Advanced Shimano forging technology has made possible a hollow crank arm that maintains strength and rigidity while reducing weight. Special 9-speed design assures that the chainrings shift quickly and positively with the super-narrow 9-speed chain. 4-arm design means increased strength and lateral rigidity with less weight.
Submitted by
Scotty
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto ON Date Reviewed: May 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ravenshoe
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
Price, stiffness (compared to stock crank), smooth hollowtech bearings
Weaknesses:
Stock octalink BB (totally disintegrated after being fully submerged in a stream crossing)
Similar Products Used:
Suntour, truvative Fire X
Bike Setup:
Rocky Vertex 50
Bottom Line:
I have used both the octalink and Hollowtech II versions of the crank on the same bike. The original (octalink) only lasted me a season before i bent a chainring and the BB was shot. it was a solid Crank but i decided to upgrade to the newer style BB and i am so happy i did. the new crank is way stiffer and the bearings are way smoother. also a bit lighter. For the money there is not a better more solid crank. perfect for an upgrade from a internal style BB crank. when you put your foot down these baby's will move you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
roguetrooper
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales Date Reviewed: April 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Brechfa,Wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Tredz,Swansea
Strengths:
Strong, reliable shifting,look great,bargain!
Weaknesses:
Havent encounted any yet!
Similar Products Used:
Top campag from road days...
Bike Setup:
GT hardtail...
Bottom Line:
You cant get better for the money!! And I dont see why you should spend hundreds when you dont need better than this...I have hollowtech II version...fit and forget!! If your after a descent chainset look no further!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Juanito
a Cross Country Rider
from Asia Date Reviewed: December 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Cheap and it works. Good for riders finding their way around their first mtb
Weaknesses:
the splined interface between the crank arms and the chainrings will start to loosen once you start becoming a much fitter rider and really pushing the crank to its limit. eventually the chainrings will just wobble around because the splines no longer fit together properly affecting shifting performance and eventually breaking off the arm itself
Similar Products Used:
other shimano cranks
Bike Setup:
hard tail
Bottom Line:
good for beginners, if you are a fit rider who rides 100kms a week forget about this and buy something stronger.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Redwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampshire, UK Date Reviewed: March 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
internet retailer
Strengths:
Cheap, reliable, good quality finish, reasonably light, shifts well.
Weaknesses:
not the lightest out there
Similar Products Used:
crappy suntour crank
Bottom Line:
I've ridden this crank through 2 winters, mud and rivers included, I've bumped it off kerbs, done a few (small) drops, and smashed them several times into rocks, tree stumps, and the sides of ruts.
the cranks are still true, don't creak, and look pretty good once cleaned up.
the rings have always shifted well, and seem to last forever - The joys of steel - bit of extra weight but cost peanuts to replace and last ages. I have never had chainsuck with them and they've been bathed in mud most weekends.
for the price - bargain basement - they are quality cranks for the average Joe rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Andersen
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: February 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
McDowell Mtn Loops
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Exhale Bikes
Strengths:
Good, reliable, inexpensive crankset.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Bike Setup:
Specialized hardtail.
Bottom Line:
When I bought my hardtail way back in 2001, the cranks that came with the bike were replaced with these basic Deore Hollowtech cranks--the FCM510 model, 175mm (square taper bottom bracket).
I'm only replacing them now (in Feb. 2007!) b/c the chainrings are worn out and it's cheaper to buy a replacement crankset than new chainrings. I'm replacing these cranks with the same exact model, which I found for $39.99 at CBD (look it up online).
I've raced cross-country and 24-hour races on my hardtail with these cranks, and never, ever had a problem with them. Can't be beat for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LanTHrusteR
a Downhiller
from Russia, Moscow Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Velomir
Strengths:
Low weight, nice look.
Weaknesses:
This crank is designed for quadra hub. The CrMo cartridge quadra peg is connected to the aluminium crank hub. This and the similar consturctions are weak by design and are not suitable if you're not shy to put amplitude into your driving. In approximately one year of intense riding the crank hub will accumulate metal fatigue enough for it to deform. This deformation leads the construction to loose tightness first and then expect to find your crank somewhere in the bushes.
Similar Products Used:
Acera, Deore, RPM, FSA Pounder
Bottom Line:
If you're not a child and driving hard do not be fooled by the illusion that CrMo peg is capable to sit in the aluminium or duraluminum hub and withstand all those pressures long. It won't I've been through many quadra hubs of different makers through different cartridges. All of them will fail you as soon as your driving improves and you're not afraid to put full amplitude into your motions. Prefer CrMo pistoned cranks instead, something alike FSA Pounder. If CrMo pistoned cranks are too expensive - try to avoid quadra hubs and pegs, use torx like ones - they will serve you longer.
