In its second full year of production, the Prodigy XC delivers a performance cross country specific crank to the budget minded XC rider. The XC is precision forged and CNC machined form 6061 aluminum and has been re-styled to offer increased stiffness while shaving grams off. ISIS drive with patented S.H.I.F.T. technology. Available with 4-bolt pattern. Lengths: 170, 175mm. Chainrings: 22/32/44T. Black, Silver, White, Red. 850g
Submitted by
Chad
a Cross Country Rider
from Acworth, GA Date Reviewed: January 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Been so long, I don't remember
Strengths:
Stiff, durable. Good price, when I bought them.
Weaknesses:
Stock rings wear out kinda quick. ISIS interface wears out after more than 3 years. Actually, that's not too bad. Better than tapered.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
'04 Jamis Dakar XC Pro, LX drivetrain, Hayes HFX Discs, Fox F100 RL
Bottom Line:
These cranks have been a main-stay on my bikes for years. They are stiff for the type of riding I do. The only thing I can find fault with is the stock rings. The middle (where I'm at most of the time anyways) wore out after about 1 year, and never really shifted too great. Replaced with an LX ring, and has been great ever since. Shifting is better than ever. After years of riding them, the ISIS interface is finally starting to round out. I can completely take the crank off of the bottom bracket without a tool! They were great while they lasted, but it's time to move on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Rainier, OR Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Stella
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
E-bay
Strengths:
Simple strong and light design. Stiff crankarms. Durable after two years of all mountain pounding.
Weaknesses:
Stock rings a little soft
Similar Products Used:
2002 Shimano XT, 2004 Truvativ Hussfelts
Bike Setup:
2005 Jamis XLT with mods including a 22/36/Bashguard on these cranks)
Bottom Line:
These cranks are exactly what they are advertised to be...a budget XC crank with reasonable performance. Not expecting top of the line performance...just solid performance and that is what they have given me for two years. The stock rings shifted good but wore out a little quick (though no as quick as my XT rigs did!). Yes its true that Shimano rings will not fit (they will and do after a little Dremel tool action...I'm running a Shimano middle ring right now)...but Shimano rings also don't fit many non-Shimano cranksets including other RF and Truvativ cranks. Typical Shimano!
Bottom line...they are a budget crankset that work at the level that would be expected at their price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RZ
a Weekend Warrior
from Jakarta, Indonesia Date Reviewed: May 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Pedro Pitshop
Strengths:
looks good, strong, fairly light
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Deore,xtr
Bike Setup:
xtc team,Race Face Prodigy XC Crankset,xtr,bb7,thomson,easton flatbar, rs recon,etc..
Bottom Line:
This product is really strong for XC purpose. I've used it for more than 2 years with more than 2000 offroad miles on it and it still as good when it was new. Just give a nice lubricant on your chain and the chainring will last forever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RobeQ
a Cross Country Rider
from Croatia Date Reviewed: April 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All around
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
looking good....
Weaknesses:
lot of noise after 2 months of use and the left crank wear out if you force it in jumps......
Similar Products Used:
some.... shimano lx,shimano xt
Bike Setup:
kona blast, dirt jumper, sun rims, xt, deore
Bottom Line:
If you go on dust and dry off roads expect the noise very quickly.... 2 times my left crank fell of ... I had to screw it that almost smash it... It's not for hard driving and all conditions.... but anyway, cleaning it and some grease add fix the problem and checking the cranks by screwing from time to time .... also the price is good..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Cherry Hill, NJ Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere there's single track
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came on Santa Cruz Frameset
Strengths:
Shifting has been fine with 4 yrs. use. Am now changing rings for 3rd set. They wear out just like anything else, especially when you don't keep a fresh chain on the bike like I didn't. The crank arms are stiff and have taken some really hard shots on rocks, tree roots, etc. with no adverse effects. Removing them is easy, but don't forget to take the washer out before using the crank removing tool. They are aluminum and will strip out if you forget to remove the washer inside first.
Weaknesses:
My only complaint is that the crank arms are only compatible with Race Face rings. I tried to install XT rings and they don't fit the crank arms. Uniformity would be nice.
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT
Bike Setup:
'02 Santa Cruz Superlight - Marzzochi XFly100 fork, Fox Float rear shock, FSA bars & stem, Avid Mech. disc brakes, Mavic 223 disc rims with XT hubs.
Bottom Line:
Nice product, but have yet to find an LBS that I can walk into and by rings for off the shelf. I have to take away a couple of chilis for that
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ken
a Cross Country Rider
from NC Date Reviewed: June 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any single track that's not flat
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
came w/bike
Strengths:
$, shift well
Weaknesses:
quick wear,noise!!!
Similar Products Used:
LX,XT
Bike Setup:
mostly stock Giant NRS
Bottom Line:
I've had 3 BB's and 2 sets of rings in 4 years. Thats more trouble than they are worth. I weigh 230 and ride some big hills so they do get mashed alot so they did some moderate use. The final straw came when I tried to pull the crank arm and the only thing that pulled was all of the threads. Plus they squawk constantly. Hope yours work better than mine did. Buy it if money is the main issue but plan on replacement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Simpson
a Cross Country Rider
from Sanford, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ocala's threesome
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
online somewhere
Strengths:
Customer service from factory, these guys are really on the ball. I cannot believe the comments below. If you have a problem contact these guys, and they will do anything possible to help you out.
Weaknesses:
Not one single thing. I had to contact the factory because I screwed the crank arm up on install. I offered to pay to have it remachined and they hooked it up for FREE! You will never get this kind of personal service from Shimano.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano hollowtech, XT cranksets. I have these on my spare "guest bikes" and have to retourque them every time we ride. No good.
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse HT, Rockshok, Chris King, Mavic, Avid, Full XT with RACE FACE KICK A#$% CRANKS!
