TLDR: Buying a new 2x Shimano MTB chainset now, and thinking about chainring availability, will 96bcd four bolt fade out, or will direct mount 2x rings remain scarce and expensive, as most folk buying new kit use 1x now?
Related - Is anyone aware of a spider that allows the conversion of newer Shimano direct mount cranks to 104 or 96bcd?
Longer version:
So I want to put a double on my Vagabond, as the 1x 36 x 11-36 gearing is a bit tall.
(I only didn't put a double on when building it up as I didn't have an appropriate chainset. Currently fitted a Spa touring triple set up 1x. If I add a 26t inner ring, it touches the chainstay, with a 118mm square taper BB. So even with a 122mm BB, it will likely be very close and the Q factor will be way off as these cranks are for a much shorter BB).
As I need 165mm cranks for gammy hip/leg, my options are a bit more limited with current supply levels.
I ordered an SLX 26/36 chainset, thinking it was the 96bcd four bolt standard, which is bad enough, being a retro-grouch, but new 2x 96bcd rings are at least available more affordably at Deore and SLX level.
Then I realised it is actually a direct mount and the bolts I could see were for the inner 26t to bolt to the 36t, and found the chainrings are about as expensive as a whole new chainset. I hate this about Shimano kit.
I remembered why I stopped using Shimano road cranks...
So... I can just use the SLX and hope more direct mount 2x options become available as the standard filters down to Deore etc. Or, I have spotted an older XT M8000 in 165mm, with the 96bcd rings, at a higher price but might be worth it if chainrings more easily available. But maybe they won't, as the 96bcd standard hasn't been around that long and isn't that popular after the switch from 104bcd.
The alternative is get a Middleburn rs7 at a higher price but I have copious square taper BBs and 110bcd rings spare.
SJS also do a square taper triple in short lengths, but seems to have a wide Q factor and be pretty heavy.
I tried to be modern, I really did...
PS.
Also ... not going wide range 1x, currently: I have various 9sp and 10sp road and MTB shifty kit and 11-36 cassettes which should work well for now, and prefer the closer gaps. I would consider this if I could get a single 11sp MTB pull bar end shifter, plus cassette and mech at decent price, but the microshift ones only seem available in pairs.
Anyone? Might have to be Middleburn then...
Sounds like you just want an older 104 double if you want the cheapest and easiest way to convert it. Plenty of those around on eBay etc.
Would be ideal, if I could find one in 165mm... (I use 160mm on road but get away with 165mm on less aggressive bikes.
Could you buy some 189 mm or 175mm cranks and shortened to 169mm?
I feel your pain a bit with the whole direct mount and 96mm bcd thing - worse with offset bcd on road cranks! Partly due to availability and price of chainrings, but also I dislike the idea of direct mount because of the waste of material you have to chuck away once worn. I get that it's more secure/less faff than 4 bolts, but that's countered by not being able to change a ring without removing the crank (granted not difficult, but still..). Sorry this is of no help to your situation and more of a general rant!
I think 96bcd will be available for a while, and if you scour ebay then there are lots of cheaper options for chainrings, though less choice of non-narrow/wide rings so maybe more searching. Probably worth taking a punt on the M8000 and finding rings to be honest, and stocking up if you do find them. Maybe 11 speed could be the long term aim, but now is not a good time for finding reasonably priced shifters/mechs (or anything!), let alone available to buy.
Ah well the M8000's gone up in price again (Bikester) (with rings but still) to about the same as a Middleburn plus spider, so I think I'll give the SLX M7100s a go as a double for now and yes, maybe consider 1x 11sp later down the line... Though the crappy chainline and dangly mechs offend me a bit. I am pretty sure 36 with an 11-42 would suffice.
I tried a 42t expander cog with a Sunrace hanger extender on a 11-36 10sp cassette, but the old 9 speed XT mechs I have (set up with 10sp road shifters, as per many an adventure bike pre-11 speed) are too long in the body for this - they struggle to get onto the 42t and the upper jockey is too far from the 42t cog, regardless of B screw adjustment. (Having worked fine on the 11-36 set up). That said, it is a cheap 42t cog. It may well actually work better with a medium/short cage road mech on the hanger extender.
