Submitted by
Joe Nation
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: September 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Build quality, looks, options, strong as you like.
Weaknesses:
Not really.
Bottom Line:
Middleburn make awesome cranks. Period.
I have two sets of RS7 arms, one with an Uno ring, the other with a Duo spider/rings. The Uno (32t)sees most use, either SS or 1x9 and it laps it all up. Never slips, never sucks, even the non-Hardcoat ring lasts forever. Duo (29t/42t) is great for when I need those lower gears for going up hills, but is still uber-light, and the shift is great with the Slickshift outer ring. I can swap between the two in five minutes (plus fitting the front mech of course), everything just fits together like a dream. And the self-extracing crank bolts are great because they use a 6mm allen key, not 8mm like most (so you can fit and remove trailside with a normal multitool if you need to).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chewy
a Racer
from sedona arizona usa Date Reviewed: March 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
hangover
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
middleburn
Strengths:
Strong, stiff, svelt & sexy.
Weaknesses:
Hard to find in usa.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Truvativ.
Bike Setup:
Bionicon Edison. All mtn.
Bottom Line:
These cranks r da bomb! I have abused these cranks for 10+(yes ten) years and apart from them being scuffed & scratched to sh#t and the middleburn engraving half worn out I have not had a single problem. PERIOD. I only weigh 160lbs, but I ride HARD. I have riden the piss out of them on several different bikes for 10 straight years! I have used them to race pro XC/DH/Super D over this time period. I've hit up to 20ft drops. Basically I have shown these cranks no mercy & they just keep coming back for more. They don't cry or whine or behave weakly at all. I have probably killed more than 10 frames during the time I've used these cranks, from XC race bikes to DH/FR monsters. I heard the cranks were put on a test machine and they killed it too!(the machine broke before the cranks were even damaged). I recomend these cranks to anyone and for every style of riding. they are the bollocks. Recognise & respect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bullcrew
a Downhiller
from So Cal Date Reviewed: December 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything gnar
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
brian HCM
Strengths:
Slender, liht weight, extremely durable and stiff.
Weaknesses:
None! Cranks either bend or break and these havent so NO WEAKNESS!
Similar Products Used:
Race face shore, XTs, diabolous, FSA gravity DH, holzfeller
Bike Setup:
Canfield Jedi
Bottom Line:
I have been beating on these things stupid hard and no failures as of yet. I was thinking about buying another set originally so when these go Id have spares. No need, I have dropped countless times to flat latest one is 9' up and 35' out to a REALLY HARD landing. Enough that I go OOOHMF! and people around say they can hear it. I weigh 230lbs before coffee and clothes so Im not light at all.
I ride DH/FR and huck urban, I have blown 6 chains, 2 chainrings got teeth ripped off, X0 derailurre pulley got split in 2 from down pressure during pedaling, broke a frame, 4 whelsets (rims) and bent a set of bars, smashed a set of pedals beyond use and the cranks are still strong, straight and stiff!
I would buy these again!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wes Lamberson
a Racer
from Johnson City, TN Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Warrior's Path SP
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
MTBTandems.com
Strengths:
-Beautiful -Light -Strong -Can use internal bearing BB's (external is crap) long live internals! -Beautiful
Weaknesses:
They are so good looking I feel bad using them and wearing the finish down.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, etc.
Bike Setup:
KHS XC Team, these cranks, XTR brakes etc, Speedplay Frogs, Kenda Tires, Thomson goodies, all the good light, reliable things
Bottom Line:
I got the black RS7s with a red spider. I am using red BMX chainring bolts. I decided that the RS7s were a better deal than the RS8s for me. 25 grams is nothing, and the guarantee and strength are pluses. A crankset guaranteed for DH and Tandems, that is light enough to race XC on? That's what I'm talking about!
I have absolutely ZERO complaints with these things. XC race bikes are delicate machines that need to be fussed over and maintained constantly. It's nice to have one less thing to worry about. The only problem is, I wear that beautiful black finish off when I ride! Ach! Since I got the black ones, the wear is slightly more obvious than if I had gotten the silver. But those things are eye candy.
