Compatible rings for XTR crank FC-M950

[ishaw]

A number of after market 5 arm versions were made by the likes of middleburn, Hershey racing (really lovely. Got one on my rts) and small as well. Middleburn did a 4 arm, and I have a 4 arm 'forge' version too. I have also dabbled with other options including possibly the cheapest way to get a 4 arm, using an stx slider, but I think lx and xt also fit.

 

[Maxipedia]

Obviously, the cheapest way to get fresh rings is using a Shimano spider, 4 or 5-arm. Some racing teams of the nineties did this, in order to put smaller chainrings on these cranks.

As for me, I remembered to order such cranks exactly for the same reasons, because of this very thread. So thank you!

I have two M95X cranksets and one came in a DH version, with that 5-arm spider, so I put some standard M560 Deore LX rings on it and it looks proper. The other one still has the original rings, but they are worn out, just as you'd suspect. A friend of mine from the bikeshop, managed to put some cheapish Truvativ X-flow rings on his set, but I don't want to follow that path.

Cheers!
Mx

 

[masha]

Re:

Thanks for the guidance on this topic.

So, are there compatible BBs available as I would need one of those too if I ever intend to use?

are there any spider arrangements that will allow me to use the outer ring, which I think is in fine condition (just the inner two shot).

either that or a suitably small single middle ring I can bolt onto the outer with correct alignment of spacers, just to get some use out of it - otherwise, assuming I can get a BB, it will be destined for a single speed or the for sale section in future.

 

[ishaw]

Bbs come up and aren't that hard to find really, and they do seem to last a long time once you get one. If you want a cheaper alternative to an xtr one, you can use shimano 105, ultegra or dura ace ones if you can stomach having a couple of mm either way from the original xtr size. I've had an eye on a few on eBay over the last few weeks to see what they go for, and I was surprised to see them go for 10-15 at most, so not expensive at all really.

As for using just the outer ring, not a problem there.

 

[masha]

Re:

Thanks iShaw - I'll try to get a road BB - ( I have one on my road bike which has an Ultegra group from the same era), but no spares, just a spare chain and rear cassette for that in stock.

Yes, anyone with a spider to convert to 5 hole, I will be interested (but only if bundled with a set of useable chainrings. as it could be an expensive exercise otherwise).

However, I can see me keeping it once I get a spare BB and making a nice light singlespeed again in future.

 

[syncrosfan]

I do have the spider plus chain-rings. They shift fine I took them off my commuter bike two weeks ago (replaced the XTR cranks with a set of Sweet Wings), certainly not mint but work OK. Attached are some pictures, let me know if you're interested. I like the look of the 5 arm spider-chainring combo way better than the regular XTR 4 arm set-up.
The rings are 48!-36-26 teeth.

 

[ishaw]

Not wanting to hijack, but should the op not want these I'd be up for them.

 

[masha]

Re:

That does look like a good solution - and I'm interested in the spider and rings (subject to asking price delivered).

 

[dyna-ti]

I do have an original M952 5-arm spider (ca. '99, look at their catalog). This one allows you to use regular 110/74 BCD rings with the XTR cranks, and those size rings are still readily available. Let me know if you're interested.

I had one of those and like a complete a**e i sold it

:facepalm: FOOL