Bottom Line:
Shimano has the componentry dialed in excecpt for cranks. Here is where Race Face fills the gap. I chose one of there cheaper lines for my bike. I bet the better ones are just that. YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO INSTALL DIRECTIONS. If this is done properly these babys are bullet proof. These tanks below me probably just threw things together and then blamed the product for their mistakes. There is only one choice for cranksets: RACE FACE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damian
a
from Notts Date Reviewed: May 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looks Good Feels Solid
Weaknesses:
Weak if you buy a Square Taper,
Similar Products Used:
LX,XT,
Bottom Line:
Good if you get an isis probaly wont snap like my Taper version did,The taper stared to come lose tightened it so it was tight again did a 4ft drop and snap,
If you want to do xc get a Shimano LX Hollowtech there much stronger and far better
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zanq
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
CambriaBike.com
Strengths:
Looks nice, decent price
Weaknesses:
Weak spider, short warranty (?)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Middleburn RS7
Bike Setup:
Cove Handjob XC, hand selected components
Bottom Line:
After ~1.5 years of mild to moderate riding, the 4-arm spider warped just enough to create a der. adjustability problem. I'm 6'1" and 165 lb. riding in flat MI so I'm not a huge masher with big climbs tearing up my equipment. I'm attempting to see if a warranty claim can be made but the LBS has refused to even TRY to call Raceface. The OE Shimano crankset on my 1990 Schwinn has lasted 16 yrs. with a ton-o-miles and this warped only a little over a year? Buy it if you just want to say you have Raceface cranks, buy something else if you actually want them to work. I dropped some bigger cash for Middleburn cranks. The LBS issue is isolated from Raceface, but only 1 chilly for ~1 year of usable service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Malibu, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
stock
Strengths:
CHEAPER than XT. Seem to be durable so far.
Weaknesses:
NONE YET.
Similar Products Used:
XT, RACEFACE turbine LP
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar Pro Full suspension, Marzocchi marathon XC, XTR (except raceface cranks).
Bottom Line:
Cheaper then XT and comparable(or better) quality. For the money I will buy raceface over shimano any day. Who wants to pay $200 for a used set of XTR or XT cranks when you can get new ones for less. So far I have had no problem with losing chainring teeth (unlike on XT). Cranks are always a pain in the butt and get worn out, but for the $ these are what to buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andres
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Cabos Date Reviewed: November 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with the bike
Strengths:
smooth shifting
Weaknesses:
They are too weak, I have had them for less than a month and the inner ring bent on a very easy uphill and with out forcing it.
Similar Products Used:
Shimanos
Bike Setup:
Kona
Bottom Line:
Don´t buy this stuff if you pretend to ride a lot, or if you prefere long lasting rides than racing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Price
a Weekend Warrior
from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Indian Path
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
um, Canadian? But that may be too much of a strength for this crap ass company.
Weaknesses:
Too soft
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Truvativ, Sugino, Campagnolo (Well on my road bike)
The Bottom line eh? Well lets see, I have had a pair for both of my bikes.
On my Klein I managed to strip the pedals out of both arms. All I do is ride xc style trails and race xc with this bike. Never done a drop with this bike, and I WAS using the metal pedals washers, and I only use one pair of pedals.
On my DMR Trailstar I Bent the left arm and rounded out the ISIS hole. This was caused by, well I don't know, I was riding home from a Shore style trail and felt itreally loose. I geuss it just happened over time.
As for the right arm on the DMR I did a hudge 2 and a half foot drop, resaulting in a cracked arm and a stripped pedal hole. Once again I WAS using the supplied pedal washers.
Race Face would not warrenty anything, they said the arms on my Klein were wrecked due to switching pedals alot, which is NOT true. And the Arms on my DMR were rejected since they were installed on a bike the is know for having the wheels leave the ground at one point or another. I weigh 170 pounds, land quite smoothly and have not done a drop larger then say 4 foot. I would say only buy these if you have a bike with hudge amounts of travel and you only do drops under 5 feet.
I also have a Race Face Real Seal Headset on my klein, which for $150 I don't think should bind up when you turn left. I did send it back, they replaced the top part of the top cup, but it only fixxed it a bit. I also had 2 RF BB's for my klein in 3 months. They had loosened up and the bearings came out like dust. I bought the RF Aquanot Jacket and the RF Free Ride vest, the zippers fell off of both in about 2 months. They said too bad.
Now you may be thinking this guy is just a masher and is probly one of thoes 13 year old kids who just don't know anything. But no, I have been riding for 8 years, rarly have problems with any parts, only wear and tear. I ride about 20 or more hours a week, have worked at several shops, and made the 2002 Bianchi National team. I know a quality part when I see one. And I havent seen one from RF yet. DON'T BUY FROM RACE FACE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Morten Edvars
a Cross Country Rider
from Kopenhagen, Denmark Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Harburger Berge(Germany)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Hibike
Strengths:
Look great, cheap, stiff, light.
Weaknesses:
I am the owner of both the ISIS and the older taper version off the crankset, chainrings on the taper version was not as strong as the newer ones, so I changed them.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Race Face, Mazocchi, Shimano
Bottom Line:
Great crankset for the money. Exept for the weak chainrings on the taper version, I have been quite satisfied with this product.
With my 96 Kilos, and and quite agressive stile off xc riding, these cranks have never let me down, and that's what counts at the end off the day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Thunder Bay ON Canada Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Good shifting, Stiff and strong, no creaking at all, showing very little signs of wear
Weaknesses:
Seems to loosen up constantly need to tighten bolts frequently. Probably need to use loctite on the bolts
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore square taper
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar XC Pro with Sram 7.0 cassette and pc 99 chain,Lx shifters, Xt front and Lx Rear derailleur that won't die Xt Front and old faithful lx rear derailleur that won't die
Bottom Line:
No regrets buying this cranks. Seems to shift quite a bit smoother than my old Deore cranks. Very little flex. The bottom bracket after 6 month has held up ok but noticing it's not as smooth as it used to be. Excellent cranks and I would purchase again. Now it's the Evolve XC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bobby
a Cross Country Rider
from Graniteville, Vermont Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Catamount
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$112.00
Purchased At:
price point... naturally
Strengths:
stiff. sure-shifting.
Weaknesses:
nada
Similar Products Used:
shimano lx, xt, whatever came w/my Cannodale (coda?)