- The RS7's are beautiful, durable, light workhorses. +1 from me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Landy
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
From a friend
Strengths:
Light, nice detail, finally something different from shimano, fsa and race face.
Weaknesses:
the only weakness is that i din't find them sooner
Similar Products Used:
race face,xtr,cannondale
Bike Setup:
cannondale with lots of secret super light and super fast goodies
Bottom Line:
these cranks do the job as good or better than any other high end crank on the market, but what makes them so cool is that when ever yo go to hit the trails you dont see 20 people with the same crank as you. At least not here in texas, most people here hav not even heard of middleburn which is a shame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Random Drivel
a Weekend Warrior
from Marin, CA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hitler
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
MTB Tandems
Strengths:
Light, well designed, stiff, easy to install.
Weaknesses:
180mm don't come in black. None that I can think of.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, Shimano XTR
Bike Setup:
On-One Inbred 29er 1x9
Bottom Line:
Using 180mm cranks with compact spider and a 30t chainring on my 1x9 setup. Impressed by the stiffness of these cranks, seem as stiff as my old XT's. Love the numerous gearing and spider options available, you can tell that the folks at Middleburn ACTUALLY ride bikes and sometimes require options (what a concept). A very well thought out design, both functionally and asthetically. I just love the way they look, but better yet, love the way they perform. I tend to lots of standing uphill climbs and they have always gotten the job done. Very Clyde-worthy. They are perhaps the most appreciated/valued component on my bike.
I'm using FSA chainring bolts and have had no troubles yet.
Will add that Alex at MTB tandems worked with me and was very patient with all my questions/changes. He will definitely give you top-notch service. Highly reccomended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH, USA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
mtbtandems.com
Strengths:
These are strong, stiff, and light. There was also a good selection for different drivetrain set-ups.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
These replaced my old Cook Bros. E-cranks.
Bike Setup:
20-32-44 Vuelta compact x 11-32 XT on a Stumpy w/Surly Instgator fork, King hubs, V-brakes. I am also using Ti crank bolts (1st pressed on and torqued with a Cro-Mo bolt, then swapped)
Bottom Line:
I usually scoff at people who give rave reviews after only 3 mo.'s... hardly a real test. But really, if they make it past 3 mo.'s, they will prob'ly last for years. This is an old-school MTB: My personal [low-maintenance] preference. I needed to replace 5x94mm Cook Bros. square-taper E-cranks with something comparable. The Middleburns are stiffer, but a tad heavier. For me, I could've gotten by with the RS-8's (I'm 185#, but I don't do big air very well), but the LIFETIME WARRANTY on the RS-7's was a big selling pt. The available crank/spider combos for every application was another HUGE selling point for me (square, ISIS, compact spider, etc). I'm sure these will outlast the bike. Go with the RS-8's if you're a weight weenie and you're not clumsy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Shaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: February 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything going UP
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
MTBTandems.com
Strengths:
Haven't used these for very long, but here are some first impressions. Great construction quality, unique style, and light. I have the uno ring anodized in red which looks super sweet with black arms. This combined with a phil wood ti spindle square taper BB make for a very light set up. Awesome!!!
Weaknesses:
The Middleburn crank bolts suck! I'm running a single speed set up and could not make it through a two hour ride without the crank bolts coming so loose my crank was wobbling. Same the money and get some regular old heavy ones.
