[BlackhillsBob]

Hey gang, Im just wondering what crank I should get for the Joker frame that Im biulding up, the new xtr seems nice with the one piece bottom bracket, it is also quite light too, thats a plus, but the big price tag is steep. Are they worth it? Or should I stick to something like the new XT stuff or Truvative parts? I guess that I should also consider Raceface parts too. Now that the new xtr has been out for a short time, whats the verdic? I mostly do just trail riding, no big drops or air.

thanks, Bob

 

[Dog Welder]

My boss uses them and he says they are worth it...only downside besides price is that the finish wears through ridiculously quick. If you want something equivalent the Race Facec Next ISis with a Ti bb will bring you very close in weight and stiffness for a lot cheaper.

 

[SwisSlesS]

I would probably tell you to go with some Truvativ parts. They are fairly light, very durable, and significantly cheaper than XTR and Race Face.

 

[powderboy]

Originally posted by swiss_less
I would probably tell you to go with some Truvativ parts. They are fairly light, very durable, and significantly cheaper than XTR and Race Face.

Ditto... The only XTR parts I've ever owned have been deraileurs. Those super-shiny cranksets just look like they will not be so super-shiny very long.

I'd say Truvativ and RaceFace can deliver an equal product at a lower price point. That new XT crankset looks pretty sweet too and is sans "super-shiny to be dulled quickly finish."

 

[Westy]

Weight-wise a Stylo team crankset with the new American Classic Issis Bottom Bracket will actually be lighter than the XTR setup, not to mention several hundred $$$ cheaper. Save your money on the cranks and get the XTR cassette, shifting performance at the back is more important anyway.

 

[BlackhillsBob]

Thanks for the advice, how has the truvativ crankset (team stylo) been holding up? Any problems? I have heard they are built well, just dont have any experience.

 

[indieboy]

there are a lot of good cranks out right now. all of the companies mentioned make a really good product. however nothing is gonna be as stiff the new xtr set up. you can get set ups that are going to run a little bit less weight wise, but nothing is gonna be as stiff. mainly b/c of the interface w/ the BB. the XT's are nice but buying replacement rings later on down the line isn't exactly cheap....i'd say either stick w/ 5 bolt race face or the truv's......

 

[Thylacine]

Ahhh...trailride....my speciality.

You know, I like the new XTR cranks but yeah, they're insanely expensive and I'd hate to know how much the replacement chainrings are, not to mention they just look like shiny Bullseyes to me.

There are lots of good cranks out there these days, all forged, all just as stiff as one another, all just as strong. I cant really pick the difference between FSA, RF XT or Truvativ to be honest, and I've heard good reports on all of them. I know my 02 XTs do come loose periodically, and as a standard I do prefer ISIS over Sh!tmanos 'standard'.

I'm going to look at the Middleburns for my next cranks. Guys that have been testing them for an upcoming magazine test have been very impressed.

 

[MikeD]

The new LX and XT are sweeeet cranks for a bucket less money...only difference between them is the finish and the rings, so get whichever matches your bike better...

MD

 

[Thylacine]

Oooooh! Good news - I just scored some brand new 03 XTR cranks. US$375, free freight. Still a lot, but heaps cheaper than retail. PM me if interested.