Chainrings compatibility : Help ?

[mat]

Hi, I've got a XT M737 crankset and a I would like to change the chainrings at the same time as I change the chain to an 8 speed sram PC 890 and rear sprockets to an Sram PG-850.

What can I put to replace the chainrings ? The only 5 arms mtb that I can find for an affordable price seems to be the shimano LX M570 (I guess 9 speed).

Are the M570 chainrings compatible with M737 cranks ?

Is there any other compatible affordable (but good quality) chainrings available ?

Thancks

 

[ishaw]

Have you tried middleburn:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mobile/MobileKits.aspx?ModelID=3368

 

[Anthony]

You have no compatibility issues to worry about with that set up. Points worth noting are:

Any compact-drive Shimano-pattern rings will fit the FC-M737 - but Middleburn will do so more reliably I think, as Shimano keep changing their designs, whereas Middleburn make rings to fit all generations of cranks.
Although Shimano kept changing chainring designs, neither they nor other makers have ever sold rings as 7/8 speed or 9-speed
Thus even if you went to a 9-speed chain, it would still work with both those sprockets and all rings, as well as with 9-speed sprockets
The only restriction is that you shouldn't use 7/8-speed chains with 9-speed sprockets

 

[mat]

Thanks :
in principle then any compact drive chainring should do the trick, right ?

And the M570 is compact drive as well isn't it ?

What are middleburn chainrings comparable to LX, XT, XTR ? Is hardcoat or slickshift important for my configuration ?

 

[hamster]

Shimano seem to me to cut costs on their chainrings. Middleburn, TA or Stronglight make ones which are much, much harder and wear much better.

Personally I never buy Shimano ones as replacements. I've had ones grind out after under 2000 miles (and I use a chain checker) whereas some TA have lasted over 10,000.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Get SlickShift, it makes gear changes a bit more reliable. They are top end stuff.

They're not quite as slick as Shimano's many ramps, profiles twists and turns but they look much better

Not the lightest rings either as they are built to be stiff and durable.

I have two full sets.

If you don't mind the Hardcoat colouring get that as well, just makes them a touch longer lasting. Though like anything not silver they can look scruffier earlier.
Else just get the normal and pick a colour

 

[Anthony]

in principle then any compact drive chainring should do the trick, right ?

I should have said what is meant by Shimano pattern. The photo below shows it alongside a Sugino crank. The big ring has a pin that fits under the crank arm to prevent the chain from getting stuck in there. Obviously on a Shimano-pattern ring, that pin is between bolt holes. The Sugino ring to the left has the pin in line with a bolt hole, which is no good for Shimano cranks (although some rings have removable pins).

And the M570 is compact drive as well isn't it ?

Yes

What are middleburn chainrings comparable to LX, XT, XTR ? Is hardcoat or slickshift important for my configuration ?

I would say Middleburn rings are as good as you'll find. I agree with Fluffychicken on the other points.

 

[mat]

Thanks a lot ! i'll try to take check that. I'll probably go for shimano, middleburn or stronglight.

I have another question though : is it possible to take the middle chainring without removing the whole crank on the m737 ? Will Middleburn chainrings pass as well ?

 

[Charlieboy28]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Icetoolz-Cran ... 53e908eff0

I reckon you would make your life a whole lot easier getting one of these and removing the whole crank rather than trying to fits rings in situ so to speak