well some might like to.

You'd only be stunned and very jealous SB!

Whilst you are splashing the cash buy 3 chains, use them in rotation (always stick the shortest one on) and the cassette and rings last ages (powerlinks essential though).

Further to my earlier plea for help......for those remotely interested, it seems the middle front ring has just worn out.  I did in fact measure my chain which was sound, but put on another quite new one, which slipped just the same.

The short answer is that I have dropped off the bike to have all three rings on the front, the rear cogs and the chain replaced.  I can't cope with all that slipping nonsense if you don't do the lot.

Cycleworks quoted me approx £250 and couldn't book it in until 17th June, whilst my Specialized shop Corridori reckon it will cost circa £150 tops and will get it sorted in two days.

 Big difference eh?

Hm. I think I'd have just put a new middle ring on and see how it was, you might have got away with more like £20.

I know Mike......but last time I changed the chain, I had to eventually change most of it by the time I'd finished.  

Don't know about you, but nothing spoils a ride more than chains slipping, sucking, and generally fcuking about!  On the basis I'm trying to get some long distances in at the mo, in prep for the south downs randonee, I thought I'd bite the bullet!

I think it would cost about 150 just for the replacement chainrings at current XT prices.

I would replace the middle chainring for an xt one (seem to wear better than most) and see how it goes, for 150 you are probably getting lower quality bits, some of which probably don't need replacing.

If you need to replace other  bits as well I would go for an xt chain, and a deore cassette, doubt the small and large chainring will need replacing at all.

I am getting an XT middle ring and better components than were originally on the bike........apparantly!

The small and large ring probably don't, but with a new chain, I thought I'd just do it and know that it should be good for another 18months.

I was told if I only rode it in the summer, it would last five times longer.

I run three chains per drivetrain, one on the bike, one in soak (petrol) and one hanging up oiled. They get rotated every 40-50 miles.

What do you do on a long ride?

I'm amazed that anyone is organised enough to do this, and even more amazed that there appears to be at least two of you...