Middleburn chainring replacement with shimano

[Palaeodom]

Trying to replace my inner and middle chainrings and would like to use the Middleburn stuff from the UK via chainreaction. i have been warned about chainbolt diameter between shimano and other chainrings. i have contacted Middleburn but haven't heard anything.

 

Does anyone know if the Middleburn chainrings are compatible with Shimano?

 

...i'd be usrprised if they weren't seeing as they are replacement MTB chainrings for 8 and 9 speed systems.

[BigGuy]

I have bought some middleburn rings for an XT crank and they work fine.

[The Drongo]

Trying to replace my inner and middle chainrings and would like to use the Middleburn stuff from the UK via chainreaction. i have been warned about chainbolt diameter between shimano and other chainrings. i have contacted Middleburn but haven't heard anything.

 

Does anyone know if the Middleburn chainrings are compatible with Shimano?

 

...i'd be usrprised if they weren't seeing as they are replacement MTB chainrings for 8 and 9 speed systems.

 

Only if you have the pleasure of owning XTR.

 

Just measure from bolt to bolt on the diagonal. Then order accordingly.

[Eldron]

I poppped a Middleburn middle ring on the XT crank on my SS and I wasn't happy.

 

The PCD is fine but the bolt holes on the Middleburn are slightly bigger meaning there was 2-3mm play when I had the bolts in but not tightened - I ended up shifting it around until it looked centered then tightening all the bolts.

 

Next time it's Shimano only for me. Fits like a glove.

[amasendeinja]

Not compatible with XT, but I used them before on older XTR cranks (M970) and they worked a dream. Be sure you get the Slickshit er... shift and Hardcote versions. If they don't say Slickshift then they're a bit sparse with ramps and pins (as in they have none... I think) which makes their shifting horrific.

 

All that said, I reckon the Shimano OEM stuff is just as good nowadays, so cant really vouch for an improvement. Other than the price - if I recall Middleburn were way cheaper.

[BigGuy]

My XT crank is the 760 version, the middleburn ring stated XT 760 and newer compatability, and fits mine perfectly.

 

It was this specific one: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=10037

 

Agreed there are lots of models with similar specs which might not work.

[Goodbadugly]

After the original XTR titanium ring was finished I replaced it with a XT M770 ring. After the XT ring I replaced it with a steel M660 ring. (The M660 SLX ring being a fraction of the price of the XTR ring) All three of these functioned in the same way.

The XTR being titanium and the other two made of steel.

Question: What is the difference between the M660 and the M770 middle ring? They look very much the same and both work the same. But the Xt is more expensive than the SLX.