is there any reason a M970 (xtr) would not work with a XT HT2 crankset. Are they any better than the XT versions which are £10 cheaper though? will they last longer, or are they not quite as robust?

There a good price on CRC at the mo, and I have christmas vouchers to spend!

all shimano mtb ht2 bbs are compatible with all shimano (And other makes – fsa/race face) cranksets

thought as much, always worth a check though…
Should I have a look at anything else, or just stick with the big S.. XTR for £35 seems like a good deal to me1

Id just get the XT tbh. Or SLX. It’s a disposable item, the standard SLX ones are fine these days, spending an extra tenner seems a bit pointless imho. I’ve used both, I can’t say that the XTR seemed functionally superior or more durable.

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/shimano-xtr-bottom-bracket-shells-hollowtech-ii-sm-bb90/aid:274227

rose bikes saint is best ime and its gold!!

Id just get the XT tbh. Or SLX. It’s a disposable item, the standard SLX ones are fine these days, spending an extra tenner seems a bit pointless imho. I’ve used both, I can’t say that the XTR seemed functionally superior or more durable.

Ta BWD thats perfect.

Rose bikes looks good, but its CRC vouchers I’ve got!

Just ordered a xtr from Rose,thanks 😀

I’m not convinced XTR is any better than XT/SLX tbh. Big difference between those 3 and Deore though.