The XX Crank delivers amazing performance and durability with no penalties in weight. The first MTB crank specifically designed for 2x10 uses some of the world’s most advanced material science. The oversized chainrings are CNC machined 7075 Aluminum blanks—2mm thicker than the competition. Unparalleled stiffness is delivered by an increased Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD) and a two-piece insert-molded carbon composite construction. The XX Crank geometry provides a narrow 156mm Q factor, efficient chainline, and beveled crank arms to maximize clearance. It’s pure science in action.
Submitted by
paulrb02
a Cross Country Rider
from Mobile, AL
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2012
Strengths: Super Stiff
Light Weight
Weaknesses: The replacement chain rings are a bit pricey
Scratches up easily
Bottom Line:
I'm 270lbs so I can usually make anything bend. I was riding the Sram x9 crank (39-26) and I had no problems, but when I upgraded to XX (39-26) I noticed how much more stiff it was. I had the 156 gxp version. The 156 was nice for me as I could use 20mm pedal extenders and get a good cleat placement, while before I had to use washers. (and yes I had a BG fit) Shop around for prices as they can vary a good bit, but if you think you can handle a 39T chainring and want something that is not only strong, but is also light weight then you won't be disappointed. The replacement big ring will cost you about $70 when the time comes.
Weaknesses: Price
GXP BB interface only
2x10 only
Expensive to replace chainrings
Bottom Line:
X-Glide chainrings (and cassette) is a league ahead of anything else out there. If you want truly improved shifting performance, save your money on extra composite, Ti bits, and extra machining on your FD/RD, shifters, and crank arms and go for the new XG cassette and XX chainrings. Shifting under pressure is MUCH improved over '11 XO (PowerGlide 2 cassette and non-X-Glide chainring) and DynaSys stuff.
Also, as far as I know, this is the only crank that offers a narrower Q-factor for dialing in fit (distance between crank arms). It won't fit every bike, do to chainstay clearance, but if you have narrow hips, you will feel better with this.
Sells for less than new XO cranks in most cases too, though those have X-glide chainrings too. I'll take the XX prestige and lower price over a flat black look with white and blue/red/whatever logo.
Similar Products Used: FSA Afterburner 386 (2x10), Truvativ Noir, Shimano XTR, XT, SLX, RaceFace Atlas and many lower end cranks
Bike Setup: Motobecane Fly Team29 Ti XO 20spd
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
bobwalk
a Cross Country Rider
from Tustin, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2011
Strengths: Flawless shifting, excellent gear ratios, brings feet closer to frame, no flex
Weaknesses: None yet
Bottom Line:
Took me a couple of rides to get used to the gearing, but once I did was riding faster than ever. I am running the 2x10 26 x 39 crankset and 11/36 cassette (a lot of big climbs around here). As many usable gear combos as a triple crankset, with much better shifting. Less chain deflection means more power to the rear wheel. Very smooth pedaling and I like having my feet closer to the frame. Best drivetrain I've ever used.
Strengths: lack of crossover gears, faultless shifts, front and rear, lack of maintenance
Weaknesses: bit close clearance on my ibis mojo
Bottom Line:
Ignore all the Q's about lack of granny gear (I have old old runners knees) and it is a minimal difference. It works superbly with virtually no maintenance. The lack of crossover gear ratios ensure less triple+ shifts, the only negative is on the mojo sl, 2010 set up I have it is mighty close between the outer chainring and the chainstay, there is no flex though and so far no issues. It aint cheap but you get what you pay for - faultless in all riding from 8 hour enduro's to all mountain climb/ descent, dust, heat, sun, mud, rain....
Strengths: Light weight! Perfect Ratios. Shifting is fantastic! Love the shifters
Weaknesses: Chainrings wear fast, The sram 10 sp chain wears out even faster.
Using for 6 months and am on my 3rd chain, and needed to change the small 26 chainring.
Bottom Line:
Worth the money if you are racing. For everyday use it might be a bit overkill. But now they have new 2x10 coming out in the lower cost kits.