Yet, you do not have to be afraid to buy them unless you're sure that you will break them. These cranks are good for saunters, weekend rides with a little extreme too, yet they are not suitable even for middle amplitude bunny hops. That might be an indicator - if you do not know how to bunny hop - these cranks will probably last for ever. You you can bunny hop at 35kmph covering 2.5-3 meters in you jump - they won't last a month. If you're an average bunny hoper - may a year, or two at max.
If you buy quadra of another maker, RPM for example - the story will repeat... this is design failure. Just think of it - quadra CrMo pegs are connected with cast al or dural hubs. The effect is just like you're trying to screw in an Allen bolt. You know what happens if you put just a little bit more pressure on aluminium Allen with CrMo tools.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joey marroquin
a Weekend Warrior
from the I E CA. Date Reviewed: November 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
hisperia
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
strong and light and durable
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
truvativ and other deore
Bike Setup:
bought it with surly instigator orange frame rock psylo forks deore everything including disc brakes and rhyno lyte rims and big cheese orange/green grips
Bottom Line:
I'm 6'2" and 325lbs and dowhill with 4-6 ft drops then level off to some 8 miles of trail riding every other weekend and two miles of street riding and curb jumping everyday for the past four years with these same cranks!! Its like a lemon car, when you get a bad one it does'nt matter the brand or setup your going down! so far this has been a good one although now i do notice the flex and i've only tightened them once but i don't care these have been good to me. it should hold up one last season then go back to some chromed cromolys with bmx pedals. five fat donkey chillis for the worker who put these cranks together, good job bro!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Butch Kapau-an
a Cross Country Rider
from Davao City,Philippines Date Reviewed: April 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
samal island
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Edzaldi's
Strengths:
Rigid..and easy shifting. . .extra light weight(thanx to hollowtech technology)..compared to previus crankset...and its SHIMANO
Weaknesses:
black paint rubs off easily
Similar Products Used:
Sugino Crankset..came with bike purchased
Bike Setup:
xt deore (rear and front derailleur),ig narrow chain,hyperglide 8 speed cassette,xt deore shifters,K2-Bayside frame,rockshox-judy front suspension,xtm rims,continental vapor tires (2.1),sunrace juju hubs with disk brakes
Bottom Line:
for price paid...extremly worth it!!!! no regrets
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian
a
from Montreal,QC Date Reviewed: September 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Light and durable
Weaknesses:
Keeps creaking all the time due to the fact that the arms are hollow.
Bike Setup:
all deore drivetrain, Shimano Acera hub
Bottom Line:
I will try something else than Shimano next time. Race face or Truvativ seems to be decent products
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reilly
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmer Lake, Colorado Date Reviewed: June 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Stoopid Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
smooth shifting, looks good, low friction chainrings, pretty light, strong for a deore, price may be the biggest factor.
Weaknesses:
i wish the last chainring was a 42 instead of a 44, just to get that last bit of clearence. hollow-tech just doesn't sound that reassuring does it?
Similar Products Used:
giant alloy 22/32/42 that came stock on my bike. also tru-vativ and shimano deore LX cranks
Bike Setup:
almost stock '04 giant warp ds2 with completely new shimano drivetrain except for sram chain, riding on kenda 2.35 extreme mtb tires.
Bottom Line:
really good crank for the money. my stock giant crank wore out on me. giant is a great company and all but i think they should just stick to making bikes and subjects of that matter. compared to my last crank, this 1 feels like heaven. fast and smooth shifting, light weight, and yes even rigid strength, despite the hollowtech arms. i have taken it off 4-5 foot drop to flats with out any slight budge or unwanted movement. if it weren't for the 44t last ring, it would have gotten 5 chilis overall. but definently 5 on value.
this crank handles well with the freeriding i do. i have never broken or bent a tooth, it has never sliped, knock on wood, and it climbs well. get this crank if your low on cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Downhiller
from Aurora Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: April 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
friends garadge
Strengths:
I actually use them for freeriding and they hold up quite fine under drops and hard riding
Weaknesses:
I use them for pretty big stuff so every time I look down and see "hollow tech" I just keep getting scared its gunna bend on my next drop
Similar Products Used:
truvativ iso flow and my hussefelt isis but they feel alot stiffer
Bike Setup:
everything is over kill
Bottom Line:
good for the price but the should have them as an isis crank
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hui Chuen Chuang
a Weekend Warrior
from Penang, Malaysia Date Reviewed: January 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
near my house
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Sim Cycle
Strengths:
Light, Looks good. stiff
Weaknesses:
so far so good
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
lx FD, altus RD
Bottom Line:
quite a good crank. strong
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bernard miranda
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, Laguna Philippines Date Reviewed: January 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Laguna de Bay sea side in Sta. Cruz
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Cartimar - Wheelers
Strengths:
Sturdy, Robust, Not that really heavy coz it's a hollowtech
Weaknesses:
Nothing (except for the impression that it's "only" a Deore to other elite cyclist, -no big deal as long as it does the job of driving the bike )
Similar Products Used:
Truvativ, older Deore XT (square ed), old Muddy Fox and FSA
Bike Setup:
Jamis Komodo FX Black, straight Dere Hydros Group, directional insertion hubs type, Taurus Rigida rims, Maxxis 26 x 2.35 , amoeba scud bars and stem, FSA da Pig Head set.
