[Closed] XT crank 2x set up - what you using?

Use shorter crank bolts. You don't need to replace the outer ring.

Does it not look odd without having a bash or something fitted?

Short chain ring bolts are mega expensive for what they are - put some Deore rings (34 & 22), plus lightweight bash that came as an OE part on a bike ages ago and was knocking around in the garage - all together works a treat.....should have done it ages ago

Standard XT cranks (2009 model) with 26/38t TA Specialities chain rings and KCNC double (short) bolts.. Works a treat

Look odd to who? It looks like it looks. It works. Not entirely interested in how my crank looks to strangers.

Road chainring bolts are cheap and are the same as niche MTB ones.

It does look a wee bit odd, when you look closely there's obviously something missing. The trick is to not care really.

Mrs BS uses a 28/38 ta combo on the XT cranks, looks fine to me, who gives a sh*t what it looks like tbh though as long as it works for you, don't see the point in carrying around a bash guard as most people never use them for bashing owt.....

Personal preference i s'pose eh chaps.

22/34 rings with a gamut P30 bashguard and stinger. Works really well.

24/32 with lighweight bash and stinger with 9spd 11-32.
i like the 32t because i can use it for everything except the steepest climbs. if i had 10spd 11-36 i would go with 34/24.