Just put a new XT cassette and Shimano chain on but I also need a new middle ring for my double set-up. Is there honestly any advantage to sticking a posh ring on as oppose to an SLX? All I need really is longevity – I do a lot of miles in all conditions. Any advice recommendations other than SLX? Not bothered about looks/bling, just value and long-term performance. Ta.

Steel deore then. About £7 last time I bought one

steel for length of use
something else for the eternal weight v longevity issue.

Ta. Any noticeable difference between different aluminium ones in terms of how long they last? Like to keep the weight down, tho I guess there’s only a few grams in it between steel and ali.

Ta. Any noticeable difference between different aluminium ones in terms of how long they last? Like to keep the weight down, tho I guess there’s only a few grams in it between steel and ali.

In my experience yes.. Shimano (xt) alu rings last about 4 pedal strokes.

I did find I was going through rings quite quickly I tend to run an Xt outer and Deore middle/inner. I tend to run a drive train until it’s totally dead then change the lot.