Bicycle Mechanics - @#$% Chaniring Bolts cost $$$

So, I figure I'll go down to the LBS and get me some brand spankin' new chainring bolts to go with my brand new chainrings... On the way I was even thinkin' how cool Titanium bolts must be, and wonder how much they cost...$20? All they had was steel (HEAVY) and Aluminum (Light, but fragile - what I had before and stripped half of them over the years). Aluminum bolts are $15 for 5! Well, I have a triple on the MTB so I needed 2 sets! So for some Aluminum bolts and the tool to install them properly it cost me almost $40!!! I just couldn't believe it... they're not even Titanium. :( :confused:

Anyone else have horror stories of expensive parts no one ever sees on your bike but you...?

This is one reason I always save screws, bolts, spacers, nuts, and other small fittings. Over the years, my well-endowed junk box has saved me alot of time and money. I have trouble justifying titanium or aluminum bolts, anyway -- what is a couple of grams on a 10kg rig? When I nicked the aluminum Campag. BB lockring on the Bianchi, I replaced it with the rusty old steel Magistroni ring I had salvaged from my 1962 Bianchi, when the frame finally broke.

Ahhh, I have chills... SACRILEGE! How could you do it man??? :eek: :D

Mike

I am puzzled. What is the problem with steel fixing bolts? Sure alu. ones are fragile but ti. bolts are soft. typically anti seize compound is needed on ti. fixing bolts. With all the torque applied to chainrings steel is the way to go for strength and durability. You can loose weight in other places you will never feel the weight difference with steel fixing bolts.

Originally posted by Hawkphoto
So, I figure I'll go down to the LBS and get me some brand spankin' new chainring bolts to go with my brand new chainrings... On the way I was even thinkin' how cool Titanium bolts must be, and wonder how much they cost...$20? All they had was steel (HEAVY) and Aluminum (Light, but fragile - what I had before and stripped half of them over the years). Aluminum bolts are $15 for 5! Well, I have a triple on the MTB so I needed 2 sets! So for some Aluminum bolts and the tool to install them properly it cost me almost $40!!! I just couldn't believe it... they're not even Titanium. :( :confused:

Anyone else have horror stories of expensive parts no one ever sees on your bike but you...? You just gotta be kidding.Chainring bolts are chainring bolts.One place where steel really is real.I just keep reusin em.

Really?, you guys all run steel bolts? I just assumed that lots of people used the lightweight stuff... That's what came on the bike to begin with, it's my superlight HT racer! ;)

Originally posted by Hunter
You can loose weight in other places you will never feel the weight difference with steel fixing bolts.

But... but... but... it's rotating mass! |8^)

Steel is real! :D

Especially if they're Stainless Steel....

they'll last a LONG time if they are...

Really?, you guys all run steel bolts? I just assumed that lots of people used the lightweight stuff...

Well, yeah!!!

Since a bolt already has it's diameter predetermined, using aluminum borders on insanity! Aluminum has only 1/3 the tensile strength of steel, and is soft and malleable, too. I'd ride with a wrench in my pocket if I were forced to use aluminum bolts! I certainly wouldn't want to risk riding out of the saddle!

The only problem I have with aluminum bolts is that I see them installed without grease from the factory. I like to grease the shoulders and used 222 loctite on the threads.

Besides, aluminum chainring bolts come in COLORS :D !!!

I don't have that problem. My LBS gets me stuff for cost plus 5%
or 15% and some times at cost.

You know that hex bolt that is in the headset?
That bolt costs $3.00. Don't ever break one.