m960 BCD chainring choice

bluechair84

I've just picked up an old XTR m960 with an odd 102BCD mount for the middle chainring. I'm planning on swapping out my SLX and single 36t ring for the XTR. However, rings are hard to come by. I'd have to get a 36t ring custom made which is actually very competitive at $36, but means I might run into difficulty in getting back on the trail if I broke it. Wait times seem to be over a month and it's shipped from the US. The alternative is a more readily available Blackspire 34t ring and a roadie cassette to keep the gearing roughly similar. It might not actually be much more beneficial thought if LBSs don't stock a 102mm ring, I'd still have to wait for delivery from CRC if they have them in stock.
I'm leaning towards the custom 36t as 102BCD rings are going to be hard to get hold of quickly and cheapily anyway, and this way I don't need a new cassette too. Plus, anodizing in any colour is free I think more gold for the Torque is a must.
Any thoughts or advice on this which might cement my decision?

felix.london

Same problem. I wanted to know how easy/expensive it would be to swap out the SLX cranks and replace with an old M960 XTR set but keep the 22/36/Bash rings. And then make the SLX a single ring 34t :?

njee20

The alternative is a more readily available Blackspire 34t ring and a roadie cassette to keep the gearing roughly similar.

How does that work? You'll have an 11 at the top either way. Fitting a closer block will just limit your bottom end in the inner ring. Stick with an 11-34 either way.

I'd get a custom one. Assume you're looking at HomeBrew Components? I'd drop Mattias Hellore of Experiemental Prototype a line. I've got one of his 36t titanium 88mm chainrings for my M985 cranks, it's very light, nicely made, well priced and has lasted fantastically. He may not do an alternative, but worth asking.

warpcow

I was going to suggest Mattias Hellöre, like njee20.

I'd search for threads on mtbr about homebrewed components (if that's who you meant for custom rings), see if you're willing to deal with that kind of 'company' before you order.

oodboo

If you're getting one custom made then I'd order 2 so you've got a spare to keep you going when the other needs replacing.

bluechair84

njee20 wrote:

The alternative is a more readily available Blackspire 34t ring and a roadie cassette to keep the gearing roughly similar.

How does that work? You'll have an 11 at the top either way. Fitting a closer block will just limit your bottom end in the inner ring. Stick with an 11-34 either way.

Ah that's the kind of thing I needed to know, I've never looked at road cassettes before so knowing there is no smaller sprocket for the higher ratio pretty much settles things. I'll need a 36t to keep the same gearing. Homebrew was where I've been looking and I've also looked at threads on singletrack about him. I'm happy to go down his route unless someone has had particularly good reason not to recommend him? It seems that as long as you're willing to wait, you'll get a good product at a good price. Suits me fine. But I'll check out Mattias too.
cheers

bluechair84

oodboo wrote:

If you're getting one custom made then I'd order 2 so you've got a spare to keep you going when the other needs replacing.

Yeah, that's going to be my way around being able to get hold of any emergency ring... just keeping another with me.

felix.london

bluechair - can you do me a favour and get a price for an extra one for me (102 BCD 36t double/middle ring)

felix.london

felix.london wrote:

bluechair - can you do me a favour and get a price for an extra one for me (102 BCD 36t double/middle ring)

...you could bring it out with you to the Alps in the summer and I'll meet you guys for a run or two

bluechair84

It's possible, you want one or two so you've got a spare? He might be able to do a discount for us and it might reduce the p&p. And you'd be very welcome to join us and do the mega.

felix.london

bluechair84 wrote:

It's possible, you want one or two so you've got a spare? He might be able to do a discount for us and it might reduce the p&p. And you'd be very welcome to join us and do the mega.

hmmm, guess it kinda depends on price but it's going on the Rockhopper which is already 6 years old - am I still going to be riding it by the time a new chain ring where's out? Saying that I could always put the XTR on the Session afterwards.

Let me know what prices you get.

Cheers!

bluechair84

Felix... bad news... I appear to have just purchased two 36t rings from a classified. It was a crackin deal! If they don't turn up and I end up going through homebrew I'll let you know.

felix.london

Ha! Well done matey! Alright - no probs will let you know what I end up doing anyway. Cheers