Topic: Help me select a crankset

[Alan]

The big and middle chainrings are shot on my Shimano M542 crankset.  Instead of replacing the rings I think I may be able to spend a little more and get a nicer crankset. 
 
I'd love an XTR crankset but that is a bit out of my price range.  Any other fairly light and strong cranksets that I should look at?

[Scott]

You can find the XT's for $200. Best bang for the buck

[Darrinw2001]

Alan, are you looking for a new BB also? What is your budget? Why not just replace the rings with Blackspire rings ($90) and maybe a Chris King BB ($129).... they are supposed to be the best...

[Alan]

Not looking for a BB (although the XT comes with one).  I like those Blackspire rings.  They look kinda heavy though, no?
 
I guess I'm leaning towards a crankset so I can take my existing crankset w/bb and throw it on my Monocog.  The Monocog has the heaviest BB I've ever come across.  I think it is made of lead.

[ProEdgeBiker.com]

XT, been using them for years and they last a LONG Time.

[Triple T]

I'd have to agree that you can't go wrong with the XT.

[Darrinw2001]

best price on XT Crankset I see so far http://www.blueskycycling.com/view_product.php?pid=5644&ref=GPS&utm_source=GoogleProductSearch&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=GoogleProductSearch

[Darrinw2001]

of for $100 less http://wheelworld.com/product/race-face-evolve-xc-oem-x-type-crank-6428.htm

[Scott]

I have had both the XT and the Evolve. The XT is a little nicer but the big difference is the bottom bracket. The Shimano is ROCK solid while I and MANY others have been thru a few RaceFace BB's. That being said, $89 get's you a sweet crank, and when the BB dies replace it with a $35 XT or as OZZY say's "GO BIG OR GO HOME" and upgrade to the Bling Chris King

[Scott]

Doooh That crank is a 170mm

[slowfatguy]

The XT's are really good. The benefit with the XTR's is the Ti chainrings, I ran my first chainrings for 2.5 years and finally replaced them because I figured they needed it. Never had a problem with them though, and that is why I went back to XTR's when I built my Epi up. I see my buddies replacing chainrings a couple of times a year and I just keep on rolling. A couple bucks now, or a couple of bucks later it all evens out in the long run.

[drb81]

hell, for the price LX don't look too bad either http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CR303A00-Shimano+Lx+Fc-M582+Crankset.aspx
 
 
 
 
and it's 175.

[ProEdgeBiker.com]

best price on XT Crankset I see so far http://www.blueskycycling.com/view_product.php?pid=5644&ref=GPS&utm_source=GoogleProductSearch&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=GoogleProductSearch

im sure he wants the M770 though. Right Alan?

[Scott]

best price on XT Crankset I see so far http://www.blueskycycling.com/view_product.php?pid=5644&ref=GPS&utm_source=GoogleProductSearch&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=GoogleProductSearch

im sure he wants the M770 though. Right Alan?

DO IT

[Alan]

The 770 is what I have my eyes on.  I am thinking about yanking the granny gear since I never use it so that will be some additional weight savings.  The other idea kicking around in my head is a 1x9 with a 34 or 36 up front.  If I go that route I can keep the existing crankset.

Dumb question.  The Paragon takes a 73mm BB shell.  My Redline takes a 68mm.  I'm assuming the existing BB from my Paragon will work on the Redline w/o screwing up my chainline if I don't utilize the spacers that are on the Paragon right now....right?  From what I understand the Shimano BB works with either a 73 or 68 depending on whether or not you use the supplied spacers.