Bottom Line:
A good choice for the not so crazy individual who just want to ride their bike for hobby and exercise. But others (here ) are using it on local races, so I should say that this crank can do all the jobs as the higher model does.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Llloyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Cebu, The Philippines Date Reviewed: January 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Limbros (Mandaue Branch)
Strengths:
Price wise its cheap... but hey, don't be fooled by the price... it performs great... just like the big ones out there...
Weaknesses:
None... I don't see its weight as a weakness... you can not notice the diffference once you'll install one on your bike...
Just a tip... if you hear noises/squeaks during pedalling try to remove the pedals and crank arms and put grease on it...
Similar Products Used:
None... I only used this crank set... mine is silver (hollow tech) and still uses the good old squared bottom bracket...
Bike Setup:
SR Suntour XC Pro E front fork, Mosso slalon-M1 frame, Shimano Deore LX FD, Shimano Deore XT RD, Shimano Deore LX shifter, Avid Speed Dial 7 lever, Ameoba Borla control set and stem, Mavic DeeMax wheels, Maxxis Kraken tires, Shimano Deore XT hub, Avid Ball Bearing 5 disc brake (203mm rotor), Shimano Deore Hollowtech crankset, Shimano pedal PD515, Amoeba seat post (carbon fiber), Amoeba saddle
Bottom Line:
This crankset is a bang for the buck... its performance is solid on every use... I recommend this crankset to anyone who is looking for a good performing crankset and opted to use the savings made to purchase another bike part...
Personally, I'm very satisfied with it... had use this baby for cross country and some light free riding stuff. To this writing, it had served me 1500 kms though... and still counting...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Beaverdam South Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Looks good in black. Price.
Weaknesses:
none, considering price paid and intended use.
Similar Products Used:
1999 LX Cranks, 2004 LX Cranks
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Race, XT Deraileurs and shifters, Avid brakes
Bottom Line:
They crank, they didn't cost much, they are black, they weigh the same or less than the LX cranks that came on the bike in 1999. I don't race and am not a weight weenie. I didn't want to have to buy a new bottom bracket, so I went with these when I saw them on sale at Nashbar for 50 bucks. They are hollowtech and look good with my Aztec Gold bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil McGarry
a Cross Country Rider
from Highlands NJ 07732 Date Reviewed: November 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
hartshorne woods
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Eki Cyclery Honolulu HI
Strengths:
Decent enough since I am not a pro and I just like to get out and ride.
Weaknesses:
It seems that the bolt holding the left side crankarm comes looses at the most inopertune times. More of a pain the a$$ then anything
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M-80
Bottom Line:
I was pretty miffed that the scumbags at the shop I bought them at overcharged me but my mistake. I think that they are not bad but the whole loose nut thing pisses me off. I am going to try the locktight thing on em. Whoever posted that idea thanks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Weekend Warrior
from West Windsor Date Reviewed: October 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
R&D
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Pay's
Strengths:
Build and Price
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Icon Sterling and Graphite. Shimano M-440. Bontrager Race.
My goal was to upgrade and not break the bank. For under $100 the Deore offers strong crank arms and interfaces very well with top of the line Shimano components such as XT. The two inner rings are made of steel and can take a beating. If properly set-up, the Deore provides butter smooth shifting and reliability. The only drawback is weight, which is approximately 750g. All in all, a great value.
Bottom Line:
All in all, a great value. This offering has the looks and build quality of products costing twice the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cory
a Weekend Warrior
from peoria, il Date Reviewed: October 6, 2004
I upgraded the old crankset on the F200 from the Old shimano system that was on it. The Deore setup in great. I didnt realize how much the other system sucked. It is much better than the bontrager setup on my other bike. The crankset if failry light and it wont break the bank. If you are looking for a good quality crankset than go with the Deore. I am sure there are other cranksets that are better but unless you are a racer i really dont see the need.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Maybe they're cheap? Look good. They work.
Weaknesses:
Very flexy. Chain-rings bend easily
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX and XT cranks
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Gemini
Bottom Line:
I thought that the reason my bike sapped so much power from me was due to the full suspension. I found a good deal on XT cranks and replaced my Deore's. All of the sudden my drive train is so much more responsive and I can pedal a lot longer without getting tired. I had no idea that these deore cranks sucked that much. Bottom line is they're fine if you haven't tried anything else. But if you upgrade you'll be left wondering how you ever dealt with those flexy cranks. (I weigh 165lbs)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyson
a Weekend Warrior
from Idaho Falls, Idaho, U.S.A Date Reviewed: June 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
cheap, did well for a little while
Weaknesses:
squeaks, and i can't get it to stop. Chain rings bend pretty easily
Similar Products Used:
sugino impel
Bike Setup:
Oryx Freak 250, and a Gary Fisher Hoo koo e koo
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a cheap, disposable crank that will last a little while till you can get a little more money to buy a real crank, or if you just take really easy rides, this crank is a really good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jiri
a Racer
from Renton Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
forplay
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Freaking stong, i've gone off of 7 foot drops (yeah actuall 7 foot drops) and they are still good, i use them on my XC bike which is a schwinn rocket 88 with like 3 inches front and rear. so the drop wasnt all soaked up in the suspension.