Bike Setup:
C-dale F700, magura julie, xt
Bottom Line:
the stock crankset on my c-dale had endless issues. bolts falling off, faulty shifting, the chain line was way outta wack, major chain suck, one ring even crumpled up like a bad test grade. the prodigy xc was a dream come true. now i click my pods and (da da daaa) it goes to the right gear. i even saved a little weight.
i would recommend these to anyone who cares about the quality of the ride. if you're equally interested in the schwanka schwank of your cranks, you might consider the evolve.... but if your main goal is solid, dependable shifting, this is your crankset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Welford
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
good name! and they never snapped i guess?
Weaknesses:
slightly flexy, chainrings are made of poo
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
alu hardtail
Bottom Line:
these came with way soft chainrings and flexed a little, but then i guess thats why they're not top of the range models!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail/Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
some shop in Fruita
Strengths:
Just keeps cranking, it never complains or breaks. Priced well.
Weaknesses:
Can't think of any.
Similar Products Used:
XT and LX
Bike Setup:
SC BLUR
Bottom Line:
I had these cranks on my previous bike and transferred it over to the new rig. I read a lot of reviews about people breaking the crank. I weigh 195 lbs. and ride pretty hard; never have these cranks broken or bent. Either A) Some people need to lose some weight or B) Some people need to ride a little lighter. Ride like you're a cat not a walrus! These are XC, that means not for fat asses!
If you are looking for a great value on an XC crank than get the Raceface Prodigy. 3 yrs. and she's still cranking wonderfully.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Downhiller
from Laguna Hills, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2004
Mountain Cycle San Andreas DHS; Boxxer Race; XTR F/R derailleurs, XT shifters; this miserable crankset; Hayes 8" hydraulics; Race Face seat post; Easton bars; Maxxis Minion DH tires; and the rest...
Bottom Line:
Don't waste your time, money, or energy. Sack up and get real cranks.
If you are an entry level or casual rider that does not want to fork out the dough for a "real" crankset, then these are adequate. If you plan on developing as a rider or are you are pretty aggressive already, then I suggest getting something like an XTR or Saint crankset (or anything on the higher end). You can either spend the money now and enjoy your rides or you can spend it through time trying to fix these and getting angry on the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a
from British Columbia Date Reviewed: May 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
ISIS drive. Decent crankarms. Washer for pedal mount.
Weaknesses:
Weak rings = bent teeth = many more problems.
Similar Products Used:
Various older Shimano cranksets, Truvativ Hussefelt
Bottom Line:
You get what you pay for. Package buys w/ a BB make this an attractive option for budget minded consumers. Must remember it is an XC crankset = weaker. 32 & 44 tooth rings are much too weak though, and the teeth bend easily. They are adequate though, but you may soon find that a few extra $$ for a better crankset might be better in the long run. I went with an upgrade to the Evolve FR BB and that's creaking all the time now. I'm starting to believe what I've heard before: RaceFace and components with bearings are not a good match.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Herman
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004
Would something else than Shimano, so I bought a complete Race Face Prodigy Crankset. The first bottom bracket broke within a month ! The second survived it for 6 weeks ! I'm a amateur cross country rider and I only weight 70 kg, but that seems to be too heavy for Race Face !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spongedog
a Cross Country Rider
from McLean, Virginia, USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004
Originally on a NRS 1, now on a VT 1. SRAM PC99 chain, XTR rear derailure and XTR rear cog
Bottom Line:
To date, I am on my second bottom bracket and second crankset. I have replaced the middle chainring 3 times in 2 years. Now my bottom bracket (supposedly there were really bad ones a couple of years ago, and I received a good one last year under warranty) had developed some grinding (not good) and I am sure it is done for. I can't believe how often I replace chainrings. They are difficult to acquire,and the middle one goes for 33 bucks. I bought a new crankset last year, but then Race Face sent me a new chainring.
The bottom line is that Race Face is good about warranty for their products, but the sad fact is that this is a lame crank. Either go for a higher end model from Race Face or get something else alltogether.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio Date Reviewed: February 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
alumn creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Amazingly strong, high quality construction and beautiful finish
Weaknesses:
finish rubbed off after one season so i polished them (I know this is nitpicking)
Similar Products Used:
lots of shimano stuff
Bike Setup:
04 GF HooKooEKoo, sram X9 rear der and shifters, sram cassette and chain, deore front der, syncros seat tube, lx/mavic wheels, IRC mythos tires, coda seat, cane creek dc levers, onza bar ends, avid single digit ti brakes, 97 judy xc w/total air
Bottom Line:
I weigh 200 lbs and snapped the shimano stuff. these are great, strong cranks at an unbeatable price, 5 for quality, 5 for just being a great product!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent Van Eps
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Cucamonga, Ca Date Reviewed: January 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pauley creek downieville, ca
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Jax bicycle center Irvine
Strengths:
good price, stiff, light
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
race face turbine, shimano xt octalink, shimano lx octalink
great cranks. they are as good as anything else i have tried. I like the bottom bracket, I have the signature xc. Get the good bottom bracket with the cheaper crank. This is a great deal. I don't see how some of the other reviewers strippes the threads out of the arms though, I have had mine on and off dozens of times to clean the rings off with no problems at all. Perhaps they cross threaded, left in a washer, or used the wrong tool. I don't feel this is a problem with these cranks. Also the whie powdercoat omn mine is holding up fine. Excellent product
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Samsun
a Cross Country Rider
from Wales, GB Date Reviewed: January 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Local
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Sunset
Strengths:
Cheap for the name and weight. Run smooth and seem to be strong so far.
Weaknesses:
Paint rubs off cranks after a while but that is to be expected.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Octalink
Bike Setup:
Orange Sub-5, Raceface, Hope, Fox, XT.
Bottom Line:
Price paid is in £ so cheap. They are light yet strong. Although I have the XC I have done quite a few drops with these and there have been no problems. I have now started to run them with a bash guard and this just seems to enhance the change from granny to middle ring. I am running these only on a Raceface Evolve XC BB and they seem to make a very strong partnership.The rings also have nice pick up points to help the chain move up the rings which is a nice touch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Draghicchio
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI USA Date Reviewed: December 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
John Muir
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
cambria bike
Strengths:
Good crankset for the price. Strong. Easy installation.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR M950, Kooka, Cook brothers.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8900, 2001 XTR, old rock shox sid. still an 8 speed!
