The Saint cranks are completely trustworthy, drop after drop, run after run. Its Hollowtech II design integrates crankarms & bottom bracket into a single unit with a beefy spindle, large-diameter bearings and ultra-wide bearing spacing for maximum rigidity and strength.1114g
Submitted by
intensekid9
a Racer
from st.albert,alberta,canada Date Reviewed: August 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
and where i can ride
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
go bike
Strengths:
stiffer than any other crank i've ridden, spider WAS nice and true, great for bmx racing
Weaknesses:
if spiders break you have one very expensive paper wieght (crashed mid pack in a race and two guy ran my bike over at full speed resulting in a bent spider....tried to bend it back and it snapped)
Similar Products Used:
truvativ, supercross
Bike Setup:
2007 hyper assualt pro xxl, loaded with top race parts
Bottom Line:
great cranks, already got another set, love them, stiff, strong, look mean, if the spider isnt hit too hard you'll be good, buy em'
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hora
a Weekend Warrior
from Mancland, England Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Glentress V trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
I actually cant remember when I bought the Saints (I think 4 or 5years ago when they first came out?). I also dont think about them much. They are there and they do what they are supposed to with no problems. I've been through a fair few BB's though.
Weaknesses:
Severe heel rub on the driveside crank- possibly due to me running with my DX's totally screwed open though for maximum float
Similar Products Used:
Err everything!
Bike Setup:
The Saints have been on everything I've owned.
Bottom Line:
Fitted them myself with no prior knowledge- a true fit and forget crankset for heavier riders (bar the BB's bearings of course)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scrapps
a Racer
from Brooklyn Date Reviewed: December 12, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Strong and, wel hell, STRONG! I'm a big dude who beats the living crap out of my ride on NYC streets.
Weaknesses:
The plastic end cap. What a piece. I had to get an aftermarket metal one. Also, careful with the fastening bolts, torque them only to spec and nothing mo'
Bike Setup:
Cona Cowan DS '07, Mavic 717 with Hope Pro hubs, R7 elite up front and Fox Float RP in the rear, BB7 disks.
Bottom Line:
A good crank for jumps and running over pigeons and rats.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trace
a Downhiller
from Shoreline, WA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Strong
Weaknesses:
Non-drive fixing and pinch bolts.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face Evolve DH, Truvativ Hussefelt
Bike Setup:
Transition Dirtbag, 888
Bottom Line:
I've had these for about a year now, and since July they have developed a delightful habit of losing the left side crank arm. This is very inconvenient at, say, Whistler or halfway down CBC. I have tried many things, replacing the lost fixing bolt with the aluminum one and cranking down on the pinch bolts, loctite...now I see why they were such a bargain. Time to complete my Diabolus group, since the Evolve DHs on my Coiler are trouble-free and sturdy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pertti
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Chainreaction
Strengths:
strong, stiff, simple, ... looks good too.
Weaknesses:
Had to tighten the BB a couple of times when new.
Similar Products Used:
LX Hollowtech 2 comes closest
Bike Setup:
AS-X, 34T Saint, E.13 SRS, ...
Bottom Line:
Shimano knows how to make cranks. These just do what you expect tough cranks to do. Mine were installed at the LBS and they made sure the BB shell is square. When new, the BB tended to get a little loose. Apparently the ISCG adapter was partly to blame. Tightening was easy using the Shimano tools but reading the instructions is a must if you have not dealt with Hollowtech 2 before.
Great crank if you are heavy and/or ride hard. Overkill if not.
They are not exactly cheap but that varies depending on where you buy. My value rating reflects Chainreaction's pricing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan
a Weekend Warrior
from rugby Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction cycles
Strengths:
big burly super stif and not to heavy fair price and just keep on going
Weaknesses:
errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr i dont think there are any
Similar Products Used:
shimano deore ( not that its similar at all ) made of chees
Bike Setup:
azonic evo 2 frame, magura phoan fork, hope mono m4 203mm floting saw disks, titec dh bar and stem, saint cranks single 32tooth, dmr chain guid, ex721 rims laced to deore hubs, deore rear meck
Bottom Line:
great cranks for any think good for free ride and for dirtjumping good value for money product its a put on and forget crank and thats about it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Jones
a Downhiller
from canada Date Reviewed: July 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
c.o.p.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
work
Strengths:
Its way lighter then my old crank. makes my bike look nice with my e.thirteen stuff, no problems at all cause its set up right. i dont have to wory about them falling off like i did with tru vativ, once a tru vativ crank falls of, it will alwayse fall off. truvaiv sucks.
