I have to change the cranks on my Ironhorse MkIII and was wondering which to go for. I have found some Isis Middleburn cranks or some Shimano SLX HTII type. Which would you use?

SLX, lighter, stiffer, better bb and easier to fit and change the bb when it needs replacing

Middleburn

Both

There you go then, 😆
One of each, you may need a hammer and a rock…..

SLX for the win.

Regardless of anything else, stay away from ISIS BBs, it’s an ill conceived technology that has no future. Other than that, I would not consider anything other than Shimano 🙂

Hmmmmmm this all helps….lol

Suppose it probably does come down to personal preference really. Think I will go for the SLX then.

Thanks for all you replies and Merry Christmas to all.

Personal preference? No, no, no. If you asked about Hollowtech II vs. square taper, that would be a matter of personal preference, and you would discover that the STW readership basically falls into two groups: they either hate HT2 and love square taper, or hate square taper and love HT2, and both sides feel very passionately about their preferred kit. But I can’t recall anyone passionately defending ISIS BBs against the alternatives, and there is a good reason for it. Square taper and HT2 basically do what they are supposed to. ISIS on the other hand is for people who like learning new tricks, like pedaling with one crank only and such. 🙂

Merry Christmas!

ISIS done properly is ok. Middleburn cranks, Crank Bros* ISIS BB with 5 year guarantee. Much lighter than the alternatives.

*Mine is 2 years old and still smooth.

Another thumbs up for SLX. I’ve had mine for a year and the crankarms still look fairly newish. The anodising is awesome!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=20679

134 for XT has got to be worth it.

Middleburn are now making an axle that allows you to use their ISIS cranks with an external BB.