Bottom Line:
These cranks are on my second bike that I use for Jumping and mudding. I have been pleased with them so far. For $110 including the bottom bracket, they are a great find. I have been jumping and hitting small 2 foot hucks with them and they have yet to start creaking or break. The installation was easy and did not alter my shifting at all, even though I have an 8-speed chain; No chain slip or suck either. These cranks are pretty young, we will see how well they break in. However, for the price I paid I would recommend these cranks. I have had good experiences with Race Face and stand behind their products. Be sure to check out their new 2004 crank set with integrated BB. Should give Shimano a run for their money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Foster
a Downhiller
from Orlando, Fl (riding in Grenada, West Indies) Date Reviewed: November 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lance Aux Epines DH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
I actually have the Prodigy DH version of this crank with a bashguard! Rides very nice, BB feels like butter, well compared to the garbage I had on my bike b4. If you care, its looks real good too.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet, but if they are there, my 180 lbs will find them!
Similar Products Used:
First Race Face comp. I've used, but will def buy more from them.
So far this crank kicks a$$! Price point has a great BB and crank combo from Race Face and installation was good, instructions kinda sucked, but how many doods do u know that actually use them, huh? They worked good to keep the grease off my kitchen table! If you want a tough crank, not too worried about weight and beat your bike up, get this crank!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Racer
from Everett, Wa Date Reviewed: November 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Center
Strengths:
Shifts well both up and down. Stiff. Reasonable Price. Reasonable weight. No creaking.
Weaknesses:
Possibly cost. XT is a little lighter and slightly cheaper.
Performs great with 0 wear. Shifts quickly both up to and down from the middle sprocket. Note: I have not used this product in race conditions yet, only training rides. ISIS bottom bracket is a noticible upgrade from Shimano. You can visually see where the crank arm touches the flange on the bottom bracket. No creaking, no flex. No bolt issues, yet. This was a bolt on replacement/upgrade from my stock Bontranger Race crankset, with no adjustment required. During races, I had a chainsuck issue with the Bontranger. I will submit a follow up review for this product during XC race season.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jenn GonzaLEZ
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft.Lauderdale, Fla. USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Strangler Fig(Oleta)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Wheeler Dealer(i work there:)
Strengths:
This crankset is a burly as they come. It loks like it could pass for a freeride ready crank.( But i wouldnt try it). It looks strong and has held up pretty well. Its also very very light for how heavy duty it looks. I have bashguard set up on there and it works real well. It also feels a hell of a lot better than those old Shimano LX cranksets that I had on my bike
Weaknesses:
uuummmmm......... it scratches really easly the logo seems to be messed up(but then again that might be my fault) SO NO I HAVENT FOUND ANY WEAKNESSES YET!
Similar Products Used:
SR Suntour, Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
2003 GT-I-Drive 3.0, Shimano LX Drive train, Race Face Diabolous Stem, Easton Scandium Handlebars, Hayes HMX-1 Mech. Disc Brakes w/ Promax 2-finger levers, Rockshox SID DH Dual-Air double crown suspension fork. Fox Vanilla rear shock, Sun Ringle Rhyon Lite FR Rims w/ Deore Disc hubs, Continental Survivor Pro Knobbies, Snafu Pedals and Wellgo DH clipless pedals, Race Face Prodigy XC CRankset w/ Race Face bottom bracket
Bottom Line:
THESE CRANKS ROCK!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Philippines Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
UP slalom, Platground and Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$124.00
Purchased At:
POWERBIKES in Makati City, Philippines
Strengths:
Really stiff, good finish (badassblack with laser etched logo) bash ring!!! Good Price!!!
Weaknesses:
SRX BB, this is a XC BB that comes with the crank. RF should packed the DH model with at least an Evolve FR one, freeriders would'nt mind paying round $15 more for a BB meant to take some serious hits.
Similar Products Used:
white industries, shimano deore, deore DX and XT
Bike Setup:
da bomb CR8, Z1-fr, XT rear & LX front der., XT V's, 8sp cass, rear hub, altek levers, sunn ringle rims and headset, easton ea50 riser and pedal, sachs shifters, woodman stem, da bomb post, avid teflon cables, selle XO saddle, maxxis 2.35 blingbling rear 2.5 mobster front (both 60a comp.)
Bottom Line:
i got the DH model 22-32-bashring. the finish is good. very reasonably priced, about $124 (6,700 Pesos)with srx BB. these are really siff cranks, i just hope the SRX BB's could take the abuse!!!. the steel washers for the pedals are a good idea. i just hope the marketing guys (or whoever) package these things right, the XC model comes with an XC BB (SRX), but what in the world were they thinking when the sell the DH model with the same BB?!.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Modesto, CA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Bottom Line:
I have the "DH" model and it came with the matching Evolve BB in a good deal from Price Point. So far I'm pleased with the toughness of the crank arms. But I have had serious problems keeping the crank arms bolts from coming really loose and shifting was a huge problem...and yes the local bike shop was stumped as well. Race Face replaced the cranks no questions asked, but made me keep the same BB...they said something could be out of tolerance. Since I got the new cranks I haven't had a problem. Because of all the problems, my overall impression isn't good. They're currently working "alright", but I don't think I'd buy them again even though they are reasonably priced. I bought them to replace an old beat-up pair of Shimano XT cranks and I wish I would have bought the XTs again. I'll just ride them for now and wait to get the new Shimano Saint crankset with integrated BB.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Rodman
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hamilton Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Unbreakable, stiff, great customer service
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
XT Cranks, Coda
Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD2, Psylo fork, Velocity Areoheat and Sun Rhyno Lite
Bottom Line:
I bough these cranks a year ago, and they haven't failed me yet. At 6'2", 190 pounds, I punish these things. They still run straight and stiff after a 6 foot drop where my left foot came out of the cleat, and I landed directly on the drive side crank arm. Great product for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Kingery
a Cross Country Rider
from Albemarle, NC, USA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Catawba Riverfront
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Inexpensive, Stiff
Weaknesses:
Soft fast wearing chain rings
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bike Setup:
Access hardtail, Sram X.0 rear and shifters. XT front. Chris King ISO on 317's
Bottom Line:
It was inexpensive, stiff, and it shifted well. To begin with, I really liked them. They were nice looking in an industrial way. Then I started having a lot of chain suck issues. Finally decided that the middle and small ring were the culprits. I replaced both and the chain suck went away. A little too early for both of the rings to be worn out in my opinion. I've had it for just over a year now. Recently tried to take the crank off using a park CCP-4 splined crank tool. All of the treads stripped out. I just installed a new bottom bracket last month so there is no issue of corrosion here to cause an unnatural issue with a stuck crank. I won't buy any more Race Face products.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Weekend Warrior
from Arnhem, Netherlands Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Posbank
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
bike2build
Strengths:
Isis. Race Face name. Weight is pretty ok (lighter than XT).
