Upgrading my cranks and bottom bracket (currently have Truvativ Stylo Team thats pretty mashed).
Are the XTR really worth the extra cash over SLX (weight not really an issue), never had XTR cranks so just after opinions… oh and should I be thinking about 3rd party BB or are the Shimano ok?

Sorry but what is the weight difference?

770g v 889g but like i said weight not really an issue

you won’t feel any difference.

I’ve been running SLX on my latest bike mainly because I ran out of cash on the build. I have to say, whilst they’re not as light or ‘bling’ as XTR the shifting has been faultless & they’re stiffer than my old XT’s. BB seems to be holding up too despite a wet & muddy winter.

Save the money, and buy the SLX. The standard shimano BB will be fine (better than most of the aftermarket ones IMO)

A lot of the price and weight difference is accounted for in the chainrings which just wear out anyway. The XTR ones are made of carbon fibre and titanium.

not sure about the costs on SLX but replacement of XTR chain rings is a bit of a choker when the time comes

SLX – for the difference in price you could save the weight in other ways (lighter tyres, stem, seatpost, etc) and still have change.

You could look for a set of the 07 / 08 XTR crankset i.e not the latest. I picked up a new one a while ago for not a lot.

smurf

I would go for SLX – I think they look nicer (being cheaper is also a bonus) – especially if you aren’t a weight watcher…

Try getting some old stock XT ones. I think there great and hve never had any trouble with them. I got my last set for smarties compared to XTR prices. I would go for an SLX though, MY mate had XTR and I really dont see anything special apart from a bit of weight and bling. The XTR cranks have always seemed to look well worn after a few months.

got slx on giant alliance,xtr on carbon c1,yep there is a difference,stiffer,lightr and bling,bling,bling

there a bit lighter, better lasting rings, bit more bling.

why not get xt?

I’d go for SLX unless you have money to burn. For a £300 difference you get chainrings that probably last 20% less time, are cheaper to replace, shifting performance equal to XT and as Shimano themselves say…. they are 100% stiffer and stronger than XT for very little weight penalty. Probably the best value chainset on the market with really good BB bearings (second only to Hope in durability).

I wouldn’t bother unless you have deep pockets as new XTR will be out next year…

If money no probs then go xtr!

my xtr’s rings are still ok after near enough 2 years.

Get SLX, XTR is an utter rip off.

they are 100% stiffer and stronger than XT for very little weight penalty

quote from dirt not so long ago, “remember if its 28.7% stronger/stiffer/lighter/more powerfull its also 28.7% less likely to be verifiabe in any accuate and meaningfull scientific test “

And where’s this 100% stiffer figure come from, I’ll be honest and say the only place i’ve ever seen it is STW, not wanting to cast aspersions on other peoples knowlage but dont you think shimano would

A) shout about this as selling point
B) use whatever alchemy makes them stiffer on XT and XTR?

my xtr’s rings are still ok after near enough 2 years.

you should prolly ride more LOL

And where’s this 100% stiffer figure come from, I’ll be honest and say the only place i’ve ever seen it is STW, not wanting to cast aspersions on other peoples knowlage but dont you think shimano would

Erm, here?

58 quid when I bought them in Oct 😯

ahhh stronger, not stiffer!

obviously your all so ganrly you snap XT cranks in half………………

crotchrocket, i race all summer at scottish and british events, and ride the bike midweek/weekends where not racing.
and winter riding too.

i don’t need to ride more, they’ve just lasted well.

Yes my XTR rings always lasted well, my middle and big did 2 years, before I changed to something else and I didn’t have the granny fitted. Us racers spend more time on the big ring, wears the rings out less 🙂

I’d struggle to justify XTR at current prices, why not XT though, as suggested?

New XTR in 2011 by my reckoning, 4 year intervals, 1999, 2003, 2007…