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I'm riding an old, but perfectly good XT Octalink 3x9 chainset and bottom bracket. I reckon that there's oodles of life left in both, but the rings could do with replacing.
I believe that there are issues fitting the newer HTII rings to an older Octlink set (something to do with tabs on the middle ring) so have been looking around for replacement rings (ideally 44, 32, 22).
Superstar do a good looking set, but at over £60 (Praxis are closer to £100) I could actually by a brand new Deore HTII chainset and BB (9 or 10 speed).
Are there any good deals about or would a new Deore chainset make more sense?
I need 4 arm, 104 BCD rings.
I thought the issue was with the tabs on the octalink granny ring fouling the HT2 BB. Can't remember any compatibility issues going the other way.
I know what you mean about chainring costs, in your position I would buy the Deore chainset, swap the rings and sell on the arms and BB.
There is an issue with tabs on the old granny rings and ht2 axles but what the OP is on about is the plastic composite bits on the modern middle rings. You can make them fit with some filing. Try Rose bikes for cheap shimano rings. The low spec rings are pretty cheap.
I have at least half a dozen different rings, that will still have some life left in them, they came off a 3x9 ht2 deore and xt cranks. I don't really understand your problem but your welcome to try them for the cost of postage? If your interested I can have a look and see what I have tomorrow.