Weaknesses:
I used crank self-loosing bolts... big mistake these ripped out the threat out of the soft aluminium. Cheap chain rings. 4-arm. Stiff but certainly not the stiffest. To expensive compared to quality.
Wanna spent this sort of money on a crank set? Buy shimano XT and even save a few bucks, they have better built quality. RaceFace made these cause they knew everyone actracted by the name who couldn't afford Turbines, would buy these! To buy the real stuff (Turbines or NextLPs) you have to spent real money, and forget about these. Isis is great tough; Shimano should make a XT-isis set. I'll give it an extra "flammin turd" for that
I'm buying NextLP's; if I ever get my prodigys of... :(((((
(any sugestions?)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a Downhiller
from Oslo Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kjærlighetsstien, Frognerseteren, Oslo
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Raske Sykler
Strengths:
No creaks. Feels steady enough while riding.
Weaknesses:
The white color kinda sucks. Apparently can't take heavy abuse.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano crap
Bike Setup:
Stock RM6, except 321 rims and a shorter derailer.
Bottom Line:
Kind of cheap of Rocky Mountain putting these on a free-ride/downhill bike, since they're obviously intended for XC use. Still, they held their own for a year of increasingly rougher use, and didn't fail me until they got bent at an amusing angle after being slammed sideways into a rock at high speed. I wouldn't by them again for my RM6, but they might be a good option for my XC bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, NH, USA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Great Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Great Design, works awesome for aggressive XC and has a great setup. The crank itself has a great feel and doesn't let you bounce going down rocky hills.
Weaknesses:
Can't find one
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT or TruVativ Stylo team
Bike Setup:
2002 Trek 4300 frame, Hayes disc and a bunch of standard parts
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this crank to anyone looking for a great ride and a great price on a Professional component. If you are a all around XC Rider, I can guarantee you will love this part and it will last you a long time. If you plan to do Freeriding with this, it's not really made to, but it will for a bit. But I would then recommend the Prodigy DH.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003
So much lighter than my old cranks. Plus the shift ramps on the chainrings seem to help shifting. Seem to be very strong. I have a buddy who bend his crank arm in a hard fall yet these cranks are just fine after a few hard hits. Plus its ISIS. And although looks arent everything they sure count for something. Thats right, not only do these cranks perform fine they look cool too. The choice of color is nice because sometimes black gets boring. However be prepared for some of the paint to wear off after your shoe rubs against it enough times. Some people complain about this but I dare them to find a painted crank that doesnt have this happen. Personally I think that those little wear marks just show that you and your bike have put in the trail time and lived to tell about it.
This crankset is a triple threat : 1. Performance 2. Value 3. Looks Bottome line---You cant go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve3
a Cross Country Rider
from long island new york Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Stiff and shifts well
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shimano lx, xt, stylo team
Bike Setup:
03 tomac 98 pro, mx pro eta, magura disc, thomson, everything else xt
Bottom Line:
I like these cranks better than the shimanos. Great price with the srx bottom bracket at pricepoint for 109. The rings are a little beefier, but that's what I wanted. Shimano sucks. They feel stiff and installation was no trouble. No creaks, no nothing. Shifting is the same,but more reliable compared to shimano. I prefer it that way. I've done an s load of miles since I put it all together. Great product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Biz
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Cheap price, solid, no creaks...cheap price
Weaknesses:
On the heavy side, kind of plain looking
Bike Setup:
'96 Kona Kula hardtail, ATAC pedals, Mavic rims, Avid mech. disc, XTR shifters/rear brake, Race Face BB
Bottom Line:
Cheap and solid best describes it. Not pretty to look at, but does it's job and is creak free so far after ~2 months of relatively heavy use. I climb fire roads galore, and I've found these to be adequately stiff. It's on the heavy side; I bought these as a cheap upgrade to the original crap cranks on my Kona, and so far have no complaints. It was a decision between these and the Stylo XC Truvative, which is probably lighter, but a bit more $.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from T.O. Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
bronte creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Seems Strong ISIS much better than square taper.
Weaknesses:
shifting could be better. only one free sticker JK
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt
Bike Setup:
03 lava dome
Bottom Line:
This combo is a huge improvement over the stock shimano FC-M440 crank and el cheapo BB stock on the lava dome.
I remember my old XT cranksets always rounded the crank arm holes (sq. taper) after awhile especially when jumping and thrashing. The ISIS seems like it will last forever. Seems real solid and dependable. Doesn't bend, flex, creak or complain. Does it's job without fanfare, in other words perfect.
Bent the large ring with a torquey shift. (IMHO) 9 speeders must keep chain and drivetrain very clean and properly lubed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Superfly The Shiznit
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Palos
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Orland Cyclery
Strengths:
Stiffness, power transfer, and bad ass shifting
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Sh*&. What a waste of good metal
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Tassajara 2002. Upgrades: 2003 Rock Shox Duke XC, Deore XT Rear Derail, Deore LX Fornt Derail, Avid Single 7 brakes (sweeeeet as cream butter), Froggy Pedals, Thdbuster Seat posts, Deore LX Shifter/Brake combo, and the bad ass Race Face XC
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line?! This thing kicks major tail! The Bontcrapper it replaced was flexy and could not hold the power like the Race Face. I ride singletrack and I caneasily peddle while standing without loss of power. Plus, these buggers are lighter. I also think ISIS is the way to go (of course unless you have the cashola for the XTR Hollow stuff. Could not justify cranks that are work more than my bike, lol.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cody
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anthills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint (where price is the point)
Strengths:
Stiff, reletively light, cheap, a monkey with a torque wrench could install them.
