I know that Shimano wouldn't recommend it, but has anyone put a standard chain, specifically an 11 speed one, on a DCE 12 speed chainring? I need shorter crank arms on my new bike, and XT M8000 ones are the best value for money I can find in the right chain line and 165mm length. I know the internal width of the chain is the same for 11/12 speed so there's only the DCE issue that concerns me.
If it's a no-go, can you recommend an aftermarket chainring that would suit.
Thanks.
I've been using a set of XTR cranks with 12spd chainring and xtr 11spd mech/shifter and xt 11 spd cassette/chain for a few years with no issues if that helps, can't say I've ever heard of 'dynamic engagement chains' before
it is specifically the 'DCE' bit that I'm questioning, blurb says,
This is achieved by using a broader and taller tooth profile ...
Now, I think it works with standard Shimano chains, (albeit 12 speed ones) so as long as the chain isn't DCE specific it should work. Would like to know if anyone has tried it though.
The DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT+ chainrings are specially designed to work together with the Shimano 12-speed chains.
A quick search says 12 spd xtr chainring is DCE and as I said I've used it with a few xt 11spd chains which apparently are not DCE. Personally I find it works/shifts fine although it's probably going to work better with a full 12spd setup. I've also used a burgtec chainring with an xt chain and found the xtr 12spd ring works better and lasted longer
I have just fitted a SLX SM-CRM70 (apprently) chainring to my 11sp bike with a SRAM 11sp chain. Seems fine and waaay less noisy than the worn n/w "ordinary" ring I took off after fitting the new chain
Brilliant, thanks gents. I shall get that ordered tonight. 👍
I have the SLX version of these cranks because I prefer 24mm spindle and the Shimano fitting also wanted 165mm - they worked fine with other 11 speed chains on my singlespeed until all but one T15 security bolts (8 joining ring to spider) decided to come loose on a ride, leaving me doing a mix of gentle pedalling / pushing home.
Hopefully the current XT ones are better but it’s put me off that design!