difference in the middle and big rings either. I still believe that Shimano chainrings are better than just about anyone else's. I would look at the chain first, as Jayem mentioned. If you've already replaced the chain and this is happening, then you're right to look at the chainrings. Chains will wear out waaay before chainrings under anything approaching normal conditions.

Oh...have you looked for any bent teeth on that second ring? You'd think that nothing could dent or bend any of those 2nd ring teeth with that big ring in the way, but I've seen it many times.

 

[Jayem]

Chains will wear out waaay before chainrings under anything approaching normal conditions.

And, that worn out chain will destroy the rings, shimano or otherwise.

 

[Dirtman]

Give them a look

My XT middle ring is starting to chainsuck and while researching where to get a replacement found the review here...sounds like it's pretty common with the XT. Can I stick another brand middle ring on this crankset? If so whatcha recommend.

Thanks!

www.hyperbolts.com

If like something a lil different than the typical front runners. Qaulity, they look very nice, and shifts precisely! No probs:thumbsup: And they are Light too! 18g

 

[Homebrew]

If it's a M760 XT, you'll need new chainring bolts if you don't get an exact M760 replacement. The bolts are only half threaded and they bottom out before securing the ring with anything other than OEM.

I like the Salsa rings. They are relatively inexpensive and hold up well. But like jm said, check your chain. I usually do a whole drivetrain replacement (cassette, middle ring, chain) at the same time.

 

[mtb_biker]

I like ramped rings. I run a double setup up front personally but anyway alot of rings don't off this and if you're replacing your big ring this is imporant to remember. Also for the middle ring, the lx replacement chainring is steel, and the xt is aluminum. The steel one will obviously last longer, but the aluminum one is lighter.

 

[TNC]

LX Steel?

I like ramped rings. I run a double setup up front personally but anyway alot of rings don't off this and if you're replacing your big ring this is imporant to remember. Also for the middle ring, the lx replacement chainring is steel, and the xt is aluminum. The steel one will obviously last longer, but the aluminum one is lighter.

We're definitely talking some different rings here, because all the LX 2nd rings that I've ever used were alloy...4 or 5 bolt. Now...seeing that Shimano makes about a bazillion chainrings over the years, I'm sure there's some steel 2nd rings in there somewhere, but traditionally their 4 and 5 bolt models are aluminum alloy. I have/had LX models ranging from about '95 all the way to a current thru-axle crankset, and all the second rings are alloy. The small rings on many Shimano cranksets are steel, but you have to go cheaper than LX to normally find any steel rings at number 2 or 3.

BTW, I just checked the QBP catalog...they have 13 LX model chainrings. Only the 22T small ring was available in steel...everything else was aluminum alloy.

 

[mtb_biker]

humm yea you might be right there (i might've been thinking granny)

 

[danoalb]

Go Deore

My XT middle ring is starting to chainsuck and while researching where to get a replacement found the review here...sounds like it's pretty common with the XT. Can I stick another brand middle ring on this crankset? If so whatcha recommend.

Thanks!

Get regular Deore granny and middle steel rings in the 64 x 104. They will shift like a dream and last longer than any alloy by far and they are cheap as snot. You will never regret running the Deore m510 rings on your XT cranks.

22t ring http://bicyclenut.net/page.cfm?PageID=53&action=details&sku=CR2997

32t ring http://bicyclenut.net/page.cfm?PageID=53&action=details&sku=CR2998

 

[logbiter]

TNC- do you guys recommend the Deore level middle steel rings much? (as dano suggested). They're good bang for the buck! The only problem is the lack of a 32 or 34, I forget which. LX middle's are alu.

We're definitely talking some different rings here, because all the LX 2nd rings that I've ever used were alloy...4 or 5 bolt. Now...seeing that Shimano makes about a bazillion chainrings over the years, I'm sure there's some steel 2nd rings in there somewhere, but traditionally their 4 and 5 bolt models are aluminum alloy. I have/had LX models ranging from about '95 all the way to a current thru-axle crankset, and all the second rings are alloy. The small rings on many Shimano cranksets are steel, but you have to go cheaper than LX to normally find any steel rings at number 2 or 3.

BTW, I just checked the QBP catalog...they have 13 LX model chainrings. Only the 22T small ring was available in steel...everything else was aluminum alloy.

 

[TNC]

Deore

TNC- do you guys recommend the Deore level middle steel rings much? (as dano suggested). They're good bang for the buck! The only problem is the lack of a 32 or 34, I forget which. LX middle's are alu.

I don't know...a steel 2nd chainring seems a little overkill to me. I definitely recommend steel on the small ring, but the bigger 2nd ring seems to get very good lifespan for most people. Since I can't see any Deore 32T alloy chainrings, I can't recommend them, though the 36 might be an option for some. The LX 2nd chainring should retail around $18-$24 depending on markup. The LX 2nd chainring is very durable and has excellent ramps and pins.

 

[rkj__]

I don't know...a steel 2nd chainring seems a little overkill to me. I definitely recommend steel on the small ring, but the bigger 2nd ring seems to get very good lifespan for most people. Since I can't see any Deore 32T alloy chainrings, I can't recommend them, though the 36 might be an option for some. The LX 2nd chainring should retail around $18-$24 depending on markup. The LX 2nd chainring is very durable and has excellent ramps and pins.

I replaced my middle and outer chainrings recently. I was looking to replace the middle with another deore, but the shop did not have the deore(steel), only the LX(alloy). He offered me the LX middle at the price of the Deore, so i took it. I don't notice a difference in shifting, but i do expect the lifespan to be a little shorter.

FYI, i replaced the large ring with a steel Alivio level one i had in my garage. Rings are expensive, and i have already hacked a few of the teeth on the big ring anyways. For some of the riding i do, i should have a bash guard, but i also race, and need the big ring. The alivio does not shift as well as the deore did, and it is considerably heavier, but it cost me nothing, and is getting hacked by boulders and curbs anyways.:madman:

 

[OregonXC]

Get regular Deore granny and middle steel rings in the 64 x 104. They will shift like a dream and last longer than any alloy by far and they are cheap as snot. You will never regret running the Deore m510 rings on your XT cranks.

22t ring http://bicyclenut.net/page.cfm?PageID=53&action=details&sku=CR2997

32t ring http://bicyclenut.net/page.cfm?PageID=53&action=details&sku=CR2998

Yep, Deore if you want steel with ramps and pins. Richey makes some nice light(relatively) cro-mo ramped and pinned rings that seem to last forever.

 

[VTT]

I replaced my XT with Blackspire rings and I am very happy with them...

 

[856er]

I intend to replace my XT chain rings with Middleburn rings,
have had these on another rig for years,excellent shifting and no noticeable wear to date,
very impressed,
look cool to.

http://www.middleburn.co.uk/chainrings_mtb.php