Weaknesses:
Faceplate of chainring bolts rust pretty fast, but no big deal
Similar Products Used:
Stock Bontrager piece of criz-ap.
Bike Setup:
Trek 4500, RS Duke SL, XT rear der., shifters, and break levers, WTB Speed V saddle
Bottom Line:
These cranks are stiff and extremely responsive...a much needed improvement over the POS Bontrager cranks that came stock on the 4500. Hills that used to chew me up and spit me back out are now taken with ease. I got the crank/SRX BB combo from pricepoint, which is dirt cheap right now. If you're considering going to the ISIS system (which you should), this is one of the best upgrades you can make to your rig.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Munch
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
My favorite
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
One of the best bang for the buck values I've ever bought. Strong, stiff, burly looks, finish has held up incredibly well, no shifting complaints. Only 1 gram heavier than $120+ more expensive Turbines.
Weaknesses:
Indents at pedal holes for washers (supplied) are a good idea to save aluminum crank arms, but don't interface well with my Ritchey Pro V3 pedals & their funky bearings.
Great performer, great price, great looks: my kind of product. When I buy my Racer-X I'll bring them & my Signature XS BB over, as I don't see the point of spending $$$ more for XTR's or other boutique cranks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Williamsburg/Stafford, VA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Great smooth shifting, very lite, durable (so far) inexpensive: defiantly getting more than I paid for.
Weaknesses:
The bolts holding it on need to be tightened regularly, and I installed it myself and "somehow" bent the splines and had to get another.
Similar Products Used:
Deore setup...trash
Bike Setup:
Custom, rebuilt Trek 850, the only original part is the frame. Judy TT (1" head tube) Sun Rhino lite rims, Shamano 959 clipless, LX trigger shifters, LX brakes, XT derailleur
Bottom Line:
I would defiantly purchase this again (this is my second). It has served me well, even loose it cranks out power with out fail, and the rings chew through wood and don’t break even after multiple feet drops onto the outer chain ring. I believe it to be a great part for an intermediate rider like my self who needs a dependable part and the weight is only a plus; if you are going to be getting into more hardcore stuff you might want to look at some other Race Face cranks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles
a Racer
from Chicago Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Nice and stiff, strong they take a good knocking around from my jumping of of curbs. and also on the XC rtace courses
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
OEM Specalized's
Bike Setup:
Jamis Eureka frame with the Race Face Sig XS BB, Prodgey XC crank and stem, Sram 9.0 11-34 Cassette, 9.0 SL rear, 9.0 front,9.0sl half pipes, P-69 chain, kore fordged seat post, sefars lola saddle, hayes HMX-1 Mech Discs, Sun RynoLite Rims with DeloreXT hubs and IRC Mythos 2.0 tires/ WTM mutano raptors 2.4's with avid cables Flack jackets for the gears and full metal jackets for the brakes.
Bottom Line:
I have used these in 3 races so far so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K2footsrgn
a Cross Country Rider
from Alliance, Oh Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Price point
Strengths:
Light, pretty cool looking, easy shifting
Weaknesses:
Had some problems with creaks in the begining.
Bike Setup:
Single track front rim w/ XT hub, Sun 0 XC rear rim w/ LX hub, XT BB, Race Face cranks, Kore elite stem, Syncros post, WTB headset, Shimano XT front disc brake etc.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the tapered 2001 or 2002. I recently put the cranks on a bike with a shimano xt tapered bb and had some problems with the cranks making creaking noises after riding for a little while. I saw in mtbr's discussion that the creaks can be solved with some grease on the bb screws, well I tried it and the creaks are gone, thanks guys. I just hope that the screws don't back out. I'd buy them again. They do seem a little flexier than my previous cranks, but the previous ones probably weighed twice as much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Royce
a Weekend Warrior
from South Dakota Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
cheap,look cool
Weaknesses:
rings are junk
Similar Products Used:
you name it
Bike Setup:
jekyll
Bottom Line:
I am not a complainer as accused below,but the rings are junk.if you want to buy them,just keep in mind your gonna replace the rings fast.I weigh 190 and tore mine up on a flat local trail in a matter of three hours.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a
from Park City Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Simple, forged, reasonably priced hunk o' aluminum. Seem stiff, shift good, No problemos yet....
Weaknesses:
Don't buy the cheap-butt prodigy BB!!!!! Bad, makes-no-sense install directions. These install directions tell you to GREASE the bb spindle threads Ya think the bolts will now BACK OUT EASILY? I called Race Face regarding this and the guy says.."all of us here in the office who ride grease the fixing bolt threads and spindle threads on all of our BB's. Say what? NO ONE I know who rides here in PC greases fixing bolts, cause guess what, they BACK OUT, and the crank arms will be perpanently damaged. Believe me, this happened to me cause I followed the directions, and the bolts backed out constantly. The install directions regarding greasing the spindle threads are flat out WRONG...LOCKTITE!! boys and girls, locktite.
Similar Products Used:
every/all
Bike Setup:
Kona Bear in xc trim
Bottom Line:
This crankset works GREAT! All the complaints below this review seems to me are because the purchasers of the product either are crash-and-blame-someone-else f or your ABUSIVE riding, or YOU just haven't got "any" lately. I am 215lbs, have ridden these a year,(2.5k) and they work great. So all you complainers out there should try to complain about something we care about, and something that isn't your own fault to start with. And, DON'T GREASE YOUR ARM-FIXING CRANK SPINDLE BOLTS. INSTALL THE CRANK ARMS (ISIS) TO THE FLANGE STOPS, (NO GREASE ON THE BOLT THREADS!!) THEN PULL THE FIXING BOLT BACK OUT, BLUE LOCKTITE IT, AND RE-INSTALL. YER DONE. FOR THE TAPERED SPINLE BB'S, INSTALL, RIDE, RE-TIGHTEN, THEN REMOVE THE BOLTS AND LOCKTITE!! YER DONE. RIDE ON!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Jones Downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint.com
Strengths:
Cheap, looks very cool
Weaknesses:
Lame rings, poor quality
Bike Setup:
Merlin Echo, XT, Mars C
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up to my review posted 2 entries down.