Weaknesses:
Black paint rubs of ( OH MY GOD!!)
Similar Products Used:
umm strongarm
Bike Setup:
rocket 88 everything on it is crappy
Bottom Line:
If you dont have alot of money and need a crank on your hucking bike or your XC bike that you dont want to worry about then you should get this crank. For only 65 buks its not bad. i havent had any problems on it and i ride the hell out of them. P.S. i weigh 135 pounds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Magical M
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston Date Reviewed: April 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Cycle1sy.com
Strengths:
well construsted with faultless shifting. Stiff and well matched with the dedicated octalink bottom bracket. Very good value for money.
Weaknesses:
At this price point it is impossible to fault it.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano: Tourney, Altus, Alivio, STX, STX/RC, LX, XT, XTR. Middleburn, Truvativ, FSA, Strongarm & Son of Strongarm.
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision, Marzocchi Marathon, all XT apart from the Crank & B/B. Hope Mini Discs, Hope hubs on Mavic XC717 Disc rims, Easton ancilliaries.
Bottom Line:
I am no fan of Shimano but it's important to differenciate the quality items it produces from the questionable products. The Deore Crank is excellent. I'm talking about the Hollowtech Octalink Crank. I replaced my XT Crank with this. Why? Because there is absolutely No functional difference between the two what so ever. There is a weight difference of course, principally due to the Deore Crank having the middle ring as well as the small ring made of steel as opposed to alloy. The Deore is therefore slightly heavier than the XT but not prohibitively so and is considerably cheaper. I can't justify paying more for a crank, the shifting is superb. If you are desperate for very light parts then you may need to consider something else but be clear the lighter the product the less durable. And if you can purchase the Deore Crank as cheaply as I did then it's an absolute bargain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Liam
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
lasted a year of hard riding, did well really
Weaknesses:
stripped the internal thread when trying to get it off, aghhh trouble, creaks after a year of riding, probably not surprising, it's done well over 1000 kms, then several weeks ago the middle chainring bent on a soft ride, rather buggered now, can't use the middle chainring, oh yeah can't get the crank arm off, anyone got a suggestion that won't brake the rest of the surrounding bike, sandy tracks near home ate through teh chainrings rather quickly,
Bike Setup:
marin 2002 rocky ridge improvments/modifications when things have been broken
Bottom Line:
it works and it's relativly inexpensive to replace, lasted a lot of km's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from northwest Date Reviewed: November 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
it works.
Weaknesses:
weak.
Similar Products Used:
none so far
Bike Setup:
wal-mart!
Bottom Line:
splines where chainring meets crank now wobble back and fourth about 1/4 inch. LBS said cant be repaired. I am 6'4" 250 pounds and I dont do crazy dropoffs. If you are a big guy think twice about getting these things spend some money on your cranks and BB they are the heart of your bike. Maybe they would work fine for a lighter guy? They did me alright for about 5 months, so they do last a little while. They are cheap and do work (just not for long) so 3 for value and 2 for overal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
barney rubble
a Cross Country Rider
from uk Date Reviewed: October 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Look great in chrome finish, reasonably light, strong and you can get a proper 48t big ring for it so you don't top out at 20mph. Good price too.
Weaknesses:
none I've come across yet. The fashion victim won't like it cos it's not Raceface.
Similar Products Used:
Mountain LX, Deore XT, Alivio
Bike Setup:
Modified Scott Voltage
Bottom Line:
Excellent value. Best tradeoff crank between weight, performance and price out there. Strong, rigid, fairly light and shifts the chain lovely.
Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Cross Country Rider
from West Windsor Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
R&D
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Jay's
Strengths:
Very Well Built
Weaknesses:
785g
Similar Products Used:
Icon Graphite (688g), Icon Sterling (675g), and M340 (898g)
The 2003 Deore crank is a great value for the money. It is very well made, and strong (2 & 3 Steel Rings). This product caters to is a crank for mid-priced offerings such as the Trek 4900 or Trek 6700. LX offers ISIS drive and a 647g, which whould appeal to the racing set. It will also cost you more than twice the price of the standard Deore when a decent BB is added.
If you want a strong, nice looking, and inexpensive crank, the 2003 Deore is hard to beat. Trek should make this the standard crank on the 4900 (M340) and the Trek 6700 (M440). At this price none better.
