As title really to be run 1×11, the obvious answer would seem to be the new Shimano XT M8000 at about £90 but I am not sure these are yet available (out of stock at a couple of places I have checked). Not looking to spend crazy money but looking for the classic balance of strong, light, cheap 😉

Shimano are always going to be your best value option.
Older XT if you can’t get the new one.

Race Face Turbine Cinch if you really want to look into an alternative.

SLX, can’t see a reason to spend more.

What about SRAM GX, any good and will it work with a Shimano BB (I have lots of them in the cupboard)?

Next time I need cranks I’ll be going down the Race Face Chinch route.

SLX, can’t see a reason to spend more.

This

Why is it that they make cranks, some more expensive than the above, that might as well be painted with watercolour paints?

Pay a decent wedge and watch the paint rub off in 1 ride.

Next time I need cranks I’ll be going down the Race Face Chinch route.

Do look nice

Next time I need cranks I’ll be going down the Race Face Chinch route.
Do look nice

I agree, do they do anything better? Direct mount ring I guess.

SLX +1

Not the outgoing XT one, looks shit IMO.

Any thoughts on the SRAM GX and BB compatibility?

Other than that sounds like I just pick my Shimano price point!

Running some x9’s with a hope BB and direct mount chain ring. Happy not to own a single shimano crank now. Much prefer the fitting and the direct mount is great.

Exact same setup as Mike here with the some positive review 😀

Can I use a Shimano BB with a SRAM crankset?

Generally no, but a GXP BB is very cheap and fits the same as a Shimano one would. Some BB’s like Hope just need an adapter on the NDS which is cheaper still (assuming you have a Hope BB!)