Similar Products Used:
XT outboard bearing
Bike Setup:
Gunnar Ruffian 29er, Pace Carbon Rigid Fork, Middleburn RS7 Uno crank, Flyte Ti Seatpost, Terry Fly Saddle, Stans Olympic 29er SS wheelset, Surly Cogs, King Headset, Easton Monkey Lite SL Riser Bar, Bontrager Stem
Bottom Line:
Awesome crank arms and rings, well worth the money!! Save your money on the crank bolts and buy from Alex at mtbtandems.com They are great to work with!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Hartville, OH USA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mohican State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$165.00
Purchased At:
MTBTandems.com
Strengths:
These cranks are nice and very versatile and allow you to run a large number of gear combonations. I run them with a duo spider and can go down to a 29th chain ring for lower gearing on the 29'ers. Very stiff with the ISIS bottom bracket.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Shimano cranks
Bike Setup:
Various 29'er with 2x9 gears
Bottom Line:
Buy this crank and buy it from Alex at MTBTandems.com He's a good ole' wild eyed southern boy that really knows his tandem stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX USA Date Reviewed: November 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Boulder
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
250
Strengths:
Light, stiff, and very well made.
Weaknesses:
Self-extracting bolts cause creaking and are not worth the money.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX 563
Bike Setup:
Kona Explosif, Mavic 717, SRAM Grip Shift X.0
Bottom Line:
Great cranks. I have a set of slick shift rings and ragular rings from Middleburn, and there is absolutely no difference in shifting. Get regular rings, and you will be able to get a few more gear combinations out of your setup. Slickshifts caused a little too much chain rub on my bike for what I like.
Self-extracting bolt are terrible. Cause a lot of creaking and noise with the cranks, so I installed regular crank bolts back in and now the noise is completely gone. Compared to XT cranks, these cranks are sit a bit closer to the bike (about 2-3mm), so you might need a slightly longer bottom bracket to get teh chainline right. My old 94 LX cranks used a 113 lienth for 50mm chainline, but the Middleburns require a longer BB length of 117 or 118mm to get the same line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Kelly
a Racer
from Australia Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere with dirt and corners
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
kitepower.com.au
Strengths:
Stiff!!!, simplicity, light, lifetime warranty
Weaknesses:
none i can think of
Similar Products Used:
specialized cranks, raceface.
Bike Setup:
On trials bike(pro trials bashring) singlespeed dmr switchback
Bottom Line:
I have used these cranks for over 3 years for trials. Not one problem with them,I first bought the sqauare taper version which has now made it onto the ss with the uno ring on it. Even the square taper version is stiffer than most isis cranks ive used. I now have the isis version on the trials bike and it has performed flawlessly. Like the warranty, these cranks will last a lifetime. Just keep them tight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Winthrop Harbor IL USA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2006
FSA carbon team (nice) Race Face Turbine ISIS (also nice) Bonty somethings w/ integrated BB (decent) Shimano 950 series XTR (decent +++)
Bike Setup:
Turner Flux, Fox F100RLT, King, Thomson, awesome, etc.
Bottom Line:
A lightweight, smooth shifting, stiff, reliable crankset. Mine is a Duo model 42x26, weighs around 550g, shifts as good or better than anything I've owned. To me, the feel is similar to the Race Face Turbine in terms of stiffness but the shifting is just a tad quicker. A little less stiff perhaps than the FSA Carbon Team Issue cranks but those sometimes seemed a little harsh, probably due to the aluminum core inside the arms. Still, I wouldn't attribute the increased comfort to flex, as the Turner frame is super stiff and mercilessly exposes any components unworthy of its pedigree (3rd wheelset is on its way!). Additionally, I've found the 42/26 setup works great paired with an 11-32 cogset on Illinois/Wisconsin trails. No need for a true granny around here, and the ratios work well together i.e. you don't feel an excessive increase in resistance going from 6 to 7 in the back like you might with a 44 up front. You also don't stretch your chain out doing big ring/big cog combinations because the chainline variance is much narrower. Bonus! Got mine online from Chain Reaction Cycles, who charges flat shipping fees based on specific weight ranges; keep this in mind when ordering and remember the UK has a different import duty structure than the US so sometimes you can get Japanese and Italian stuff at far lower prices than we see in the US. You just might want to stock up on a few things. Overall, these do everything an XC rider needs exceptionally well. 5 flamers all the way 'round, because as one UK reviewer so eloquently put it, these are the dog's bollocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
don't worry about it
a Racer
from Connecticut, USA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
looks good. works good. light. lifetime garuntee that i've never had to take them up on.
