I’ve just noticed that FSA are producing steel 44t outer chainrings. I changed my XT inner and middle aluminium rings for good old steel Deores very early on due to chainsuck issues and have often wondered about steel outer rings. I know that there’s obviously going to be a weight penalty but to be honest it’s hardly going to notice and I build more for durability that weight anyway.

So, a few questions. Has anyone any experience of FSA steel outer chainrings (presumably that should wear pretty well and seem a lot cheaper than aluminium ones)? Could I fit one to an oldish XT Octalink (Hollowtech 1, 4 bolt desing) chainset and finally does mixing brands of chainrings cause shifting issues?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35235>