Weaknesses:
none at all
Similar Products Used:
tru vativ
Bike Setup:
norco 6, 66vf, codes, dhx5.0
Bottom Line:
so far its my favorite.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY, USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$190.00
Strengths:
STRONG. Period oh, and they take the standard 4-104 BCD so there are a lot of ring options.
Weaknesses:
Weakness? Nah
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
KONA COWAN DS, FULL CUSTOM
Bottom Line:
Strong and reliable. Replacement bearings are relatively cheap. Love 'em
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Racer
from Utard, UT, USA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Stiff, strong and looks oh so good.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
XT, Bontrager, Truvativ, Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance w/ full saint, Fox 36
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best products Shimano has ever come out with. Nothing bad about it. Strong and Stiff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a
from Bellingham, WA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
not really
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strong, they haven't bent yet Smooth bb interface and bearings Light for what they are
Weaknesses:
They fall off mid-ride
Similar Products Used:
RaceFace Diabolus (awesome)
Bike Setup:
lots
Bottom Line:
These cranks have been great for the past year, until they fell off. I like them better than my Diabolus cranks because you can tighten them "just enough".
They fell off mid ride last week. They were installed with a torque wrench according to spec. Turns out that the side cap bolt stripped out and the two pinch bolts proved worthless.
I sent them back to Shimano. While waiting for them to be fixed, my riding bro had the same thing happen to him, mid ride. Now his come loose all the time, like every other ride.
Shimano sent me a brand new pair of cranks in about 3 weeks, but they didn't come with the cap bolt. I'm wondering if they are thinking that I can come up with something better. Who knows?
Overall, these are quite good, but I can't ride cranks that fall off. I guess I'll try the loctite technique and hope for the best. Seems like for a crank designed around hucking and dh they wouldn't fall off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide, Australia Date Reviewed: November 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The Chambers Gully/ Wine Shanty Track/ Horsenell Gully Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Phat. Black.
Weaknesses:
They alloy arms seems to accumilate rock gouges more easily than I might have expected.
Similar Products Used:
XTR M-960, others
Bike Setup:
Bullit, 01 Monsters, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
Simply the phattest, blackest cranks on the market. I just kept staring at them on ebay until I couldn't stand it any longer. Then they became the justification for building-up a Bullit, which I must say has turned out brilliantly. 50% heavier than XTR, but they're 'freeride', right? Can't wait to see what marketing gimmickry Shimano's billion dollar R&D expenditure delivers next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Essex, UK Date Reviewed: November 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Wades Cycles (Price in GBP)
Strengths:
Stiff, stiff, stiff and super strong! Also look pretty smart and bearings are really smooth
Weaknesses:
None as yet
Similar Products Used:
Truvatix Firex Team, Shimano Square taper things
Bike Setup:
Banshee Scirocco - Freeride/Trail build
Bottom Line:
Awesome cranks, super stiff - you can really get the power to the ground with these (not that you'll notice if your riding a full susser!) Despite what people say these are not heavy, they may look it, but they are not - 1114g including BB. Highly recommended
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
these cranks are bulletproof, absolutely no flex, i would never buy another type, saints for life
Weaknesses:
cant think of any, theyve been great so far, and all the people i know love them too
great parts, you can get them at excellent prices on ebay, they will last forever. if youre just learning to bike buy them, they will never break no matter how hack you are
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Looks great, stiff, very easy installation and maintenance.
Bottom Line:
Another great product from Shimano. The Saint cranks are easy to install (and with proper torque on the pinch bolts, the left-side crank will not fall off), and they look fantastic.
Apparently, early versions of the external bearing BB didn't last, but after a year of hard riding, including plenty of rainy days, my BB bearings are still smooth. However, my LBS informed me that improperly prepped frames can lead to accelerated wear on the bearings.
The cranks are about 1/2 lb heavier than an XC set-up, as expected they are super stiff but they're probably overbuilt for anything but the most extreme kind of riding (or really heavy riders).
