Looking for a new NW chainring - there's quite some differences in cost between the manufacturers. With a Superstar coming in at £29 and a Wolf Tooth coming in at £65, and a range of prices in between. Is there any difference in quality/functionality to make the price difference worth it?
I've used superstar, works components and black by absolute black over the years. Never really had a problem with dropping chains and life has been fine. Can't see any reason to pay more TBH.
I used a superstar one on my last bike for a very long time. It was good.
I've even used one if the Snail(?) branded £10 rings from eBay, lasted about the same time as other more expensive brands.
Worst for longevity was a Blackspire NW ring. Wore out in weeks.
Superstar and uberbike are decent. UK made too.
Different aluminiums and anodising could definitely make a real difference in how it lasts... But I'd be amazed if it was equal to the savings tbh.
I still tend to buy Works, because they're a good company, developed their own, and were one of the first to give SRAM the finger and start selling their own. Most companies just did wait-and-see and then copied what was already out there. But I put a Snail on the hybrid and road bike, because they do big road bike sizes and they've been really good too. Also, I love the name.
+1 for superstar. long lasting and look good.
In terms of longetivity, Superstar>Hope>Works.
And superstar do the occasional discount code, Hope fitment, and green.
Another Snail chain ring user here.. Yet to wear one out, multiple colours and they even do oval now.. Can be had for a tenner!
Have used Snail and Deckas about <£10 posted from China. Loads of colours and last just fine.
Works 32t oval has been great for me. Not keen on the Deckas cheap job. It’s an oval but no mark to help with fitment, sorted it myself but nice to have small details right. Just pressed aluminium too whereas FMFXTR and Snail have some neat machining on them. Can’t comment on longevity for the Deckas one as new on.
Snail from eBay. A 30t one is about £13 & lasts me a year (approx 2500km) in Scottish slop
They aren't n/w, but PX has 32T stainless 104BCD chainrings for £25 in their clearance section.
Am I right in thinking superstar don't do direct mount Shimano rings for 8100?
Ebay bargain rings here too.
Bought a Hope one from my LBS because they gave me advice and checked it would fit the BCD. I was already spending money with them for a new rim, so this was just a little addition (500kr).
I've had a snail on the hardtail and it's been great all summer (not that much riding, few hundred miles)
Went out the other day in the mud and got horrendous chainsuck. Is that a bigger thing with N/W or what ? (I can imagine closer fit between teeth & links allowing mud to bugger things up easier)
When they wear, they "shark fin" and don't release the chain quick enough at the bottom of the ring under load.
Happens quicker the softer the alloy.
teethgrinder (apposite name ! 🙂 ), I know that's how but do you mean they do that worse/earlier than conventional rings ?
(I've never worn a chainring so fast, and in totally dry miles. It's not a posh one, bur even so ...)
Shorelines Distribution had some North Shore Billet ones for sale super cheap. Absolute quality and long lasting.
Yes, when they wear they "shark-fin" & hang onto the chain.
Was the clutch on on your mech? I've found if it's not, then you suffer more chainsuck.
Sun race steel from Billys Bikes. £12 and last forever
Shorelines Distribution had some North Shore Billet
£20. been very happy with mine.
North Shore Billet Shimano 96BCD XT M8000 Narrow Wide Chainring (shore-lines.co.uk)
This is a great thread. Lots of good info.
I want to 2nd the call that blackspire chainrings are crap. Mine wore out very quickly, hooked all the teeth.
Good NW rings don't have tall teeth IMO. That's when the shark-finning happens easier. The Superstar raptors just seem to get thinner and lose grip on the inside of the chain plates.
Thanks for the warning on blackspire. Got one on the shelf that will be going back to CRC.
I like steel chainrings,strong,hardwearing quiet and cheap.The slight extra weight ,I don't seem to notice.Should be able to get SRAM Eagle or plain Narrow/Wide ones for around £12 to £15 depending on what fit is needed.
Ebay Snail bargain rings not payed more than £7 (delivered) so for one and got & got a couple of spare's in the parts box..........