Ok, to clear up the confusion I'll summarise the situation I have at hand:
- My bike came with full NX/GX eagle drivetrain.
- I've since installed a M8100 XT derailleur and shifter, which works with everything else Sram but I wanted to switch it all over to Shimano. I figured I'd do it at the same time as new wheels (because this required a new cassette driver too). New wheels are nearly ready, so I've bought an M7100 SLX cassette and chain. I had assumed I could continue to run the current NX cranks with 34t eagle ring.
- Now I'm seeing lots people online saying my Shimano 12sp chain won't work with the Eagle ring, that it will have chain suck etc.
This leaves me with the options of:
- Run it all with my NX crankset and eagle ring (run the risk of fucking my new chain, cassette, and having rides ruined by chain suck?).
- Buying the wolf tooth ring that fits Sram cranks and the Shimano chain (for $130 ).
- Buying a new XT crankset (for about $230, plus $30 for BB and ~$50 for ring).
At this stage, leaning toward the third option. But just trying to work out the most cost-effective way of getting that done
And finally - reason for wanting a 32t is that my new cassette has the 45t big ring rather than the 50t on eagle, so want to go a little smaller on the front to compensate.