The plastic bashguard is light and durable, it is also more forgiving than an aluminum one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Iva Maggot
a Downhiller
from Rugely UK Date Reviewed: September 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Deep bumhole
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Leways
Strengths:
Stronger than an a mule, sick n filthy looks, fat axle that'll never snap, choice of rings
Weaknesses:
Paint wears off quicker than I shoot. A bit pricey.
Similar Products Used:
FSA power pro(total waz) shimano hone(awesome and light)
Bike Setup:
Kona stinky(weighs a funkin ton) fairly standard
Bottom Line:
These cranks are waisted if yo ay got big plums cuz you'll never damage the **stards apart from that shabby **ss poor paint. I've had mine a while and they dow creak and I've took a spanner to me woman more times than me saints, for real! Like said, if yam a poser snap em up they look sick and if yam a big mutha hucka then they're made for ya. See ya ova da cop !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NoXx
a Downhiller
from Front Range, Colorado Date Reviewed: September 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Paid n Full
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Real stiff and strong. Lighter than my '05 Holzfeller Cranks. Easy to install and service. Pedal thread inserts are a great Idea.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
'05 and '06 Holzfellers, Diabolus, XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign, '07 Fox 32 Vanilla RLC, Juicy 7's, e.13 DRS, Diabolus Bars and Stem, '05 Sram Drivetrain, Single Track wheelset.
Bottom Line:
I don't understand how anyone could give this crankset a bad rep. From my understanding you are supposed use loc-tight on the left arm. I for some reason use loc-tight on a lot of parts on my bike. I have personally rode a set of '05 Holzfeller with a DH giga-pipe BB and my partner has a set of hollowtech 2 XT cranks on his bike and they rock too. I have not been the biggest fan of Shimano components (but the '07 stuff is looking sick) but their cranks are the best. BUY THEM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Framebreaker
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnwood, WA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Awesome strength with no perceivable flex.
Weaknesses:
Friggin' left side keeps coming off.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, XT, etc
Bike Setup:
Foes Fly with all the good stuff.
Bottom Line:
Yes, this is a great crankset but the only way I've been able to keep the left (non-drive) side crank from floating off is to put on blue Loctite. Ok, this is perhaps a bit nit-picky but I've had that thing rotate off at least 5 times during rides. I've had to get 2 different caps b/c the other ones are lost on the trail somewhere. Each time I'd patch it up, limp back to the trailhead, shlep the bike back to the garage, clean the drive and crank and cinch up. Only after using the Loctite does it stay on reliably. For the money this kind of annoyance should not be there.
But it is the best crank out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
liam
a Downhiller
from york Date Reviewed: August 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
unknowen
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
the bike outlet
Strengths:
very strong takes all kinda abuse i droped a 15ft ledge 2 flat on my hardtail and the cranks were not even showing any signs of breaking where as other products ridden such as truvativ would have just given up and died
Weaknesses:
NONE!!! and people r stupid for saying they have one expect the paint waring but what crank doesn't
Similar Products Used:
all truvativ
Bike Setup:
pikes, hitman frame (pink the best color), avid juiceys, hope pro 2 mavic 721 saint crank g.i bars and stem
Bottom Line:
the best cranks for the money don't bother buyin expensive race face these r better by along way every for any pupose should buy these cranks i use my bike for every thing and am yet to fine any weekness
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a
from Spokane Date Reviewed: June 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything in moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Very strong and sleek. Also extremely easy to install, took only a few minutes. No flex to them at all. they are also very smooth.
Weaknesses:
I cant find any
Similar Products Used:
Holzfeller, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Haro extreme X1, Manitou sherman flick, hayes HFX-9, Sram X.9 shifters and derailier.
Bottom Line:
This is an great set of cranks for anybike from trail riding to downhill. they are also relativly light, so even the weight weenies cant compain too much. i would sugest this crankset for anyone who wants a strong smooth reliable crank that will never fail them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Downhiller
from Forest of Dean , UK Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
price in GBP
Strengths:
light, strong, cheap, look amazing, and better than raceface by miles
Weaknesses:
no tool included, but get a bike shop to fit them for you anyway!
