I recently replaced a badly worn chainring, as an extended part of changing a flat tube. One person noted that Surly sells stainless steel chainrings. That would certainly get the chainring durability into the ballpark of rear cog durability, but is that a good thing?

I suppose a steel chainring would wear chains faster, because the steel ring would not "give" to the same degree that alloy rings would, but would the steel rings hold up to the more-quickly-worn chains? It seemed that the steel cog on my worn drivetrain was in much better shape than the alloy chainring, so maybe a steel ring would be good for overall drivetrain durability/cost of operation. Thoughts?

Good chain<$20

Good chainring>$75

Which would you rather replace?

Just my $.02, I could be full of crap.

Surprised to find a review on a chainring, but here it is:

http://www.63xc.com/mattc/surlyring.htm

That's a pretty-good sounding review. Thanks for posting it.

I may have to try the Surly SS chainring.

For Anon's question, simple Al chainrings can be had for under $20, just like simple chains. A chainring can survive several chains, with decent maintenance and timely replacement of the chain. The SS chainring seems to be a bit of insurance against using a chain too long.

It's always better to splurge on the chainrings. I never saw alloy as a good material for fixed chainring use, Young's Modulus is way too small (it's too flexy). In a perfect world my chainrings would be 4340 crome moly steel with case hardened teeth, but that would be pretty pricey (although quite doable with the right heat-treat/fabrication guy). Go for the nice chainrings, you'll be glad you did.

I suppose a steel chainring would wear chains faster, because the steel ring would not "give" to the same degree that alloy rings would, but would the steel rings hold up to the more-quickly-worn chains?


I think almost all chain wear happens at two inside points: where the bushings and pins rub together, and where the rollers rub against the bushings. The chainring only contacts the chain under load at the outside of the rollers, and there's not much sliding when that point is under load. So I don't think chainring material would siginifcantly affect chain wear. Steel rings seem like a good idea for a fixie, unless the weight difference matters to you.

I think almost all chain wear happens at two inside points: where the bushings and pins rub together, and where the rollers rub against the bushings. The chainring only contacts the chain under load at the outside of the rollers, and there's not much sliding when that point is under load. So I don't think chainring material would siginifcantly affect chain wear.

This sounds right. Well said.

Good chain<$20

Good chainring>$75

DuraAce cog $20.
KMC chain 6.
Chain Ring 12.

With shipping it's about $45. For that price I'd rather put the 3 of them on; keep them clean and lubed; and replace all 3 when the teeth get so sharp I'm afraid of cutting myself wiping them off. Part of my riding fixed is living cheap and low maintenance.

This sounds right. Well said.
That said, some cheap chainrings can deform without wearing out. Steel and good aluminum are perfectly serviceable chainring materials.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=51925&stc=1&d=1146348985