Weaknesses:
of course i'd like it if they were cheaper, but who am i kidding, i'd buy another set in a second.
Similar Products Used:
xt/xtr/race face/cook bros/fsa/dura ace/ritchey/extralight...the list goes on and on.
Bike Setup:
i'm a junky, so i'll spare you.
Bottom Line:
anyone who can appreciate stiff, efficient, and durable cranks should buy these...notice I DIDN'T SAY anyone who wants cool looking cranks or wants to drop some grams from the bike they never ride. these are the best cranks i've ever owned. like chris king to headsets, i see no reason to buy anything else. they're light. they're super stiff. they look hot. i have them on my rigid single speed mtb, my xc race bike, and my downhill rig--and they've never done me wrong. i'm bummed because there is currently no distributor in the u.s. and i want to put together another bike...Middleburn, if you can hear me, hook me up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian
a Cross Country Rider
from Munich, Germany Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
120 Pounds at chainreactioncycles/UK
Strengths:
Beautifully machined and very strong, lots of spider options, anklebone friendly, 180 mm Isis for singlespeed!!!
Custom steel SS, white hubs, Syntace, Hope Mini Monos, Use, Middleburn with T+A rings...
Bottom Line:
There was a time when companies like Shimano did excellent products of high quality and finish, similar to Middleburn. Now the parts look ugly and the finish is very poor. Everything is concentrated on cheap production. Even Race Face has lost his path... Parts like Middleburn cranks are a revelation in the business... Eat sushi but forget about Shimano!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rik Jacobs
a Racer
from Bournemouth!!! Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any decent freeriding tracks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
(isis drive) very light, very strong, the machine finish is awsome, and they are, again super strong. no creaks, no flex, just pure strength and they are made in the UK!!!
Weaknesses:
nill, none
Similar Products Used:
dmr cheivtans, wethepeople, the god foresaken powerpros(who hasnt) truvtivs, race face
Bike Setup:
mountian cycle rumble, pike sl forks, middle burn cranks, hope 6 pot ti, hope big un hubs on atom lab rims
Bottom Line:
very strong cranks, can be used for any use, recomend them for anyone. only thing is that they are quite expecive, and that middleburn dont actually make a bb for them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty Staninsky
a Racer
from BKK, Thailand Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kao Khieow,Chonburi
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Swapped from my Bro's machine
Strengths:
Superb machined finish, light and super strong
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
XT, Race (GAY) Face Carbon LPs - which were heavy.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight 00' Stealth Weapon
Bottom Line:
Sweet cranks. Superbly machined finish and ideal for racing. All part of the big picture to help in getting consistent podium finishes on the Thai mtb circuit. Quality British product along with Hope and Orange. If you're a racer and want lightweight stiffness then go for these, if not then don't.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Wilts, UK Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
I am reviewing the early versions of these cranks with square taper bb interface. Look nice, light, come in nice colours, removeable spider
Weaknesses:
They SNAP. The first pair of these cranks I had cracked after 2 years normal use around the axle hole. I was then unfortunate enough to buy a ex demo bike with these cranks. They snapped (or more exploded after a few weeks use). I had them sent to middleburn but the best they could offer was money off some new cranks.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT (Much more reliable)
Bottom Line:
I don't know what the new ones are like for durability but the old model cranks snap and I wouldn't trust them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Downhiller
from Farnborough, Engand Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Halfords
Strengths:
Very strong ,light, look trick, very stiff
Weaknesses:
None at all
Similar Products Used:
24/7 3 piece, FSA, truvativ hussfelt
Bike Setup:
Kona stinky, junior T's, hopes
Bottom Line:
Buy them they are the best and there lifetime no bull gaurantee
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lewis jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from peterborough Date Reviewed: May 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
tw cycles
Strengths:
-light -strong -looks good -smooth as silk
Weaknesses:
to good for your bike
Similar Products Used:
ddg orbita
Bike Setup:
good
Bottom Line:
kick ass go and get one now
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Grimsby Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
None
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$140.00
Strengths:
- very strong - light - good warenty - good range of extra component
Weaknesses:
- none
Bike Setup:
Azonic street/jump bike
Bottom Line:
I love these cranks to bits, not only do they look top notch, they are super strong too! They can stand up to street action - and I eaven use them for jumping. Maybe a hard/full time dirt jumper would be better off with some 24seven cranks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
tested them at bike shop
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Only a test
Similar Products Used:
Other cranks
Bike Setup:
with bits and pieces
Bottom Line:
A review is a review not a hard sell
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martyn Lockwood
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Dean wood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Middleburn
Strengths:
Strength, stlye, warranty, the best
Weaknesses:
nowt silly
Similar Products Used:
Truvative firex.....crap
Bike Setup:
Kona stuff. hope minis. mavic d321 on hope bulbs
Bottom Line:
The dogs danglies
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheffield, UK Date Reviewed: February 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in the Peaks
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
Strength, Design, Warranty
Weaknesses:
Possibly Price
Similar Products Used:
Shimano (yawn), FSA (sh*te)
Bike Setup:
Litespeed with UK stuff on (Pace, Middleburn, Hope)
Bottom Line:
These cranks are great. They are light, strong and look good. I knackered one of them due to my own stupidity and they still helped me get a good deal on a new pair. I've had similar help from Hope with my brakes and Pace with my forks. If you live in the UK and buy good quality British stuff you can't go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike steed
a
from hampshire england Date Reviewed: February 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ceasers camp,hawley,farnham bmx track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
local shop got em cheap m8 own shop knows bob middleburn ha ha ha
Strengths:
no flex the best warrenty strong stif looks good
Weaknesses:
finish comes off were shoe rubs on it (who cares)
Similar Products Used:
lx
Bike Setup:
dmr trailstar, hope minis, deore hubs 521 rims, bomber z1 mcr, lx, use, kore stuff, dmr bits and bobs
Bottom Line:
the best cranks on the market i run them with a middleburn 42 dh ring with built in guard(unbrakable) very stiff responsive good for xc, dh, jumpin, in fact good for all riding
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Lawrence
a Racer
from Solihull, England Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
I ride trials!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Mark Anthony Cycles
Strengths:
Real light, amazingly stong, bloody stiff, these cranks are amazing, they are able to cope with MY hardcore trials riding!!!!!!!!!!!!THERE SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
None FOOL!
Similar Products Used:
none that compare to these mummas!
Bike Setup:
Pashley 26Mhz, Fatty R, mavic D521CD, panaracer fire DH pro 2.3, irc el gato, azonic DW bar and shorty stem...etc...etc...
Bottom Line:
Great strong, light, stiff cranks that take a beating...worth every penny!!!!! GET 'EM NOW!!!!!
ps: goto my site: http://mtbtrialsuk.isonfire.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bicky
a Cross Country Rider
from Montana Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
looks sweet in the pictures, claimed to be relatively light (450 grams?}, claimed to be very stiff
Weaknesses:
I cant find the phuquers anywhere here in the United States of depresion. Called some number that was supposedly contact for Middleburn in the States but it was a bogus number. Forced to buy Race Face after i just snapped my Cook E left crank arm in half.