Similar Products Used:
Raceface diabolus, Raceface Evolve DH
Bike Setup:
Norco Team DH, special shivvers, mavic ex729s on burgtec hubs, hayes hfx9 8" brakes
Bottom Line:
theyre the shizzle, bought these after trouble with raceface and these things are the best. these are better than diabolus in my opinion, and half the money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth
a Downhiller
from Paris, France Date Reviewed: May 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
napoleons last stand
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
from a friend
Strengths:
looks good, very strong, lasts long, shifts well under load, backed by Shimano warranty..........excellent.
Weaknesses:
rings wear out pretty fast.
Similar Products Used:
Holzfeller double, Race Face Prodigy DH.
Bike Setup:
Commencal Supreme with DHX 5.0 coil, Fox 40RC, Shimano Saint group kit with brakes, deemax wheels, kenda nevegals other pro racing kit.
Bottom Line:
Damn good crankset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Axl
a Racer
from Canada Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
The Saint cranks are fantastic for what they are: a burly set of cranks that you can slap on your bike and never have to think about again. If you are looking for light weight downhill race cranks, these might be overkill. If you are looking for a solid product with topnotch performance capable of taking anything you can dish out, then the Shimano Saint cranks are just what you need.
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from Buellton, CA, U.S. Date Reviewed: February 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
tunnel
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
airbomb.com
Strengths:
insanely strong, not too heavy, hollowtech is sweet, replaceable threads for the pedals, they look sweet
Weaknesses:
hollowtech BB doesn't work (or at least isn't reccomended on some bikes ie. V10)
Similar Products Used:
holzfeller, hussefelt, diabolous
Bike Setup:
Balfa 2step DH, juicy carbon, stratos, marzocchi, saint, chris king, e. 13
Bottom Line:
These are the best cranks I have ever used, don't waist your hard earned money on anything else BUY THESE CRANKS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabe Levy
a Downhiller
from Tel Aviv, Israel Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Manara
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Easy installation, few parts. Arms are very stiff due to their shape.
Weaknesses:
Badly designed arm interface, cheap plastic preload screw. Low quality pinch bolts
Similar Products Used:
Truvatic Holzfeller, XT
Bike Setup:
Big hit dh, monster T
Bottom Line:
The bottom line? If you are a either a heavy rider, or a person who hammers out of the saddle very strongly, you will undo the left arm. Not only is the preload screw made of plastic, but the arm splines are thin aluminium, contacting a hardened steel axle. Needless to say, this isnt very optimal and shreds the aluminium splines very easily.
Second of all, the crank was never made for people who hammer hard, or lead with the left foot. My left crank arm simply came off the axle in middle of a ride, and it was not the cause of bad bike setup nor landing a big drop.
Shimamo could have easily and effortlessly used a larger spline interface such as ISIS drive, or their XTR splines.
The hype around these cranks is simply wrong. It is a badly designed product. period. For less cash one could get a proper safe and reliable crank such as : dmr, profile, or holzfellers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Cheney
a Weekend Warrior
from Lansing, MI, USA Date Reviewed: December 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
A-line
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Trek dealer
Strengths:
The saint crank set is overall a really nice crank. It's very stiff and beefy. The best part about it is, that it is very easy to disassemble. Having the hollow tech bottom bracket makes taking the crank apart a breeze. The external BB also gives you a very smooth range of motion.
Weaknesses:
The paint scratches easily but, it's a freeride product and if it doesn't get scratched then your not riding hard enough.
Similar Products Used:
Truvativ hessefelt
Bike Setup:
2005 trek sessions 77
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a crank that is tough, smooth and easy to maintain then look no further then the saint.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vance Peterson
a Downhiller
from Tucson, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
A Line
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Various
Strengths:
Stiff cranks, bullit proof DR
Weaknesses:
Crap axle, pricey.
