Drivetrain Suggestions ?

LastGasp

Hi all, Looking for Drivetrain suggestions/alternatives. In March I bought a new Ultegra 6700 Triple Groupset for my Audax Bike, and have put about 4000kms on it since. I replaced the chain recently with a Shimano original, as one of the sideplates broke on the first one. I must have left it too long, as the chain doesn't run as smoothly at the front as I would like - it feels like I'm getting some vibration in my common gears. On inspecting the chainrings they are slightly hooked and should probably have been replaced with the chain. I went looking for new chainrings, and it seems they are not available seperately, it looks like the only option is to buy another new Crankset at EUR219.00 which I feel is a terrible waste. To add to the problem the instructions say the bottom bracket needs to be used with the same type Crankset which makes other alternatives more hassle too.
Anyway I thought I would throw it out there to see what suggestions you lot would come up with, for alternative triple BB's, Cranksets/Chainrings which would be good quality, reasonably light, preferably similar quality to Ultegra (or better !) with replacement chainrings available. Looking at Shimano 105 FC5600 as a possibility.
Cheers, LG.

lescol

I don't see how you could have worn the chainrings in only 4000km even with a "stretched" chain for some of it. If the vibration is in your common gears and not in the less used I would put on a new cassette first.

TinyExplosions

You can get new chainrings, for about 20 quid a pop from here -that'd be your best bet

AstraMonti

You can get Specialities-TA chainrings, they are generally considered high quality and long lasting.

superlav

I agree with lescol, highly unlikely that your chainrings are worn already, most likely a worn cassette.

Perhaps a quick trip to the LBS would help diagnose before forking out on new parts.

Ultegra 6700 chainrings are not cheap and due to the hidden chainring bolt design, you are tied to buying Shimano.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/ultegra-fc-6700-double-b-type-chainring-ec028828?query=shimano

LastGasp

Hi all, Thanks for comments. Tiny, I had seen that Parker site, the only Triple Ring they list is the 39, and I was going to replace all 3 as a set.
Astra, thanks for the suggestion, but as Lescol says, the Ultegra design is specific, and cant use any generic Chainrings so I'm stuck with Shimano unless I change everything, probably including shifters and I don't really want to get into that.
Lescol, thanks for your suggestion, but as far as I can see Evans only list the Double Chainrings, not Triple, which are different as far as I know.
Cheers, LG