Similar Products Used:
Cook, stx, lx, xt, xtr, coda etc
Bike Setup:
dagger (getting long in the tooth)
Bottom Line:
S.O.S. In 4 days I'm buying a pair of race face if I cant find some RS 7's. Need help. PLEASE!!! I want Middleburns. Im of English (actually Welch) Heritage if that helps at all. God save the Queen, Nevermind The Bullocks Here comes The Sex Pistols, Tea and Crumpets, "Our Finest Hour", Barry Manilow, whatever. Help me get some Middleburns. P.S. I'll throw in an Evis fingerpuppet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from London Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Halfords
Strengths:
light, strong, no creaks, gorgeous machining, I'm really seriously impressed with these. I weigh 220+ lbs..a nd they don't even flex. I use a steep gear 44T single up front, and even on really nasty climbs / drop-offs.. there is no flex
Weaknesses:
none.. they are the best I've owned
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Race Face Prodigy, FSA AfterBurner..etc..etc
Bike Setup:
DDG Slammer 2, Marzocchi Jr T's, Race Face bars, DMR pedals, D521/XT wheels..etc..etc
Bottom Line:
these are EXCELLENT cranks.. they do nothing wrong.. they are light, strong, and affordable.. I'll NEVER again buy Race Face crap.. they are just overpriced toys..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Collins
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
These cranks suck. I only had them about 4 weeks when they started creaking - I couldn't work out where it was coming from so stripped everything and gave it a good greasing. However, the creak wouldn't go away - lo and behold 2 weeks later the drive side crank sheared in half. I only weigh 160lbs and couldn't even snap Topline cranks so needless to say I was very disappointed with these. Luckily my local bike shop gave me my money back and I bought some Race Face cranks (which are lighter and stiffer).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: April 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anywhere legal
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
da shop
Strengths:
STIFF, STRONG, LIGHT, GOOD LOOKIN. INVINCIBLE!!!! (almost) W A R R A N T Y ! ! ! ! !
Weaknesses:
Um, can't think of any apart from the fact that it has a square taper imstead of a splined one.
Similar Products Used:
Race face (bent), DMR cheiftain Mk1 (destroyed the pinch bolt thread), FSA (snappy snappy snappy!).
Bike Setup:
Kona roast xs, marzocchi z3 qr20, LX, Sun rims, other cool stuff
Bottom Line:
The greatest cranks ever! Strong enough for lunatics, light enough for XC wierdos and a warranty that cant be beat!
Oh, and race face can stick their "Bombproof" cranks up their Ring Peices!!!! Can I get an amen to that?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Swampy
a Weekend Warrior
from Wirral, England Date Reviewed: March 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Dips
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
A Friend
Strengths:
Looks, they do not creak, lifetime warranty, all my mates being green with envy
Weaknesses:
none as yet
Similar Products Used:
FSA Sidewinders
Bike Setup:
Sidekick forks, D521, LX everything,
Bottom Line:
The best you can buy for jumping. I always end up falling off and these cranks have not budged. Any one who is a hard rider should definately buy these
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Hanley
a Racer
from Tilburg Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
citycenterisallthatsleft
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
A bike shop
Strengths:
At just over 100 sterling it's cheap, it also has a lifetime warrenty
Weaknesses:
I've bent them! tomoro morning they are in the post to Middleburn and i will post to tell you, the public, how it goes!
Similar Products Used:
old deor, old 1 peice bmx, loads of profiles SS + Race + ti (profile = no.1) LX XT XTR demoed race face (which do look cooler.. but no bend warrenty)
Bike Setup:
Pashley, cane creek HS, control tech direct contact stem, protapers, odi lock ons, maggies, ceramic 521 517 combo XT everywhere else soon to have profiles + ti BB
Bottom Line:
they are strong cranks... but don't believe for one second that they are as rigid as XTR's or profile. I think that that is entierly down to the BB interface, I am very interested to see how long it takes tham to come out with a isis spline version, I think that would make a dramatic improvement on what is already a very good product. The results below are if the company gives me new cranks.. if not middleburn can burn in hell for all I care!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JAMES
a Weekend Warrior
from LONDON Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything anywhere anyhow ...... ooh and trials
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
a shop
Strengths:
STONG, LIGHT, CHEAP, WARRANTY, AND ULITIMATLEY THEY ARE BETTER THAN ANY RACEFACE EVVER, MADE BY A PROPER BRITISH ENGINEERING COMPANY.
Weaknesses:
RESISTANCE IS FUTILE, THEY HAVE NO WEAKNESS
Similar Products Used:
Most shimano crap, XTR is good but does not compare, race face that is a discrace
These cranks are the best cranks ever created and why they are still considered second best to scrape face i dont know. they have a lifetime warranty but that is useless cause these are unbreakable. Any one who bends cranks or breaks them or wants ot save weight and to have the best quality cranks and best looking cranks in the world buy these.
