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Looking at options for 104BCD 32t N/W chainrings and would prefer steel over alloy for longevity. I'm not finding many options and those that do are generally marketed as 'for e-bikes only'. Is there a genuine reason for this that I'm missing? Or is it just BS? They're the same 104BCD as anything else, and I can adjust chainline using spacers if necessary.
e.g. https://praxiscycles.com/product/mtn-e-ring-104bcd/ - Praxis specifically state in their FAQs "These rings are not recommended for analog (non-e) bikes."
Thoughts?
I'm currently using a pair of chainrings that were 'e-bike' rings. They're absolutely fine.
It's utter bollox. They may be e-marked, as in UN E-marked like a headlight or seatbelt on a car would be, but otherwise it'll fit, so long as it has the same mounting as on your cranks.
Not sure I get the whole steel chainring thing though. I'd prefer not to wear the chain down faster as that will transfer into cassette wear & cassettes are stupidly expensive compared to a single ring.
“Not sure I get the whole steel chainring thing though. I’d prefer not to wear the chain down faster as that will transfer into cassette wear & cassettes are stupidly expensive compared to a single ring”
Harder and slower wearing sprockets don’t wear chains out more quickly, because chains have rollers.
Maybe the tooth profile is made for the Shimano ebike chain and does not mesh as well with proper bike chains.
Thanks. As I thought then.
Not sure I get the whole steel chainring thing though. I’d prefer not to wear the chain down faster as that will transfer into cassette wear & cassettes are stupidly expensive compared to a single ring
My thought process (possibly wrong) is running everything as hard-wearing as possible can't be a bad thing. I've been using all-steel SRAM 11sp cassettes for a couple of years but recently swapped to 12sp for greater range. Not been impressed with teh lifespan of the alloy Hope spiderless chainrings on my EVO cranks, so I;m considering the 104 BCD spider for them plus a cheap steel N/W ring instead of another £55+ alloy chainring.
Maybe the tooth profile is made for the Shimano ebike chain and does not mesh as well with proper bike chains.
It could be for some but not that Praxis ring I linked above which claims to be compatible with all 10/11/12sp KMC, Shimano and SRAM chains, including SRAM flat-top.
“Maybe the tooth profile is made for the Shimano ebike chain”
Is there a Shimano ebike chain? Linkglide uses standard chains.
I'm using this same Praxis chainring on my SS atm (very much not an e-bike). Does what a chainring needs to do...
10/11/12sp KMC, Shimano and SRAM chains, including SRAM flat-top
Seeing this always makes me pull a face. Flat top chains have a different diameter roller. Is their tolerance really that "generous"?
Surely that will mimic being worn and accelerate wear.
Steel cassette (Garbaruk) and steel chainring (also Garbaruk) - the only things available in Europe mid-pandemic when my drivetrain decided to really wear out. So I buy a new chain, cassette and chainring and then leave them on and run all 3 into the ground - takes between 2.5 and 3.5 years. Costs me about £350 to replace it all, but I reckon for my tight-fistedness, this seems a more acceptable process than changing a chain and hoping it was done before the cassette/chainring has worn too much to accept a new chain.
Steel works for that as it lasts...
So I buy a new chain, cassette and chainring and then leave them on and run all 3 into the ground – takes between 2.5 and 3.5 years. Costs me about £350 to replace it all, but I reckon for my tight-fistedness, this seems a more acceptable process than changing a chain and hoping it was done before the cassette/chainring has worn too much to accept a new chain.
Steel works for that as it lasts…
Similar, but I buy 3x chains and rotate them each time the wax wears off. But either way it always seems to be alloy chainrings that are the first to wear out.
I've now got one of those Praxis steel chainrings reserved at my LBS for collection. Going to give it a try.
Uberbike do them, part of their made in Sheffield range and currently 25% off for black Friday, they state perfectly fine with non power assisted bikes.
There were a couple of options mentioned in this thread, if you're still looking:
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/steel-vs-aluminium-direct-mount-chainrings-wear-rate/
Thanks @bikesandboots. I now have the Praxis steel ring fitted onto the Hope 104 single ring spider onto my EVO cranks but it needs the chainline tweaked before I ride it in anger. Needs spaced inwards slightly as the chain's keen to snag on the teeth and fall off the inside when using the 50t on the cassette. An easy fix once I find my stash of chainring bolt spacers...