Similar Products Used:
Old D321 rims w/XT hubs
Bike Setup:
Bullit, Saint, Deemax
Bottom Line:
The cranks are awesome,the rear DR is awesome, I racked it on concrete urban riding and it's still kickin', don't buy the Saint levers, get XT, cheaper and better. Calipers are good, aftermarket rotors are thicker. Biggest complaint-the Mavic Deemax/Saint combo. The axle isn't really a 10mm solid. Where the non-drive retention nut flange goes into the dropout, the axle is reduced to about 7mm, and where the nut goes on the axle, it is hollowed for a keyway. My first axle bent at the thickness reduction, the second snapped off just outside the non-drive dropout where the hollow section begins. The biggest problem is that the nut has a small contact area, and it is eating my Bullit dropout so it is tapered and my wheel won't stay straight. Mavic says it's Santa Cruz's fault, and Santa Cruz is reviewing it. Bottom line-not a bad wheelset, too much light weight, not enough tough, and Mavic sucks in the dealing with issues department. My recommendation is if you can afford it, go Chris King with Saint cuz Mavic won't back the product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dimitri hon
a Downhiller
from london Date Reviewed: November 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
cycle surgery
Strengths:
stupid stiffness, they look beastly and are easy to remove for spring-cleans
Weaknesses:
some people say theyre too heavy but its never been an issue. "argh, im going so much slower because my cranks are 300 gramms heavier than my old ones". that should put it into perspective.
Similar Products Used:
profile 3-piece, a bit of everything
Bike Setup:
kona stinky
Bottom Line:
really good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc-André
a Downhiller
from Quebec Quebec Canada Date Reviewed: November 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Lessard Bicycles
Strengths:
Really strong crnaks, believe me, they're the best I've ever used. I used to have Truvativ cranks but they suck because they come loose and then the axle in the BB snaps andyou have to change it
Weaknesses:
The paint comes off really easily, and they get scratched eaaily, I dont care because you dont buy them for the looks I bought them for the performance and the durability. Appart from that I've not had any problems with them.
Similar Products Used:
I've ridden race face's Diabolous X-Type and Truvativ's hussefelt models. The raceface is about the same and don't buy the truvativ I kept having problems with them
Bike Setup:
Oryx DD HC,SAINT cranks, SAINT rear derailleur with Deore XT shifter, SAINT hubs, SAINT brakes w/203 rotors and Deore XT brake lever. Marzocchi DJ1 2005, FSA headset, truvativ hussefelt bars and stem, Alevtims DX32 soon to be changed for Mavic 721.
Bottom Line:
Appart from the paint that comes off easily, they're the best cranks that I have ever used (abused!). The BB does not even make creaking sounds after 1 year of world cup grade downhill trails (mont-sainte anne). I've also used them in street riding ant they still work as good as when I got them. I gave them 4/5 because they scratch easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Isaac Guerrero
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, VA, USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any single track
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Lane
Strengths:
Stiff, tough, quite, reliable, and much more
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Truvative Hussefelt, and Race Face Diablos, both of these are also very good cranks.
Bike Setup:
Heckler with Saint kit, Z1FR, 729 rims, Maxxis 2.3 High Rollers.
Bottom Line:
The product is awesome, I have not had any problems with it and I have slammed it into some rocks a couple of times. One time I got bucked off my bike, and I was sure I bent the crank arms. It was scratched a bunch, but it held up, even though my leg and ankle were a little sore, I was really amazed. I know the price is high, but I think you will be very happy with these cranks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
simon
a Downhiller
from Sydney NSW Australia Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shed Mortdale
Strengths:
Extremely strong. Absolutely no flex. Trouble free operation in any situation. No problem to set up. The Best strength to weight ratio.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely Nothing
Similar Products Used:
Truvativ Holzfeller DH, Truvativ fiveD
Bike Setup:
Norco Team Race, shivers, hadley, saint, e13, shimano DX XT,
Bottom Line:
If you want the best cranks on the market look no further, I have never had or seen a problem with these cranks nor will i. if you want to spend your money on some thing that will last don’t be sinful and get some saints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shimanosucks
a Downhiller
from Seattle,wa Date Reviewed: June 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
A-line
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Looks nice. Easy setup.
Weaknesses:
Strength. Stiff when pedaling, but not durable at all - like other shimano products this one sucks.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face, Truvativ
Bike Setup:
VPFree, all the cool stuff like SRAM, maxxis tires, Chris King hs, Sun Ringle wheels, blah, blah, blah...
