[Colin]

Hi,

Does anyone know why the newer ('03 & '04) Shimano LX and XT cranks have different spindle width recommendations? For XT Shimano recommends 113/118mm, but for LX they recommend 121/126mm. I've used LX Hollowtech cranks in the past, but always with either a 113 or 118mm spindle.

Why the switch to the wider bottom brackets? And just for LX? I thought the cranks were the same, with XT getting better chainrings. Reason I ask, Shimano now makes an LX crank with 48-36-26t gearing -- which, minus the granny, would be perfect for a 'cross bike.

I'd really appreciate any info or insight. Thanks!

 

[largerthan9]

Your new cranks will only work with this Bottom bracket.
they have been this way for a couple of years now.
as you know the older ones were compatable with any xt bb but now the new cranks have a deeper insertion into the crank arm thus the new BB.
Note the spindle length = 121

 

[Colin]

Ok, that is what I needed to know. Thanks!

Could I replace the plastic cup with one from an ES-70?

 

[largerthan9]

I do not think that you will find an es70 in a 121 spindle length I could be wrong, but, I have not seen one.