[Closed] SLX or XT chainset for new build, thoughts?Real worl difference

The finish on the crank arm is better on the XT and you get a better BB with the XT but not much else TBH.

Almost no difference in weight, comes down entirely if you think the extra money is worth it for the bottom bracket and your crank to say XT.

But it'll forever bug you that you didn't get the XT 🙂

xt offers (slightly) more length options...?

Aren't the XT and SLX BBs one and the same?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-xt-slx-bb70-hollowtech-ii-bottom-bracket/rp-prod41445

I thought it was the same BB

I was corrected by someone on here before, the BBs have the same part # if you check the tech docs. I have both, would choose SlX for the more durable chain rings if bling / weight isnt a factor.

just get XT, it will save money in the long term. I bought an SLX but still look at XT's on a weekly basis.

Don't need it, just want it.

SLX cranks have steel pedal inserts so in theory should be a touch tougher, pretty sure SLX come with a steel granny ring whilst XT comes fitted with an alloy granny...think that's about it.

XT for the bling factor...but SLX finish is more durable IME.

Next to no difference in weight, but re-sale will be better on the XT.

If you go for XT either go for the silver ones or get the vinyl stickers to cover the arms. They will look tatty within hours otherwise

Basically identical in performance tbh and if they're the same as the old ones, half the weight difference is in the rings. (and the same with XTR too)

Between the crank arms and BBS no difference what so ever I think maybe <5g weight difference
The slx arms don't scuff up so easy

So they are the better choice imho

dirtydog - Member
SLX cranks have steel pedal inserts so in theory should be a touch tougher

Not any more. That was just one variant anyway, the standard version has always been all-alu.

Personally I like the look of SLX better, and, as someone said, the weight difference is virtually nothing on the bare arms.

I've got both, and prefer the SLX.

I think you'd have to be an enormous fanny to buy that and then fret because you didn't get XT.

🙂

I havne't seen the other thread, but purely for cohesion reasons I would get the chainset that best matches the rest of the spec, rather than having a mixture of different tier components if it can be avoided.

but purely for cohesion reasons I would get the chainset that best matches the rest of the spec, rather than having a mixture of different tier components if it can be avoided.

is this a problem?

I would advise the exact opposite, spend the money where it counts and makes a tangible difference, save the cash where not needed.

XT and SLX cranks arms are almost identical, certainly no real difference in weight. Rings are a consumable anyway and even Deore shifts brilliantly.

Buy the most appropriate components for the usage and budget, often that means mixing groups, just make sure you stay with components that are compatible with each other.

If you're building a P-29, then Middleburn 🙂

amedias - Member

even Deore shifts brilliantly.

TBH I think for most people, over its lifespan steel deore shifts best- it's not quite as good on day one, but it doesnt't really deteriorate. Folks with more expensive rings will want to get every last mile out of them and by the time they go in the bin they're way past it.

SLX because they are beautiful?

amedias - Member
but purely for cohesion reasons I would get the chainset that best matches the rest of the spec, rather than having a mixture of different tier components if it can be avoided.
is this a problem?

In respect of my personal OCD, yes. Otherwise, probably not.

Id just get deore and save a packet. Works well lasts well and looks well. That's what i did in fact 😉

I've got both, and prefer the SLX.
I think you'd have to be an enormous fanny to buy that and then fret because you didn't get XT.

+1

Or, buy scabby old XTR. There's something nice about old high end kit, used til it cries metal tears.

Got slx....no xt in stock ..xtr shiny but not thatmega light I went whoa I will have that

i would go with XT brakes definetely i had SLX brakes and they fade and lose almost all their stopping power on long descents/fast descents. But it depends what you ride i suppose. SLX chain set is spot on.

CRC are doing a good deal on XT brakes at the moment.

I like the SLX doubles. Personally I think they look better in the first place, but that's just taste.

As above, the finish is more durable, weight difference negligible and rings tougher. Put the difference into something you'll notice gets my vote.

Just get the xt, you know you want to.

I would personally get when buying as separates

SLX Front mech
XT Cassette
SLX Cranks
SLX rear mech
XT Shifters

So SLX cranks for me.

Which way I would go if buying a group? Probably XT.

Personal preference but if buying 10sp clutch I'd go (by which I mean I went) for the XT rear mech as I believe the slx clutch is more prone to breakage / different design to the XT

Could be wrong but at a tenner difference it's not show stopping

And in true STW way, Saint shifter

I had the choice for my last bike and went for XT for purely nostalgic reasons - when I was a boy XT was the holy grail 🙂

XT purely on aesthetics.

I have a used everything slx and xt and I've got a mixture of both on mine with the exception of a xtr shifter. Other than the shifter I found no difference. Like some guys have said slx tends to be more forgiving on apparance after several
Brutal rides.

SLX double with 175mm arms and 38/26 is £62-odd at Ribble right now.

I need 38/24 unfortunately.

🙁

I got XT because I wanted black and a 165mm crank.

brakes I've got and SLX rear/Zee front, no advantage over XT other than a bit of weight.