Thank You Russ
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
oystein larsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Norway Date Reviewed: August 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Østfoldskogene
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
butikken
Strengths:
well......!
Weaknesses:
It eats chains. Middel rings bent very early. Makes a lot of noise. I have used it for about 1200km and its worn out. the crank broke down on the startline on "Birkebeiner rittet" the worlds probably biggest terrain race with 13000 men and woman starting. If I had seen one of the shimano guys he better have start running very quik!!!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
a Scott veil with deore all over, mavic 517 rear weel, and some kind of hong Kong front weel, and a lovly selle seat under my ass.
Bottom Line:
Probably an ok crank, but I am a havy guy with powerful push and pull. I need somthing else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brad
a Cross Country Rider
from tulsa,ok,usa Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
lowchi
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
ttown
Strengths:
works good on smooth trails
Weaknesses:
crank arms are weak gears chain dont stay on gears on extreme riding. tad bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
xt cranks much better value.
Bike Setup:
current bike is : santa cruise super light, sid team, all xt, hayes mechanical disc brakes
I bent outer chainring after bashing against a railroad tie, (not the cranks fault). Then I stripped crank while using crank puller, ruined entire crank, used it because now I can't get it off the bottom bracket, (ugh) well now the middle chainring bent during a ride for some reason, bent it back with a rock, but no longer usable at all.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized son of strongarm
Bike Setup:
Marin Alpine, w/8 speed setup
Bottom Line:
Buy only if find very cheap, like when I found mine, but mine did not last very long at all. I have yet to saw my crank off my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from baltimore, md USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
loch raven
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
the shop
Strengths:
price designs shared w/higher end shimano still uses 44T
Weaknesses:
still runnin square taper version still love 5 bolts although this is a good '4
Similar Products Used:
XT 737 LX 5-bolt
Bike Setup:
Ibis Alibi LX/XT/XTR Ringle/syncros/easton/Panaracer/Oury/Selle italia etc etc
Bottom Line:
sneaky good crank 4 the money. many c shimano as the anti-christ w/quite a few of their products and 'planned obsolesence', but this is a good 1. i love 5bolts, but i needed a crank 4 this bike and the price was right, especially when i dont wanna move up 2 a 46/48T. its a lil heavy, but then i look at my winter gut lol.4 the bread its a winner. need 9spd? wanna a good value thats winnin over critics (ie hardened riders), buy this crank.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tipsy Russell
a Downhiller
from Pawcatuck Date Reviewed: March 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
That one....
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
My friend gave them to me for a coffee
Strengths:
These are really sharp looking cranks. Even though they are shimano and are deore-they still hold up under most riding conditions. I ride trials and with my new bike im still landing EXTREMELY hard and wierd, but the cranks hold up very well. Very light.
Weaknesses:
Umm....I think i have older ones-the big rind is riveted on. But no problem-a screwdriver and malot can fix that. But thats it.
Similar Products Used:
Uhh, the LX cranks that i had before-what crap!!
Bike Setup:
GT Agressor 2.0 with Mavic rims, XT V's (remember this is trials) Panaracer Fire XCs ~for now~ and a super blown, no springs left at all Jett fork. (Perfect for learning how to land smooth. Trust me)
Bottom Line:
These cranks are very very good. I would keep buying them if I ever payed back my friends and family for the bikes that theyve bought me. But-I havent-so im stuck with these for a while (hopefully). So anyway-good cranks, light weight, snazzy lookin' ....hehe..... yea, buy them. Their worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Budget Guy
a Weekend Warrior
from Benbrook, Tx. Date Reviewed: February 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The one just over the hill...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Bicyles Inc.
Strengths:
Much more ethetically pleasing to the eye than the toy Shimano crank that came stock on my bike. It seems to be sturdier/lighter as well as have a higher top end at speed. After reading the product reviews here prior to my purchase, I elected for the aluminum finish vs. the black wanting to keep the bike looking better 4 longer. I'm an old guy, 190+lbs. not out to jump 6'~8' drops, just wanting more quality & less toy look for the $'s. I'll leave the hard core reviews to the pro's!
For the $'s saved and the final outcome when it's rolled outside for it's first test ride, it's a blast!
I'm happy that I decided to read up here before I walked in blind to the LBS and you won't go wrong with this product. Provided it's used within it's limits,(not yours).
Overall an excellent upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Crofton MD Date Reviewed: February 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Arundel High School
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Bike Doctor of Crofton
Strengths:
Black is cool. If it rubs off, that's kind of bad, but it's not a huge deal. 44/32/22 setup is very nice, giving me more top end speed than I used to have. Hollowtech is good...
