Originally Posted by
inutile
But, I also analyzed my 50T chain ring, and yes, it's wearing down, and yes, some teeth are lightly chipped, and no, they're not shifting aids. The chips are uneven and the top of the tooth looks like it broke off. Further, my mid and small chain rings which I use much less also do not show such signs of wear.
While you may not believe that someone could possibly design a chainring to look like that, what you are seeing is intentional manipulation of the chainring teeth to aid in shifting. If it helps to see it with your own eyes, go to a LBS and check out some of the new bikes. Guaranteed you'll find the same "wear" on those barely used cranks.
For lower end cranks, it's often not worth replacing chainrings because of the price of a single chainring. However, your 50T chainring will likely outlast your love affair with your current bike so you'll never need to feel the pain of replacing it.