Originally Posted by CliffordK

I'm not sure if that is true.

I've seen plenty of worn steel chainrings. I think many of the steel rings are made with very cheap steel.

Not all aluminum is the same. 7xxx series rings will last longer than 6061 rings.

Anyway, get a good 7xxx series ring, perhaps with ceramic coating, and it will last a good long time. TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHAINS.

As far as cranks, Shimano has gone to "Hollowtech", essentially making them as big tubes. Other companies have made greater use of Carbon Fiber. Anyway, there are lighter cranksets and bottom brackets available.