ok, so if i replace any drive-train parts, it'll be deore or comparable (unless i find xt for cheaper; unlikely).

the chain should be here in a day or two.

i've got the rear wheel off (unrelated maintenance) and noticed that the 11T ring is looking pretty "shark finned". the 13T ring is slightly shark finned, and the larger rings look ok. of course i won't really know until i put the new chain on it.


11T & 13T by aacckk, on Flickr

here in NZ i can get an HG61 locally for $120(NZ) or get one online for less than half that price (shipped) but it'll take about a week to show up. HG50 cassette is cheaper still, but also a week in transit. the current cassette is a SRAM PG950 (11-34).

if i do order a new cassette, would it be a good idea to also order a new crankset? it looks like about $95(US) to order an M590 crankset (or $200-250(NZ), locally). then i'd "upgrade" to an external BB (after spending another $30(NZ) to get the BB-shell faced). if i order a crankset with a cassette i can combine the shipping and still not get smacked around with import duties.

and i've got a chain-checker on order, so i won't let my chain get this bad again.

Q: with the 11T ring looking that worn, should i go ahead and order a new cassette? and new crankset? or wait until i try out the new chain? then wait another 1-2 weeks, if more parts are needed?