RodTi Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 Hello all... The bug is starting to bite me again. Without going into the ''why'' or the "when" - any ideas on a decent MTB crankset? I was thinking of going for a XT hollowtech.But then I did some quick scans of reviews on CRC's and MTBR...And surprisingly(?) - the XT is rated as, well basically average.Quite a few complaints about them... Now not always believing everything you read aside - this had me start looking at other products in a similar (bit more, but less) price range... First off - the XTR's. Not one bad thing said about them. Pity about the price though.My lbs quoted me +/- R1900 on the XT's, but a jaw-dropping +/- R4000 on the XTR's... Is this possible?On CRC, the XT comes in a just over R1000, and the XTR's at just over R2500?? So the gap between the XT's and XTR's overseas is considerably less. Possibly because more XTR's are purchased - because they're cheaper(?) - which makes more buy them - which makes them cheaper.... etc etc etc.. On looking around, the Truvativ Stylo looks pretty useful - albeit plenty of complaining from the UK that spare parts (bb's etc) were hard to come by... Would this not be more of a problem here? FSA Afterburner has been fairly well received, albeit not as popular as the RaceFace Deus XC ... My personal favourite, from a purely, unashamedly "bling" perspective, is the new Crank Brothers Cobalt SL Isis... But I don't even know if one gets them in RSA... I'm sure the majority of riders have the XT...Anyone had problems - been dissapointed with them? More pertinently - anyone have a different XC crankset on, that they particularly rate? Would love to hear from you! Thanks!
CaptainDura Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 Friend of mine bought a KCNC crank from cmc. Jaco at CMC has high praise for these cranks.About same weight as XTR but HALF the price.My friend has only good things to say about it. No problems whatsoever.I personally have the XT hollowtech cranks and there is nothing to say about these except that they are:Smooth shifting, have a long lifespan, are strong and stiff enough for my 85kg body.they just work. Period.
Thug Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 Have to agree with the previous sentiments regarding the XT. I've only recently had to replace my cups and chainrings & that's probably been after 5 000 k's & yes the Crank Bros crank is available locally, just not sure from whom.
RodTi Posted July 20, 2007 Author Posted July 20, 2007 Thanks people! I'll have look for the CB's dealership in RSA, and let you all know if I find anything... About the XT - will almost certainly make the most sense to go with them - everyone I have spoken to in RSA who has them, is happy. Just find it really strange that there are so many complaints about them ovc's - particularly in the UK... Maybe (just maybe) they don't hold up well in weather/terrain that is almost permanently muddy...?? Captain Dura - have never heard of a KCNC crankset before... will see what I can find. Ta!
dirtrider Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 There is a significant gapin the price between all the XT to XTR stuff . But I have to agree on XT . Got it on two of my bikes and no problems . But my money is still on the LX ! Been on 3 bikes now and not one complaint . Raceface and Truvati did not impress me and will not go onto my bikes again . The raceface seized up after one trip down to Mozambique and Truvati cranks (cheaper version) I donated to Bigben .
RodTi Posted July 20, 2007 Author Posted July 20, 2007 Thanks Dirt-rider... LX is most definitely an option too! After all of the above, what remains is FSA. Anyone have them on their rigs?Thoughts?
Mudsimus Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 I also like the KCNC cranks. Otherwise rather XT than XTR.
_Daemon_ Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 I ride on XT hollowtech cranks and very please with them, infact I reckon LX cranks are just as good...
The Saint Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 Not to hijack this but I am getting mine next week, can't wait wooohooo
RodTi Posted July 20, 2007 Author Posted July 20, 2007 Hey all... In case you're interested - did some phoning around - the Crank Brothers Cobalt can be picked up from Cyclelab in Westlake, for considerably cheaper than some other stores... Just had some friendly service from them... Below is a pic of the crankset.I happen to think they are real sweet... RodTi2007-07-23 02:49:01
Mudsimus Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 A friend of mine rode a set of those and twisted the arm. I think they sorted that problem, but just make sure.
linnega Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 My RaceFace cranks have been a bit disappointing. Nothing serious but I always have a creek emanating from the BB area. Happened on both the GT and the Anthem and it doesn't seem to matter if I install or the LBS. Otherwise they look cool, clean easilay and are light. I didn't like the XT cranks I had - got rid of them first. Truvativ is interesting being within the SRAM group now. I've never ridden them, but had no problems with SRAM, Avid or Rockshox.
GoLefty!! Posted July 20, 2007 Posted July 20, 2007 get XT, most of the reports of fast chainring wear were reported in the first year. this seems to have dropped off remarkably onver the last two years, so either;i) Shimano fixed the problem or,ii) it wa competitir employees posting nonsense on the forums to limit sales..
steven Posted July 21, 2007 Posted July 21, 2007 XT is our biggest selling Crankset at the moment in the higher end market.We carry all spare parts and offer a Shimano warranty accordingly.Remember the saying "Nothing comes close to Shimano" which relates to price,performance,weight etc. Coming soon is the new 2008 XT FCM770 which you can already order thru your local Lbs and should be available by the end of August.We have only received 170mm so far. For more details go to www.coolheat.co.za rgds steve
wendfan Posted July 21, 2007 Posted July 21, 2007 I have FSA on my mtb without any problems, but believe that backup in SA is a problem and that Cape Cycles are no longer the agents for it. There is also reports of the one crank arm coming loose on a number of bikes. I know Dad's have a pair of Crank Brothers cranks on their shelves but dont know the price. The latest "What Mountainbike" magazine has a nice comparison on mtb cranks and my choise will be between LX or XT w-endfan2007-07-21 06:18:30
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