Bottom Line:
These cranks just won't last. My left side pedal and crank arm caught the edge of a log while going down at speed. Sent me and my bike flying. The left arm bent like a soft noodle. Don't buy these cranks. Not worth the money. Get a Race Face or truvativ. Shimano is also lame about warranty. They give you none. Race face will warrant just about anything you break of theirs. I've had enough of shimano and their worthless products. I've replaced everything shimano on my bike. My past bikes had race face cranks or truvativ and those have stood the test of time. Crash after crash those cranks never let me down. I thought I'd try the shimano 'cause their fairly new and they looked beefy. But I did not take into account the hollowtech crap they came up with. From now on it's all solid metal for me. Stay away from shimano garbage. Anything shimano sucks. Thank god there are far better products out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Yokosuka, Japan Date Reviewed: May 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fujimi Panarama Course C
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Hirako Bike Shop (LBS)
Strengths:
Ultra stiff, absolutely no flex or play. Ease of setup and maintenance.
Weaknesses:
None... need I say more.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore Square Taper, Race Face Prodigy DH (ISIS)
Bike Setup:
Weyless XP w/ Manitou Swinger 3-Way Coil, Marzocchi Z.1 FR SL, Shimano Saint Cranks, Shimano Saint Hydraulic Brakes (8" Disc), Shimano XTR M952 front and rear derailleurs, Mavic EX729 laced to Shimano Deore XT M956 disc hubs, Cane Creek S-2 head set, Time ATAC Alium S pedals
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review:
After months of use, these cranks refuse to give in to any abuse that I give them, they definitely live up to there name to servive crash after crash. Definitely the best cranks I've ever used.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josiah Ball
a
from Iowa City IA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Sugarbottom or anything concrete
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$309.00
Purchased At:
Hong Kong Bikeshop
Strengths:
STRONG, STIFF, looks hot
Weaknesses:
scratch very easily
Similar Products Used:
Holfeller
Bike Setup:
'03 Heckler, Marzocchi Z1FR, RF Diabolus headset, Juicy 7's, Azonic outlaw wheelset, 5th element coil, Single Speed!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
all around great cranks. I cant possibly see how you could bend these. I am more worried about cracking my frame than I am about these. They are light enough especially for freeride/DH( these are not really neccesary for XC so it shouldn't be an issue) I took all but the Little ring off put a proper stainless Bash ring on and went to town with a 22-14 single speed set up. so if your into that it is very doable with these cranks. the one complaint though, great as they are the metal is a soft alloy. doing alot of urban, I have scratched the hell out them in only a couple weeks. (though what can you expect??) so my solution to the problem a black sharpie and I am back on track.
I was skeptical of the external BB design, but no more. its a breeze to install take off and you dont need much in the way of tools to service your cranks. I do some pretty harsh flat drops and I have yet to here a peep. so if your do DH/ Freeride These are phenominal. If you do urban and are a baby about cosmetics NOT for you. if you ride XC go with the XT or XTR for the same price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbdick
a Downhiller
from Hong Kong, China Date Reviewed: December 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Super stiff, accelerates faster than any other crank tried.
Weaknesses:
make me too fast
Similar Products Used:
XT, race face, LX
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz bullit with boxxer team, Deemax..
Bottom Line:
Best DH crank!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Yokosuka, Japan Date Reviewed: December 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Hirako Bike Shop (LBS)
Strengths:
Incredibly stiff, no flex at all, ease of installation, light wieght for the type of crank.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none!!! PERIOD!!!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore (Square Taper), Race Face Prodigy DH
Bike Setup:
Weyless XP Custom Build
Bottom Line:
These are absolutely the best cranks ever. The weight is great for the type of cranks these are. The stiffest I've ever ridden. Very Smooth, you won't find much that is strong, especially at this weight. This is the last stop in terms of strength, stiffness, no flex, smoothness, and weight for cranks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: November 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
AUD
Strengths:
Bombproof, piss easy setup, reasonable weight
Weaknesses:
scratch sorta easy- but what doesnt?
Similar Products Used:
diablous- also good, but setup is a PITA. And The pinch bolts are going to last longer than the tollerance of the spline on RF.
Bike Setup:
04 Norco team dh, 888r, saint cranks, brakes. hadleys, mtx, e13, protaper
Bottom Line:
Unless your grinding or stalling on your cranks at the park- why buy cromos?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Framebreaker
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnwood, WA Date Reviewed: November 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2.00
Purchased At:
Downhill Zone
Strengths:
Strong, strong strong.
