Where to buy new 9sp triple chainrings?

ai_1
ai_1 Posts: 3,060
edited October 2014 in Road buying advice
My 2009 Specialised Tricross is running last gen 9 speed Tiagra and an FSA Tempo Triple crankset with 50/39/30 chainrings. The middle chainring is now badly worn resulting in chain slip any time I apply even moderately high pressure to the pedals.
So, I'm looking for replacement parts. I'm not too bothered about matching brands or even colours as this bike is going to be pretty much a testbed/back-up and occasional wet weather/off-road bike from now on since I've got a new road bike. I've had a quick look for replacement chainrings on Wiggle, Merlincycles, Evans and 9 speed rings don't seem to be widely available anymore. However I do see Sora FC-3403 39 & 50 tooth chainrings and a Sora 3503 30 tooth chainring on Evans. Am I correct in thinking these will be compatible?

Alternatively can you suggest other online sources for 9 speed chainrings?

Comments

  • Bordersroadie
    Bordersroadie Posts: 1,052
    Spa cycles would be a good starting point. They sell top quality TA rings and cheaper Stronglight, in all BCD measurements and almost every tooth count you can imagine.

    As far as I recall, 8/9/10 speed chainrings are interchangeable, as the internal width dimension of these three chains is the same. This is from memory so maybe check on Sheldon Brown website to make sure.
  • duncan-m-w
    duncan-m-w Posts: 40
    Agree with Bordersroadie. More knowlegable people can jump in, but as far as I am aware, the key is to match up the PCD number, typically 110 or 130 (but triple may be different). I have used TA rings in the past which have been incredibly strong and have hardly worn over a number or years. Think even Wiggle sell TA rings.
  • dj58
    dj58 Posts: 2,224
    You can also try here. http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/chainrings-dept49_pg1/
  • keezx
    keezx Posts: 1,323
    Forget the speed designation., with a 9 speed chain you can use almost anything.
    I ride 9 speed on all my bikes and use all kinds of chainrings , old ones from the 6 speed times to 10 speed ones, all work.
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    Spa Cycles or if you are looking for something trick Middleburn can be nice but has already been said 9 speed is forgiving and these days cheap :)
    M.Rushton
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Bordersroadie wrote:
    Spa cycles would be a good starting point. They sell top quality TA rings and cheaper Stronglight, in all BCD measurements and almost every tooth count you can imagine.

    They sell top quality Stronglight as well as the cheaper rings - just as good as the TA stuff.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • Bordersroadie
    Bordersroadie Posts: 1,052
    Rolf F wrote:
    Bordersroadie wrote:
    Spa cycles would be a good starting point. They sell top quality TA rings and cheaper Stronglight, in all BCD measurements and almost every tooth count you can imagine.

    They sell top quality Stronglight as well as the cheaper rings - just as good as the TA stuff.

    I should have mentioned that, Rolf, I think Stronglight come in three different qualities of alloy.
  • me-109
    me-109 Posts: 1,915
    If you are looking to replace all three, then almost certainly it will be cheaper to buy a new chainset.
  • ai_1
    ai_1 Posts: 3,060
    Thanks for the responses guys.
    Much appreciated.
    Am I correct then in thinking I could buy, say, a last gen 10sp 105 (5700) chainset and I'd be compatible with the rest of my groupset which is last gen Tiagra 9sp. In other words, the chainrings for 10sp chains are compatible with 9sp chains but are the ring spacings?
  • dj58
    dj58 Posts: 2,224
    Have a read through this http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54189
  • ai_1
    ai_1 Posts: 3,060
    DJ58 wrote:
    Have a read through this http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54189
    Very helpful link, thanks!
  • Manc33
    Manc33 Posts: 2,157
    I got a Spa one and it feels stiffer than the cheap/stock chainset I replaced it with. Those 7075 T6 chainrings are worth the extra money IMO. A Shimano 105 chainset will cost more and you don't have all the custom choices, AFAIK you're going to get 30-39-50 without many other options, if any.

    I can't find what a 105 chainset is made from, but if it doesn't say... its probably 6061. :lol:
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    The trick with finding this sort of thing is not to spend time trawling the web because as you say stock is a bit more limited these days, instead pick up the phone and call a good shop. There are loads about and some may even have the rings you want.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • timothyw
    timothyw Posts: 2,482
    I had to replace my middle chainring on a 9 speed triple a few months back, ended up getting the Sora chainring from chainreaction cycles, which is dirt cheap:
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... -prod38171

    Did the job for me, not much of a risk for that money. Also made of steel, which should mean it lasts longer (while perhaps a little heavier than what you had).

    You need a triple-specific middle ring in order to get the ramps and pins needed for smooth shifting. For the big ring any double chainring will suit (as long as the BCD number is the same).

    Of course if you need all three, you'll probably find the chainset better value:
    http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... himchar791

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