Submitted by
billopilot
a Cross Country Rider
from Santee, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2010
Strengths: Very Light, First time pedaling you can feel the weight difference, Shifts to the big sprocket under load, looks great. Love it, climbs very well. shift is very positive. Running XX shifters, front and rear derailleur, they work great!
Weaknesses: Using the 26/39, could use a little more gear on top. Wish you could do the 26/42 combo but I guess the can not be interchanged
Bottom Line:
Greatest thing that has come along in while in Mountain biking! Do not miss the other gears at all, even with the 39 chain ring I'm still running consistently faster than XTR on my 26 in Bike
Strengths: Excellent gearing, smooth fast shifting, quiet operation, FAST!
Weaknesses: This can be too tall gearing for the average recreational rider. Best suited if you are fit and wants to go fast and race
Bottom Line:
This crankset is truly nice. It feels like you are in the right gear all the time. I have the GXP crankset and it is only a few grams lighter than the my current XTR M970 cranks which I modified to a 2x9. However, with the slightly taller but harder gearing, you tend to go a little faster lap times.
Similar Products Used: XTR M970 converted to Bash/32/24
Bike Setup: Merlin XLM
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
lukesterTC
a Racer
from Norwich, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2010
Strengths: The crankset seems to work amazingly smooth. It is lightweight and strong.
Weaknesses: The bolt attaching the crankset side to the bottom bracket comes loose after each hard ride in the woods. If I torque it too much, it then loads the bottom bracket's bearings and loses spinnability.
Bottom Line:
I love the my XX drivetrain, but I do not understand why my crankset keeps coming loose from the bottom bracket. If anything, riding should tighten the crankset. As far as performance, there are no complaints, but I need to get to the bottom of why the crankset comes loose so frequently.
Submitted by
gearjunkie88
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2010
Strengths: Smooth and exact
Weaknesses: Top gear isn't as big (fast) as my old 3X9 setup. Bottom gear isn't as small as small (easy) as my old 3X9 setup.
Bottom Line:
I'm an adventure racer, so most of my riding is on fire roads, dirt roads, and paved roads, with some singletrack thrown in. The XX drivetrain replaced my old XT drivetrain. The XX shifts smoothly, quickly, and precisely. My only complaint is that the biggest gear isn't as big as my old XT setup. Thus, going downhill on paved roads results in a lower top speed. Likewise, the smallest gear isn't as small... but I haven't had a problem finding a suitable gear for climbing really steep stuff, though. Changing to XX dropped my bike to 24.1 pounds (from 25.2 - medium frame).
Similar Products Used: XTR, XT and SRAM XO. SRAM is just so reliable and just simpley bullet proof.
Bike Setup: Yeti ASR Full XX with Mavic SLR wheels.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
a_ratcliffe
a Racer
from New Castle, In, USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2010
Strengths: This product is light and has good ratios. Perfect for my favorite hilly trails.
Weaknesses: None ... You get what you are paying for with this xx line.
You won't be able to blame your bike if you lose.
Bottom Line:
No drawbacks to this crank and the rest of the set. I love having a little extra clearance. Some of the logs that I go over don't catch the crank like they did with the triple. Weith loss is an added bonus. This product line is geared for racers and enthusiasts, but I love it and I'm just an average rider.
Strengths: Stiff, light, shifts fast, 2 front gears!, perfect ratios with options, works well with shimano shifters and derailluers, looks good
Weaknesses: Heavier than the serious weight weenie options, but that is due to the heavy (6mm thick) chainrings, but this is to improve shift quality, If someone makes light chainrings for this (propietary) BCD, they will be really light.
You need deep pockets. Really deep pockets.
Bottom Line:
I didn't pay full price, (~430?) So I got a screaming deal. I'm running these with shimano dual control brakes/shifters, xtr derailluer, in a 2x9 setup.
These are perfect in every way. Perfect gear ratios, strong, light.
