Time for a new chainring on my Campag compact?

[αdαmsκι]

I think it's time to replace the 50 tooth chainring on the Campagnolo compact of my Ribble. This is what it looks like:

The 34 T ring on the bike, which is the same ages, looks like this:

The difference is really noticeable because the 34 T ring only gets used if I'm going steeply uphill, or it's a horrible headwind. The gears aren't skipping or anything, but it's clear from that comparison that the 50 T is worn. Should I replace it now or just keep using it until the transmission starts to complain?

Secondarily, what should I buy to replace it? Some googling suggests that it isn't as simple as being a 50 tooth, 5 hole, 110 bcd chainring because one needs a Campagnolo specific chainring. Right?

[Hot Flatus]

How often do you replace your chain?

[αdαmsκι]

The first chain on the bike went for over a year, which was faaaaar too long but I didn't realise that at the time as it was my first proper road bike. Now it's getting changed before the magic 1/12^th mark.

_{I iz a cyclist, not a mechanic}

[Hot Flatus]

I thought as much. 

Incidentally, the mavic chain I have has done double the mileage of the previous kmc chain and is nowhere near worn yet.

I still have another 5 of them 

[giropaul]

If it is a Record or Chorus crank, (i.e. four crank arms, and the crank itself acts as no.5) then it isn't just get a chainring job.

These have one hole very slightly "in" - the one that goes behind the crank. Either a proper Campag replacement or a TA one  like this -

TA 110pcd Nerius CT Campag Replacement Chainring - From £29.00 - Worldwide Cycling Mail Order Specialists and Consultants - Parker International

If all 5 arms are separate from the crank then any 110 ring - Campag or FSA etc, should be OK.

[αdαmsκι]

Incidentally, the mavic chain I have has done double the mileage of the previous kmc chain and is nowhere near worn yet.

I've just replaced one of the mavic chains, which went on the bike the day before The Elenith, so mid April. That doesn't seem too great, but bikejournal tells me the chain's done around 5,500 km since then. Hmm. Guess I've been a bit busy.

If it is a Record or Chorus crank, (i.e. four crank arms, and the crank itself acts as no.5) then it isn't just get a chainring job.

Nah, just the cheapie Mirage crankset. Ta.