XTR vs. XT Cranks

[jayman_29]

I'm trying to decide on which cranks to get. I wouldn't mind getting XTR cranks but since I don't race are they worth the price?

[Bryguy17]

from what I've seen, the only difference is about 80g of weight, and different bolt pattern for the chainrings (this may have changed, but iunno for sure).

Personally, unless you're really concerned about the extra 2 ounces of weight, just go with the XTs. I have some 08's and they're really nice. stiff, shiny, easily worked on if needed.

[Pato]

Unless you are looking at the 06 and earlier XTR, then the bolt patterns are now the same. Starting in 07 XTR uses the standard bolt pattern I believe. Supposedly the XTR is stiffer than the XT at a lighter weight, but I would never be able to tell. If you can swing twice the price to save 80g go for it. If it means the difference between eating or sending your kids to bed hungry, it's not worth it. Well, not worth it to most people, but as for me?

[thephat]

The middle ring on the XTR is ti so it should last longer. Nothing quite shifts like an XTR crank set and an XTR front der together. XTR is a little stiffer and a little lighter. The rings may be stiffer too for better shifting.

The XT cranks are great, and I think they are the second best on the market. The XTR are a little better.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by jayman_29

I'm trying to decide on which cranks to get. I wouldn't mind getting XTR cranks but since I don't race are they worth the price?

XTR are the the best at $550
XT a close 2nd at $270

[northshore]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

XTR are the the best at $550
XT a close 2nd at $270

Wow....550 for the XTRs, you might as well go with FSA Carbons.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by northshore

Wow....550 for the XTRs, you might as well go with FSA Carbons.

That is retail. Real world pricing

I paid $180 for my XT cranks three years ago and they are going stong. Repacked the BB with grease and that is it. Love those cranks

[thephat]

Originally Posted by northshore

Wow....550 for the XTRs, you might as well go with FSA Carbons.

In my opinion XTR cranks are 1000 times better than FSA carbon.

[northshore]

Originally Posted by thephat

In my opinion XTR cranks are 1000 times better than FSA carbon.

Anything carbon scares me due to the shatter accidents I've seen.

[SSinGA]

Originally Posted by thephat

In my opinion XTR cranks are 1000 times better than FSA carbon.

The FSA carbon looks nice but there are many reports of the pedal inserts breaking loose - mine did . FSA replaced them no questions asked.

Real world on the XTR is about $365 give or take a few $. XT is the best bang for the buck.


Edit: Need to add that the Shimano bottom brackets seem a little on the cheap side. I plan to replace mine with a Hope unit or new ceramic Enduro bearings once I find employment.

[dfioc]

I've got XTR cranks on both of my bikes and love them. Paid $350 each on Ebay. +1 on nothing shifts like XTR cranks mated with XTR dérailleurs and shifters.

[BeantownRider]

If you want to save a couple bucks off of XTs, I've been really happy with a set of Hones I have. Again, a few grams heavier, but super stiff, easy to install and the jet black looks great. I think I pulled them for $120 off the bay.

[davidB]

Yesterday I swapped out my newish XTR cranks for the new XT ones. Both are solid, and seem to be made very similar in style. Couldn't really tell a difference, and would go with XT again if I had the choice.

Jenson has the XT's down to $209 for certain lengths.

couldn't pass on that deal so i picked them up last saturday and they're nice

[DISCO]

I got my 08 XT's from the path for $225 brand new, Last time I was there saw a set of take off XTR's from a new bike with less than ten miles. Not to mention you wont have to spend an extra $50 bucks on tools to get them installed.....

[kevinator]

Another consideration for XT (besides the fact they look killer this year) is the replacement cost for rings (middle is carbon/alloy combo around $100).

[Waldo]

Originally Posted by DISCO

I got my 08 XT's from the path for $225 brand new

+1, and this is my second bike with XT's. They're easy to install, long-lasting, quiet, good looking, and shift great. Maybe when I win the lottery I'll get XTR, but until then I can't begin to justify doubling the price when there are better ways to spend that money. I have no regrets at all about buying XT's.

[Keith B]

I've got XT's on my Enduro for durability and XTR's on my Epic for performance. Shifting on XTR is in a different league. Its pretty much instantaneous. After trying the M970 stuff I got an XTR tattoo, so yeah its good.

[Bryguy17]

while the shifting on the XTR is a tad snappier, i didn't notice much of a functional difference between the two. I ride XTs on my own bike, but I've demoed two different bikes with XTR cranks in the last 2 weeks. not a huge difference. That is the difference between my bike with X-9, xt front der, and XT cranks and a demo bike with XO shifter, XTR front mech and XTR cranks.

[art23rockpile]

Originally Posted by jayman_29

I'm trying to decide on which cranks to get. I wouldn't mind getting XTR cranks but since I don't race are they worth the price?

Neither XT nor XTR!

RaceFace Deus... same price as XT, just as good or better, blingier... and made in North America vs. the Orient.