Thomthumb – Thanks, I have not seen it advertised for XT or SLX… I suppose in typical Shimano fashion it will be in 2012 before this filters down to XT and potentially 2013 before SLX.
Spokes Cycles – Also thanks, I understand the principle… However, less stress is B*llSh*t. Regardless of marketing crap. A thinner chain (ie less contact area) can only increase the stress as the rider is still transmitting the same force. S/S chains are not uber thin for a reason.
Starsh 78 and Njee20. I was under the impression that by only having 2 narrower rings up front you would be able to achieve a better chain line (as oppososed to present 2 plus bashring set ups)and hence changing at the front ring would not be such a great issue as present?