Weaknesses:
Not that light, plus the powdercoating wears off. Oh well.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized solid aluminum crankset, SR suntour
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock 2000 Deore drivetrain, LX hubs, Sun and Mavic rims
Bottom Line:
Excellent value for the money. The basic crankset is not splined; this is why I bought Deore instead of going for LX (I didn't want to have to replace my bottom bracket). Affordable Hollowtech... If you can find a better crank for this price I'd love to see it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RUSTY
a Racer
from TASMANIA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
MOUNTAIN
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
lasts a while
Weaknesses:
snapped at the part where the crank bolts on to the shaft i have taken a 10 foot+ drop and other things u proberbly shouldnt do
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
NORCO KOKANEE funn bars, rhyno lite rim wtb seat and tyres new damn cranks soon
Bottom Line:
pretty strong know there limits do what u should on them no huge jumps or drops
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher Van Hulsentop
a Downhiller
from Townsville, QLD, Aus Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oceania
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Tonys Bikes
Strengths:
Hollow Strength Weight Reliable
Weaknesses:
If installed wrong they creak like all hell Bolts need constant tightening Paint comes off easily (but whats looks to performance) Flex a little (but all cranks do)
Similar Products Used:
Cheaper Cranks
Bike Setup:
D521 Rims, hollowtech cranks, deore drivetrain, hussefelt 2 chainguide, deore disc hubs, amoeba dh handlebars, pazzaz short stem, AND NOW FOR THE STUPID PART 99 model specialized hardrock fs frame (had to gusset the thing for the third time) and 99 jett c forks.
Bottom Line:
Good cranks, they aint broke on me yet and don't look like they are going too. But as i said if they are installed wrong the creaking is annoying as hell, it cannot be stopped
- pretty strong & stiff - my crank is not an octalinc version, so there was no need for a new bb - 44 teeth, 175 arm - hollowtech = rather light - my came with a plastic shield on the big ring, so i never had problems with laces and pants drawn into the crank and torn... heh! - very reasonable price - after all, it looks nice with my entirely black bike what else one should expect from a $50 crank?
Weaknesses:
- middle ring wears out pretty quickly though i always timely replace the chain, and use rather good ones. - black paint starts to shrink where it's rubbed - bolts requre often "tightening" (how is it in English?) - eh... no more, i guess,... oh yeah! it doesn't speak in verses...
Similar Products Used:
alivio, Deore, shimano m440, santour, tried some truvatives and xt.
of course there are better product on the market, but if you're not bike-upgrade obsessed but rather riding-obsessed (though i am, actually, both), plus you don't want to spend a great deal of hard earned bucks for the crank, this is the right product for you. price is 100% resonable for it. it's fine for the non-professional racer or XC rider. it simply does what it's designed for and does it well enough. middle ring replacement is not sky-high expensive. i'm very much satisfied with it. and who relly gives a F*** about the paint. you won't regreat it if you buy this
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Cranbrook, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
"The one I haven't ridden yet"
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Fun Hogz Gear Exgange
Strengths:
Looks Good, Hollow tech is sweet, not that pricey, works good, and runs smooth. It seems really strong too.
Weaknesses:
I haven't really used it long enough to tell.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX hollow tech
Bike Setup:
Its a Giant hardtail, Manitou forks,m Ryhno lite rims, Axiom DH seat, two chainrings with a raceface bash gaurd.
Bottom Line:
This is an awsome crank! I use it for Dirt Jumps, DH, trials, aggresive single track, urban, and just ridin' around. I love It! Its not as expensive as an LX. Its super tough! Buy it today!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from ort wayne, in, usa Date Reviewed: October 8, 2002
I've been two years on the Deore crank, and it was only last month that my middle ring took a dump. The weight savings was immediately noticeable over the POS that came stock on my bike. I figure it's only because I weigh 230 and hammer hard at times that I feel any flex at all. Now that Deore comes splined, I have no real reason to even go LX. (The splined setup, properly prepped, is better.) My sister's bike will get my old Deore with a new middle ring, and my new bike will get new Deore. It ROCKS!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SGT. ROCK
a Racer
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: September 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Inexpensive Almost as light as LX/XT Don't squeek
Weaknesses:
Black finish rubs off
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, RF Prodigy
Bottom Line:
I bought a new XC hardtail in 2000 that came with the then new Race Face Prodigy crank. Now that was a piece of crap. Heavy, weak (broke two teeth off the middle ring in 10 hours riding)and severe chainsucking. Replaced it with a Deore, all three problems eliminated. The only problem with the Deore is the nice black finish comes off way too easy. Deduct one point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent Doxtater
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Light, Cheap, Tough as nails
Weaknesses:
The fact that they say Shimano Deore on the side ... these cranks can easily hold there own with cranks double and even triple the cost.
