Al vs Steel chainrings

[Jisch]

I gotta put new chainrings on my bike - the RaceFace Al middle ring is a mess after only 11 months of riding. I was considering putting a Shimano steel one on there - any considerations beyond weight?

John

[dirtrider2]

No considerations I can think of, I always try to run a steel middle ring if I can get my hands on one.

Dave

[Slappy]

11 months is a good long life for a middle ring. New chain a couple times a year helps them last too.

[bdee]

Stainless + regular cleaning = a very long life. Not sure who makes a stainless designed to shift. The only thing to consider would be the weight, but unless you're a real weight weenie it's not a really big deal.