XT or XTR or SRAM cranks and guides n' bashes n' stuff

I intend to get an SB-66C.

It will probably come with XT cranks. I'm wanting to weigh my options on crank upgrades... I'm considering upgrading to XTR or some carbon cranks (RF, Sram, ???).

My main concern is that I will definitely be installing a bash guard of some kind. I'm not a huge fan of the taco.

I'll also be getting a clutch derailleur of some kind (prob XT shadow plus), so this might negate the need for a guide.

In all honesty, I've been riding my MKIII with old X9 and not guides of any kind for a couple years now on some fairly hairy trails, and haven't really run into any chain dropping problems.

So, which cranks are good, look cool, and are 2x10 and bash ring compatible?

Spinning Lizard said:

By far the best crank I have had is the RF Carbon SIXC. It is a 10 speed with 36/22 and built in bashguard. Also has protectors for the end of the crank arms. Has Turbine rings and the weight is lighter then XTR. I have had mine 3 years now and the BB still is flawless. It also has been abused and there is no noticeable wear anywhere except some minor scuffing on the arms. I am on my third set of rings and will be replacing them again next week. So it has plenty of miles and I would buy it again in a second. And it is a FR/AM crank.

Click to expand...

Yeah, they're sweet. I've just been perusing them since posting this... Mui espensivo!

I'll cruise the PB when I'm in a country where it isn't blocked...