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Giant AC/1 - Rock Shox Duke SL
Bottom Line:
These cranks may not looks as nice as some of the more expensive crank sets out there ... but for the price you cannot go wrong. I have destroyed almost every component that can be attached to a bike and these cranks have almost lasted me a year now. I did however recently replace the large chain ring with a raceface bash guard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Thunder Bay ON Canada Date Reviewed: August 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Bailey's Cycle and Ski
Strengths:
Stiffness, Shifting ability, colour combo's, works fine with 8 speed setup
Weaknesses:
Squeaky when chain is not well lubed, heavy
Similar Products Used:
Alivio
Bike Setup:
8 speed chain and cassette. deore front and lx rear derailer un72 bb
Bottom Line:
For the cost of these cranks you can't go wrong. I'm a bigger guy and have not had any issues with stiffness. These are the Square taper version. I haven't any creaking like I've been told happens on the LX splined version. I would definately recommend this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Gorham Maine USA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
River Trail Portland
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Sebago Outfitters
Strengths:
Cheap, good looking, stong.
Weaknesses:
Square BB (Big deal, i'm small, it works, plus the square BB are cheaper anyways) Pain Rubs off. Middle ring is pretty worn after a year of heavy abuse
Similar Products Used:
LX, Alivio, FSA
Bike Setup:
KHS Team frame w/ XT, SRAM, Judy Race, Thomson, Titec
Bottom Line:
These work. They may be heavy and not have the prestige that XT and XTR have, but they do the job. I'll be getting XT next because they are gorgeous, but really, the Deore do the trick just fine. If i can get a year and a half out of a crankset, i'm very happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Emo
a Cross Country Rider
from Courtice Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
hwy 57
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Sport Exchange
Strengths:
It's Stiff, Looks cool, long crank arms
Weaknesses:
Chain slips on gears when shifting
Similar Products Used:
Shimano ..................
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX 860
Bottom Line:
It's a good crank but suggest spending a little more for bottom end RaceFace crank
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BigRed
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, OH Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on my monkey
Strengths:
Look great, feel strong, match my matte finish pedals and frame.
Weaknesses:
The plight of every product used by Clydesdales: WEAK (but no too bad), pedal mount holes get shredded by pedals!
Similar Products Used:
Old Suntour crank, old Shimano LX crank, Crank Yankers TV show?
Bike Setup:
K2 Flying Monkey, full deore, soon gonna have Avid Mech discs!!!
Bottom Line:
I see a lot of whining about the matte color... well, it's true, matte finishes don't stay that way, but I honestly don't give a rat's patoot. Function is what I'm after. On the trail when I was staying on the middle ring, they worked great. Doing trials on the inner ring... no complaint. But motoring down the road at 30 mph on the outer ring, every stroke would get the chain to hit the deraileur. I am 280 lbs, but this never happened on my Mt. Shasta Pachanga Comp (ca. 1992, if you know what it is, wow!). It has a suntour crank on it (when suntour had a chance against shimano). Now this could be the bottom bracket, so don't count it out yet. The pedal mount problem is just odd. Putting pedals on the way they should gouges the arm! What's up with that? Overall, if you are a little dude (175 lbs or less), go hog wild. Clydesdales: be forewarned...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Harbin Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Stiff, price
Weaknesses:
powder coat rubs off, chainrings don't seem to last long, interface w/BB a little squeaky(use some plumber's teflon tape to stop it)
Similar Products Used:
RaceFace Next LP, Specialized Strongarm, Sugino, Coda, etc.
Bike Setup:
Giant 6061, Manitou w/Eko air, XT drivetrain
Bottom Line:
These were so popular that when I ordered them, they were on a 6 week backorder. When they came, the wait was well worth it. Very stiff. Reasonably light. The only thing is that the rings wore out fairly quick compared to my dad's RaceFace(I'm only 16). Stiffer than Coda & Specialized but definitely not as stiff as the Next LP's. What did you expect from a crank that costs $60 vs. $400. Buy these and put teflon tape on your spindle and black electrical tape on the arms where the powder coat gets rubbed off. Nirvana.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josip
a
from Zagreb, Croatia Date Reviewed: July 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Strong, durable, stiff (for that money)
Weaknesses:
paint comes off, no red color
Similar Products Used:
LX, STXRC
Bike Setup:
Trials setup
Bottom Line:
I really dont know why are all of you complain. I ride trials and ABUSE them. I have 70 kilos and have landed on my bashguard hundreds of times without any damage. Cranks are stiff and have a good feel. Somebody said they squeak - mine dont, and that the spider is attached by glue? -dunno but doubt that glue would take such abuse. Overall good cranks (dunno bout the rings -took them off)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
white rasta
a Cross Country Rider
from L Town Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
mother earth
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very little flex
Weaknesses:
These cranks are really squeaky, so squeaky they hurt my ears even applied grease to em and that didn't help, I end up scaring away all the animals on the trail, and the paint rubs off too easily!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano stx-rc
Bike Setup:
full suspension bruiser
Bottom Line:
There cheap and know I know why.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oliver
a Racer
from Berlin Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
City and woods
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Cheap, good looking
Weaknesses:
The spider brakes off the crank. (not the metall, but the "glue" between it. The chains did not least long.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Ghost with deore/LX mix
Bottom Line:
It is light and cheap and looks good. But overall do not take the 4 side axle (waht is The black color scratch easily
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Dreimanis
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, SA, Australia Date Reviewed: March 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Narrow Neck - Blue Mountains
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
- strong design - Deore finally gets Octalink
Weaknesses:
- black crank arms scratch easily
Similar Products Used:
Deore (w/o Octalink), SR Suntour (no comparison really)
Bottom Line:
These cranks kick some serious arse for the price. The new Octalink design makes them virtually flex-free, and considering the price difference for what you get, I couldn't justify upgrading to LX or above. Just make sure you order the ones with the silver crank arms, as my black ones are all scratched and it easily shows up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Mack
a
from Brisbane Australia Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Riders Cyclery
Strengths:
Has 44 teeth on lge chainwheel Strong but light - little flex Looks Great
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
The garbage that came stock - some crappy Shimano toy crank
Bike Setup:
2 Wheels handlebars and seat
Bottom Line:
My bike has a good frame loaded with garbage components that I'm slowly replacing one by one. These cranks really improved my bike - I don't know why MTB come with 42 teeth chainwheels - just don't get enough top end - these are sweet and I highly recommend them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alec
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
somewhat light.
