Is there anything nowadays which shifts as accurately and reliably over time as Shimano chainrings? It's been years since I bought anything else, and wondering whether there are any replacement rings as good, that might be a bit more economical.
The new Turbine rings from Race Face shift really well, IMO a little quicker than Shimano they look great too. There's a compatability chart on their website so make sure you buy the right ones.
I'm not sure if they are more economical though, I didn't really look at Shimano prices as I was looking at longevity rather than cost.
Middleburn slickshift hardcoats are comparable in my experience.
RaceFace ones seem to be as good, although to be honest, im happy to put up with a slightly reduced shift quality as they're not made of chocolate.
Simple answer - No. Nothing shifts as well as Shimano. 🙂
Nothing has as short a lifespan as Shimano either!
I would agree with the comments about the quality of Shimano shifting.
If you opt to pay a minor weight penalty and use Shimano steel chainrings for middle and inner then the longevity is much better than for their alloy offerings.
Nothing has as short a lifespan as Shimano either!
But that's not what he asked! 😉
FWIW, I hoover up loads of cheap 'new' Shimano rings from the classifides and other places. £20 for a full set of Deores is the going rate and at that price, you can't beat 'em at all! 😀
My XTR middle ring has done between 3500 and 5000 miles and is still going.
The only thing better is a Rohloff!
Blackspire Super Pro rings.