THE REVOLUTION IS NIGH, F**K RACE FACE THESE ARE THE FUTURE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a
from London Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
coda XT
Bike Setup:
heckler xtr
Bottom Line:
Follow up review after 8 mths. I'm 240lbs and hard on kit but these cranks are the nuts, still no chainsuck despite an English winter of mud and rain. Shifting is impeccable, much better than my 99 XT cranks and all this with low weight,good looks and a lifetime warranty. Despite all these points I'm sure that most of the people reading this will buy Raceface anyway there's no accounting for taste.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Flynn
a Weekend Warrior
from Coventry, UK Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Town Centre
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Broadribbs
Strengths:
Very stiff, strong and light, you can literraly bolt them on (tight!) and forget about them, very well made, very neat and nice looking and ofcourse that lifetime warranty (including competition!)
Weaknesses:
Price tag (but who cares when they're that good!). Very fiddly to fit a bashring to (I had to file loads of my bashring off)
Similar Products Used:
Hardcore, FSA Sidewinder, Coda 200
Bike Setup:
Black mountain trials frame...just take a look at http://www.thirdtimelucky.biketrials.com/photo.html
Bottom Line:
These cranks can take anything and if they can't...take advantage of that warranty! I am 17 stone (240lbs) and do biketrials all the time and they stand up to that very well. If you are a more extreme sort of bikerider these are a very good set of cranks which should be seriously considered. If you are a lycra clad 50lbs XC rider/racer who gets scared of those extra grams on a bike keep, to your carbon toothpicks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ando
a Downhiller
from Northwich,England Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything that looks impossible
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Delamere Cycles
Strengths:
Lifetime Warranty, nuff said
Weaknesses:
Tapers can become a bit loose but this is normal considering the pounding that they recieve.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano lx + xt
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Joker, Marz Mr T, Big 'uns F+R,24" rear wheel on an 8 speed,pro levers on closed system 2 pots, this mental machine rocks big time !!!
Bottom Line:
Buy these cranks now. They are a good british product and soooo honest. They only cost about the same as a set of shimano lx but are about 10 times as strong.GO get 'em.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony
a
from kingston london Date Reviewed: October 30, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
tres bonn very stiff and strong , machined look and milling is amazing, life time warrenty for trials and jumping ahahahh pure class
Weaknesses:
nope
Similar Products Used:
specxialized cheeze , lx hollowtech swingo
Bike Setup:
Msile frame and my own stuff trials setup ( for winter)
Bottom Line:
buy them, you can use them for anything hey JA you know you want them! there never gonna break, and if they do ill have another pair complete assurance doing anything best crank ever ? wot beats it for the money and warrenty?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stunk
a Weekend Warrior
from Paris Date Reviewed: August 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
weight, look, finish, different spider colors (black, blue, red, silver, green, gold) and different colours of outer bolts (aluminium)
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
shimano lx, xt, xtr, race face
Bike Setup:
orange mr xc, fox float r, sid 100, middleburn crankset, headset and discbrake (just released last month!), sram 9.0, sram cassette, edco bb, goldtec hubs, ritchey rims, continental
Bottom Line:
saw the cranks in a review bought them and fitted them to my "frenchy" style bike in white, blue and red (blue spider, red 46, silver 34, red 24, 2 outer bolts red, 2 silver, 1 blue). the shifting is absolutely comparable to shimano (didn't try the non slick shift-version so far) and already broke a xt bottom bracket because the cranks are so bloody stiff (that's why I changed to Edco which is a bit heavier but lasts forever). another point for me was that middleburn cranks are 100% designed and machined in england and not in the US or Japan or Taiwan. 10 hot chillis for these chilly hot cranks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: July 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, Well made & well designed
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
XT Coda
Bike Setup:
Heckler XT hope pace
Bottom Line:
I bought these over the RaceFace because the're Cheaper, made here and seemed a good bit of kit. They shift better than my 99 XTs up or down and I got no chainsuck in the mud. Initial impressions are they perform well and the guarantee takes care of the durability. 5 stars for the no chainsuck and another 5 for being cheaper than RaceFace. Bonus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ern
a Downhiller
from Hampshire Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strong, stiff, look pretty, great price, life time warranty,
Weaknesses:
none at all
Similar Products Used:
stx, lx, xt, white industries, Race Face, Sugino
Bike Setup:
Tomac 204, Mr.Dirt, Middleburn Disc Brakes
Bottom Line:
I have ridden these cranks for 1 year now, never a problem, very stiff and bloody strong (they did break the test rig at Bristol Uni). Ridden lots of cranks before which all seem to give up the ghost, no questions asked warranty if you manage to break the crank, what more do you want. People are crazy to buy anything else. So you have to wait, but its worth it. Any one can buy the crank cause Paul Lasenby rode it to win the National Points and Crawford C-Anderson (Giantuk) rode it in the World cup etc. Can't be to bad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Wray
a Downhiller
from UK Yorkshire Date Reviewed: November 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Our secret DH course in Langdale forest Yorkshire
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
They are VERY strong, if not the strongest cranks you can buy.Subtle lookssuperb machined lookVery light (Is that good?)
