XTR M970 chainrings (HOW MUCH)

Ok worn out XTR chainrings, can they be replaced with cheaper ones, looks like they're standard 104, 64 BCD so would the XT Rings fitr, granted the outer XTR ring is all sculpted to match the chaniset arms etc but aesthetics aside will other chainrings work?

Yes, works fine. I have a used but still ok M970 outer one going spare if you're interested in a cheap replacement – email in profile

They do come up secondhand (brand new). i have just got a set for £130 which i thought was reasonable? I have had two years out of mine and to be honest i could run them a little longer

*obligatory you wouldn't buy a ferrari if you can't afford to replace the tyres post*

I've got a unused outer and a slightly used middle ring (xtr), if you interested mebby we could negotiate a deal 8)

Be aware that you will need four 1.5 or 2mm chain ring spacers to fit a non XTR granny ring.

Watch out if your not buying shimano rings(m970/m770) as although the bolt holes are standard 104, 64 BCD, shimano rings are offset slightly. So if your mix and matching with non shimano rings some spacing will be required.

edit : Too slow 😀

I've got the full set if your interested?! outer is trashed but as a result middle and small are barely touched! Stephen.Hodge[at]plymouth.ac.uk

*obligatory you wouldn't buy a ferrari if you can't afford to replace the tyres post*

A Ferrari doesn't get raced through the mud and wear out after a month.

It's not about buying cheaper it's about buying something that will last longer. Cheaper is always a bonus though.

Would an XT770 middle or granny require a spacer or is that the only exact match?

Xt770 middle works fine with m970 inner and outer, least it does on my mates bike 😉

A Ferrari doesn't get raced through the mud and wear out after a month.

Wow, you must do one hell of a lot more racing than I do, since I get a full season out of a set of XTR rings on my race bike. Granny ring has been used around ten times only in nearly four years, impressed people are wearing those out.

Most people could destroy a set of Ferrari tyres in less than a day, you just need to drive hard enough (hopefully on a track).

Look, this arguement is flawed. Its all about value for the money, or the perception of it. A chainset for £250 seems reasonable (ish), but 3 chainrings for £200, doesn't.

Like i've said above there are plenty of singlespeed people wanting rid of there's and then everyone is happy. 😉

Wow, you must do one hell of a lot more racing than I do, since I get a full season out of a set of XTR rings on my race bike. Granny ring has been used around ten times only in nearly four years, impressed people are wearing those out.

Most people could destroy a set of Ferrari tyres in less than a day, you just need to drive hard enough (hopefully on a track).

What can I say, I must just be better than you.

I see your point if you bought XTR because (when) it was cheap, rather than because it is the best (opinions aside). If you're willing to compromise on the best, that's probably fair enough if you're actually paying for it as opposed to being given it (free or heavily discounted).

Buy a complete chainset from Merlin, flog the cranks and BB. Easy.

I tend to agree with Dougal, although I do accept the spares are disproportionately expensive.

The only reason the spares seem expensive, is that they are never discounted to the same extent as the original unit to which they fit.

I reckon there's a bit of Gillette marketing going on: sell the razor cheap, at a loss or cheap, make spare blades expensive.

They aren't discounted because no shop in their right mind would keep them in stock. The complete cranks however tend to be window dressing until the end of the year.

complete cranks are available 'unboxed' as OEM kit too which is why they are a) cheaper and b) more readily available to the big discounters.