Gotta buy a new crank set. Should I splurge for the XT?
2007-01-29 12:59:42 · 8 answers · asked by timh200 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
I'm a FACT BASED kind of guy - So Here's what the difference is...
Crank Arm Length - LX is 170/175... XT is 165/170/175/180
Outer Chainring - LX is Aluminum... XT is 7075 Aluminum(Stiffer)
Middle Chainring - LX is Identical to XT... XT is Identical to LX
Inner Chainring - LX is Steel... XT is Aluminum
Chainring Bolts - LX is Steel... XT is Aluminum
Overall Weight including Bottom Bracket - LX is 927 grams... XT is 860 grams
Bottom line - XT is more durable, Stronger shifting performance especially to Big Ring, better for a custom fitting, and 2oz. lighter than LX.
Do you need it? If you ride more than 3 days a week, then YES!
That goes without saying, if you run a nice crank and a cheap chain, you are cutting yourself short. If you are going to run cheap chains then you'll be wasting your money going for XT.
Ran it, Raced it, Installed many, MANY CRANKS - We won't stock anything but Shimano - NOTHING shifts like Shimano's cranks!
2007-01-30 14:29:50 · answer #1 · answered by bigringtravis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you need an XT crank. I've never found a big difference inperformance between one and another. Once you get to the DeOre level (LX/XT/XTR) there is little difference in the way of performance in my opinion.
Maybe the finish is different (polished vs black, etc)
If your middle chainring is worn, and you're going to wear the new one out sooner than the fast ring or the granny ring, then you might want to consider a set that comes apart.
If you want to go all out then get a set of carbon fiber crankarms and a titanium spider. That ought to turn heads, and give you better performance for your ride.
2007-01-29 21:09:04 · answer #2 · answered by anon 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think there's a big difference... and if you shop wisely, also pricewise. The XT cranks are very, very good. I've been running a Hone with 3 rings (the same as the LX but all black) trouble free, and I'm 230 lbs plus gear, so it can take lot's of abuse.
2007-02-01 00:10:52 · answer #3 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both are very fine products. I have LX on my GF Paragon and love 'em. If you are going to do serious, and I mean serious off-roading with lots of hill climbs that get you out of the saddle, then splurge on the XT. Otherwise LX is great.
2007-01-30 06:40:24 · answer #4 · answered by M V 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive had the LX and chewed the teeth off the sprockets really easy. the crank arms are good though. otherwise im an XT/XTR fan and nothing under that.
2007-01-30 11:17:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only difference is looks and weight. the XT is ever so slightly lighter than the LX. its such a small difference that it wont make any difference to the average person, not even most racers. its not worth it to pay twice as much to shave off less than 50 grams.
2007-01-31 20:55:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
LX and XT are almost identical..XTR is just a little better. because it uses the newer hollowtech 2 crank arm design...but just go with the LX...crank arms seldom die and their chainrings wear pretty equally.
2007-01-29 21:11:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lx are actually stiffer, xt is a tad lighter, they both use the same bottom bracket.
2007-01-30 01:10:34 · answer #8 · answered by andrew p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