My advice: DO NOT BUY THIS CRANKSET
I bought the RF cranks in large part to avoid buying Shimano, because Shimano is the Microsoft of the bike world (i.e., the anti-christ). As stated below, my Prodigy cranks were bent after a crash that really wasn't that bad, so I had to replace them after just a few rides.
I just received and installed XT (M752) cranks. After I have a chance to ride them for a while, I may write an ST review. But if you are thinking about buying the Prodigy cranks, do yourself a favor. Go to a bike store and compare the Prodigy to the XT side by side. As a Shimanophobe, it is with some regret that I have to report that the XT blows the Prodigy away. The XT rings are clearly superior in quality and design and the spider is removable--therefore replicable. From jensonusa.com, the XT crank cost $99 and the ES-71 BB cost $24, so it is comparable to ISIS RF Prodigy. Folks, it really makes no sense whatsoever to buy the Prodigy piece of crap. Sorry. You should find another alternative if can't bring yourself to buy anything else from Shimano.
I really hope this review helps others out there avoid making the same mistake I made.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kace
a Cross Country Rider
from Aberdeen, UK Date Reviewed: April 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
Well, strength really, and stiffness
Weaknesses:
Paint chips quite easily
Similar Products Used:
FSA, Shimano
Bike Setup:
Hotch potch of nice XC stuff
Bottom Line:
I've had RF chainrings before and been really pleased with them, hence I went for this whole chainset. Not had any of the fragile/flexing problems that people are reporting. Perhaps you're doing much more in the way of drop offs/crashing than I am?! I find them very efficient when I pedal, and they give great responsiveness/feedback when cornering or descending. The crank bolts I got with them worked loose eventually, but they weren't Race Face! I'd say they're a great value product from a company who really know about XC kit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: April 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Jones Downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint.com
Strengths:
Cheap, looks very cool
Weaknesses:
Lame rings, poor quality
Similar Products Used:
Icon junk that bike store put on my Merlin because they needed to sell the expensive frame fast and cheap
Bike Setup:
Merlin Echo, XT, Mars C
Bottom Line:
Do not buy this crankset. It is not even close to being up to Race Face's reputation.
I thought I could upgrade from Icon crankset with a very inexpensive Race Face crank that would look cool and fit the square BB I already had on the bike. The rings are poor quality and the spider is weak. I had one not very bad crash after which the big chain ring was bent. I was bummed, but I figured stuff happens and I could replace the ring. Then I noticed that the spider was bent too, rendering the crankset useless. I have had many much worse crashes and I have never bent a spider on any other crank. In my opinion this is inexcusable.
I pulled the LX crankset off my old beater and put it on my Merlin so I can keep rinding until I order something better. In looking at the two cranks side by side, it was clear that the old LX crankset had much better rings and spider and really wasn't much heavier. I would never have considered an LX crankset worthy of my Merlin and now I feel very stupid for trying to put this lame Prodigy crank on my Ti bike. Never again. Do not be fooled by the Race Face name--you get what you pay for. (yes, ok, ok, DUH!!!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: March 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
Wicked, light, strong- Do I need say anymore
Weaknesses:
Keep's ripping my trousers (not really a weakness though- apart from its costing me money buying new trousers!)
Similar Products Used:
Trauativ fire-x
Bike Setup:
Giant xtc 880
Bottom Line:
They give a quality feel, solid as anything, feels as strong as trauativ husselfelt downhill cranks, which are "the best", it terms of £90. These kick there arse! Sounds like all the peeps below have had some serious problems it seems, bolts comming lose?? what the hell have you been doing on them!?!? Think of it as your loss if you don't buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Royce Volker
a Weekend Warrior
from Onida SD Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
porccupine rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Sexy Race Face logos.Stiffer than the Cannondale set I took off.
Weaknesses:
The rings are junk!I tore up the 32T and a new XTR chain in 3 hours of riding.
Similar Products Used:
XT,Cannondale,Sugino
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll with Lefty fork,Magura discs,WTB Velociraptors,XTR-Cass.,ft and rear der.,chain,XT-shifters,BB,skewer,Easton ct2 post,profile carbon riser,Azonic seat,Race face-crank set, good-n-evil grips
Bottom Line:
The price was right,but I really prefer the XT set up on another of my bikes.XT shifts faster are lighter and last much longer than the Race Face junk rings.If you dont mind replacing the rings right away then buy them,they sure look cool.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark oatney
a Racer
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: March 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
pretty?
Weaknesses:
Crank arms loosen constantly; sprocket nuts come loose often too. Some creaking. Flexes bad.
Similar Products Used:
nothing yet-- I always blew out aluminum cranks in the BMX days.
Bike Setup:
came stock on my Rocky Mountain Reaper
Bottom Line:
I'm biggish- 190 lbs- and ride torquey, do both long cross country rides and jumps, and especially dual slalom. i need to tighten these cranks EVERY TIME I RIDE-- otherwise I get "the creak." They honestly come loose with every decent ride. The nuts holding the big two big sprockets on also loosen easier than I'd like.
Flexy out of the gate, or whenever seriously getting on it. i need to keep my front derailer in careful tune to account for the amount the sprockets flex when I push down hard on that crank.
I think these would be fine for smaller AND mellower riders, especially for the price, but I'll need to get something a bit more hardcore.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Arnold
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, N.C., USA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Bio-Wheels
Strengths:
ISIS, Stiff cranks that can handle some that can handle the abuse of riding the mountain goat paths of the trail Goddess, "Pisgah" National Forest. For the cost, stands well against higher priced cranks.