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
AC Cold forged (which were good as well)
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX1 DH (The Best)
Bottom Line:
I bought these cranks for all of £120.00 including the solid DH ring and all the bolt, what a bargain.They are covered by a life time warranty for true DH racing.Thay look the best, and are not over the top like some cranks They come in bare allumunium so the paint wont come off after a few rides and look crap.There made in the UK (?)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Veero
a Downhiller
from Southampton , Blighty Date Reviewed: October 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
LordsWood
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Flex free Subtle but wicked looks The logo will not wear off because it is embedded in the crank Mega BEEFY!
Weaknesses:
Err I couldn't find any other than cost but hey its worth it for some lifetime guaranteed cranks!
Similar Products Used:
FSA Sidewinders
Bike Setup:
Identiti Mr Hide Azonic riser DMR Speedguide (single ring) XTR V brakes Sun Mammoths Marzcchi Bomber Z1 5 travel THE mudguards
Bottom Line:
These cranks are buy far the best. I was going to buy the Race Face LP's but I saved myself about £40 by buying these. They are just as good and still have a lifetime warranty and all that! I have had about 3 pairs of FSA Sidewinders but they just can't hack it if you go jumping and downhilling. Get these and you will never have to buy cranks ever again! Oh dear! I sound like an advert for Middleburn DOH! Five flamin turds please!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kelvin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Woking, England Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ash Ranges
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiff, light, bombproof, spunky looks. For me, no heel rub !!
Weaknesses:
pesky need for shorter inner bolts. But apart from that nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, XT, and sugino filth.
Bike Setup:
DNA ti, Pace EVO II's XT etc.
Bottom Line:
Well, I've thashed these for a while now, and I remain totally pleased with the money spent. The thing about these cranks is that they are muchos cheaper than Raceface cranks, which I feel are really over priced here in England. I got these with a one key release bolt kit and the full chainrings for the low price of £165 Sterling. Great compared to the Race faces at £250 with rings. The RS7 are beautiful to behold - the arms are forged and then machined a la raceface, all the machining esp. the tapers is amazing. Apparently according to middleburn these are the strongest cranks they have produced (even stronger than the downhill cranks which are fat central!). I was reading that the cranks were tested on a rig at some University - the target was 24 hours. The cranks passed the 24 hours and the test only stopped when the test rig broke under the stress ! Another bonus I've found is that the design of the arms prevents any heel rub on the face of the arms, very different to all the other cranks I've tried. On my frame I'm running a 113mm BB length but apparently the ideal for frames is 107mm. I have to run the 113mm because my Ti frame chainstays are quite over sized. The only negative I can find is the need to use shorter inner bolts - but middleburn supply this in a full chainring bolt kit. All things considered I'll give these the full five chillis - because they are on par with the racefaces, but kick ass in the value for money stacks. Over and out.
Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 165.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