Weaknesses:
Weak
Similar Products Used:
Race Face Prodigy DH crankset
Bike Setup:
Norco Nitro w/ '02 X-Fly, Hayes 6" hydraulic front+back
Bottom Line:
The right arm bent in after bashing a few rocks off the side of it.
My friend noticed the curved in crank then went to my LBS and compared the crank to a new one and saw that mine was bent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedro
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Nashabr
Strengths:
Everything. Stiff, plenty o' teeth, light, hollow, BLACK.
Weaknesses:
uh.
Similar Products Used:
LX cranks, Alivio
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000, X-Vert Air, Hayes disc front & back, Bontrager rims, LX all round
Bottom Line:
Good stuff. Why pay 100 bucks more when you only lose 50g and will trash it in the same amount of time?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spraduke
a
from wiltshire,england Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
batcheleors, warminster
Strengths:
very reasonable price, £50 and cheaper. Look call. reasonable weight. good power put down, strong.
Weaknesses:
i aint found any
Similar Products Used:
sh*it suntour
Bike Setup:
P7, mavic 517, minis, Z5's
Bottom Line:
An excellent crank at a very reasonable price, they have a good weight and i havent discovered a single weakness, im sure the more you spend the better you get but for the money i doubt you can beat it. Smooth shiftin and the 44t ring allows a much larger gear than my previous cranks. And also they come in a variety of black and silver combo to suit your bike. highly recommended
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy ( Dent ) Arnold
a Cross Country Rider
from Arden, North Carolina , USA Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bicycle Post ( Greenville, N.C), Bent Creek (Asheville)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$57.00
Purchased At:
Epic Cycles (Black Mountain,some good guys)
Strengths:
Strong light weight cranks that don't get enough justice.These cranks are affordable,light wieght, and are incredibly stiff
Weaknesses:
none expected
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Alivio Cranks,Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Raliegh M-80,Pure Deore Drivetrain,Orbit Headset,Selle Italia Flite gel saddle,icon clipless pedals,Mavic FRont rim,Alex rear rim.
Bottom Line:
THis is a awsome buy.THese cranks have no flex under extreme cranking.Recommend to any cross country or weekend warrior or any who hasn't fallen into the High end above $200 crank is the best crap.This crank just plain rules.I'll give it a 5 flamin chilis for a great crank that will leave you a little for that sports drink.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul pinkard
a Weekend Warrior
from British Isles Date Reviewed: December 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Aston hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
halfords newbury
Strengths:
light wieght thx to hollowtech technology. stiff and durable with stands jumping
Weaknesses:
needs to be keep well greased.
Similar Products Used:
shimano alivo Dmr chieftans
Bike Setup:
scott with psylos shimano shifters [dirt jumper/dual slalom
Bottom Line:
exelent crank for money , shifts like a real beast and withstands a huge amount of abuse.light weight crank and can withstand big impact drops and dirt jumping. A good crank if you do nott wish to convert to single ring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: December 24, 2001
This crankset has taken a lot of abuse from me. I raced in the 24 Hours of Moab, wrecked hard and it still pedals smooth. I jump with it and have bashed it into a ton of rocks and I still have yet to bed a tooth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
serpico
a Cross Country Rider
from washington Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
strong,price,quality
Weaknesses:
paint wears off easily,not a very large selection of different size chainrings
Similar Products Used:
shimano Lx,alivio
Bike Setup:
haro hardtail converted to singlespeed
Bottom Line:
a very good crank for the money. works well as a singlespeed crank. singlespeeds are hard on drivetrains,but this crank holds up well to the task.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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