Weaknesses:
paint rubs off easily on edges. Gives it a broken in, used look thats hardly worth complaining about at the cost. If your that worried about, Think about the $300 dollar Next Lp's.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M 800, Sun Ryno Lite rims/shimano LX rims, LX components, Azonic 90 mm stem, 0 degree rise, Club Roost Riser bars, Panaracer Fire XC tires, Selle Italia saddle, Icon SeatPost, Manitou SX-R Fork( getting ready to go to the Marzocchi MX Comp w/ ETA)
Bottom Line:
A great budget minded crank for the cross country endurance rider/racer. Race Face has really started looking out for the budget/family rider with great perfomance,toughness, and looks in mind.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomfield Hills, Mi, USA Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
PLRA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
I love this, its light, strong, well made, and holds up to everything i throw at it.
Weaknesses:
There is none.
Similar Products Used:
something that was stock on a trek 4500
Bike Setup:
trek 4500, i think the seatpost is the only stock thing left.
Bottom Line:
The review below me, that same person has posted several reviews that are the exact same on different cranks in this section. I would ignore whatever he is saying, as to looking at the other reviews would prove other wise.
Bottom line, if your an XC rider this is ideal. There really isnt anything bad that i've found about it. Its one of those products that will never let you down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from NE ,US Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
NONE AT ALL
Weaknesses:
These cranks were treated like a baby and only saw the road, Never the trails and YET, they ARE WEAK and VERY FLEXY considering i am a smaller rider. THE bolts for the chainrings and the crankarms CONSTANTLT COME LOOSE, they are nothing short of a nightmare
Similar Products Used:
shimano, the best
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS
Bottom Line:
THESE CRANKS are WEAK, FLEXY AND COME LOOSE CONSTANTLY, if u have the time to waste on always tightening them , then this is the set to buy, if you want to ride carefree FORGET THESE CRANKS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ghalitia Goisis
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Reasonably stiff... strong... black... not tank heavy.
Weaknesses:
Chainrings suck... pretty generic.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face Turbine... Shimano XT 750... Sugino Impel.
Bike Setup:
Wheels that go round and round.
Bottom Line:
These cranks came stock on my bike so I can't really rate based on any value. If I had to choose between this crank and a pair of XT, I would jump on the XT. Based on riding both Prodigy and XT -- which are both in the same price range aftermarket -- the XT is the clear winner. It has much better fit/finish and nicely ramped and pinned chainrings. Although they are about the same weight (I think) the XT somehow feels lighter. The shifting on the Prodigy cranks with stock rings is nothing to write home about; they get the job done, but not without some groaning. They fit snug into the RF Prodigy BB no problem and don't seem to have a problem with getting loose during a ride. I haven't had a single problem with durability or wishing they were stiffer.They are reliable. But in the end, again, I would choose the XT set over the Prodigy set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Hewer
a Downhiller
from Montana Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Local DH runs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
CyclePath
Strengths:
Insanely Strong, light, sexiest cranks on the market
Weaknesses:
They'll out live me so I'll have to include them in my will.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face North Shore DH, XTR cranks, Truvativ Team Stylo
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000 XC hardtail, Sun Rhynolite Rims, Race Face DH riser bar, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1" tires,
Bottom Line:
I raced my friend down a DH run on my hardtail and while he candycaned his truvativ DH cranks, I had no trouble doing the same drop. Best addition you can make.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
weather expert
a Weekend Warrior
from iowa Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint w/bb
Strengths:
ISIS version: good shifting, good stiffness
Weaknesses:
performance per dollar wise not better than other cranks (such as LX). certainly not lightweight. but that doesn't bother me.
Similar Products Used:
lx, sugino, rf turbine
Bike Setup:
Mrazek XC.
Bottom Line:
shifting and stiffness are both good, but not excellent. it shifts a bit slower than shimano stuff, but it never misses shifts. this crankset definitely loses on the weight department though. overall, it does it's job and it's not a POS like so many others said, i guess those have a problem with this crankset bearing the raceface name. that's a stoopid excuse imho.
the price tag isn't exactly reflecting the performance of this crankset, though. if it's priced at about 50 bucks per pair, it would be a viable choice. but at a bill a pair, it's not gonna be the crankset i would recommend. i bought it only because i decided not to use ANY sh!tmano component on my new bike. imo for shimanophobes, truvative would be a much better choice if you are not too heavy. otherwise, i'd say lx is the best buy. my next crankset id probably gonna be an FSA afterburner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LSett
a Racer
from Stamford, CT Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
ISIS, weight, appearance, Race Face bashring compatibility
Weaknesses:
The paint has begun to rub off from my shoe hitting the crank (not a big concern of mine).
Similar Products Used:
Shimano tapered
Bike Setup:
2003 Klein Attitude Comp w/ XT & XTR drivetrain, Black Elite fork
Bottom Line:
Overall I am very pleased with the product. I purchased the package deal of the bottom bracket and crank set. I've heard lots of complaints, however I have nothing but praise for the set-up. The cranks are very stiff, installed perfectly and run smooth. I definitely noticed a better fit with the ISIS drive in addition to a what I think translates to a more efficient pedal stroke.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Elzer
a Cross Country Rider
from Stuttgart, Germany Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Köllertal Kessel
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
local dealer
Strengths:
weight, strengh
Weaknesses:
not yet found
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bike Setup:
Rotwild RCC07, Psylo SL, Mavic X618
Bottom Line:
Easy weight for this price, professionally manufactured, nice climbing assistance
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ratt
a Cross Country Rider
from Carlsbad Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Jacob's Ladder, Moab
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
looks, comes in color choices, awesome chain rings, Isis, price
Weaknesses:
Not as stiff as Turbine LPs, only comes in 4-arm, only 6000 series aluminium, only a 1 yr Raceface warranty
Similar Products Used:
RF Turbine LP
Bike Setup:
Lite weight FS XC trail bike
Bottom Line:
XT and Truvativ team Stylos are in the same price range, are lighter, have a reputation of being stiffer, and use 7000 series aluminium. But I love Raceface chainrings and didn't want to be stuck with one BB choice shimano offers. The rings shift great, not as fast as current Shimano rings or older style Raceface rings. My friends use a 46 tooth big ring with a 11 tooth rear and i can not stay with them on the flats, so i wished this was a 5-arm with the inheritent wide range of gearing choices. Bottom line is if you pick the Shimano XT, Truvativ Team, or the Prodigy XC you can't go wrong. For the price of new chainrings for my Turbine LPs i got a whole crankset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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