Weaknesses:
Are you serious?
Similar Products Used:
Other Shimano stuff
Bike Setup:
Foes Fly w/Super-T and Saint cranks, rings and guard
Bottom Line:
I'm not a downhiller airing huge jumps but I've broken, bent and destroyed a few frames/cranks and yet these Saint cranks are doing great 6 months into it. I weigh 250lbs and am pretty rough on stuff and these cranks have yet to even whisper uncle. It's just so good to know that when you put the power on these things are going to take it.
The bash guard and rings are doing well and it's nice to have the whole package. It looks sweet with the black finish too.
I definitely recommend these for anyone looking for the strongest, zero-flex cranks out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Downhiller
from flagstaff,az, United states Date Reviewed: November 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
these cranks are strong i work at a shop and i put them on correctly and i never have any problems maitnence free
Weaknesses:
i have yet to find one, these are hte best cranks on the market
Similar Products Used:
hozzefeller
Bike Setup:
bullit with super t's
Bottom Line:
if you set them up right they perfect but you get some dumb guy to put them on in his garage your bound to have problems
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max L
a Downhiller
from Burlington, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Squeeker
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Brant Cycle
Strengths:
Looks Strong Tough Rough Light Light, better looking then Diabolus
Weaknesses:
Nothing
Similar Products Used:
Truvativ Husefelts
Bike Setup:
888rt..diabolus stem...Saint Cranks...
Bottom Line:
Buy these cranks if you have the money...Diabolus may be stonger but who cares? Saint looks better..
PS: People who are like "ew saints look bad, diabolus have flames...mmmm flames" THE FLAMES ARE LITTLE ECHES YOU *******, THEY DONT EVEN STAND OUT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Des Moines IA USA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
greenwood park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Bike World west side
Strengths:
These are some seriously strong cranks
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Similar Products Used:
Specialized strongarm, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Custom Trek liquid 55 dream bike with all the goodies
Bottom Line:
Not for the gram counters but these take a beating from my 265 pounds and keep asking for more. Super stiff and best of all they look cool too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ivo
a Downhiller
from Brno, Czech Republic Date Reviewed: October 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
MaxCursor
Strengths:
Cool looks, easy instalation.
Weaknesses:
Finish easy to scratch, heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, Race Face
Bike Setup:
Foes DHS Mono, Manitou X-works, Hope 6-pot
Bottom Line:
The cranks are very easy to install and setup. I hadn't had a single problem until I crashed and bent the left crank. It wasn't a really big crash, so I am wondering about their durability. I thought these cranks would be able to take anything. I have been using XTR for 4 years without such issues going through very bad crashes. But it could have been just unlucky one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Agro THE WOMBAT
a Racer
from Durango, CO Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
happy trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
The cranks looked pretty cool and if your a poser that is all you need. They are trendy.
Weaknesses:
The cranks finish rubs off really easy. The Cap that holds on the crank arm broke after a week of riding. The Cranks bent so much that I couldn't ride the bike. Shimano doesn't warranty there stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Profiles-BENT, Tru Vativ-BENT, Other Shimano models-BENT
Bike Setup:
Staats 4x frame, Fox Vanilla RLC, SIC Stem and Bars, King Hubs and Headset, SDG I-FLY Saddle and Post
Bottom Line:
If you have a hardtail don't run these cranks because they will bend. On the other side of things if you have a downhill bike you probaly won't bend these cranks. I am disapointed that with all the hype around these cranks they did not live up to the name.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Wakefield Date Reviewed: September 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ain't telling..
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
EBay
Strengths:
Solid, stiff crankset. I thought the plastic bashguard was going to be an issue, but it's been holding up Great. I really have nothing but good things to say about this crankset. ..From the posts below (Cole from Ft Lauderdale), that plastic cap has NOTHING to do with the crank arms holding on. All that does is adjust the preload, before you torque down the pinch bolts. The crank arm/BB interface is pure beef. The only reason an arm could have fallen off is if it wasn't proplerly put on in the first place. If the interface is greased and the pinch bolts are greased and torqued to spec there isn't going to be any problems. [I'd bet the arm wasn't properly on all the way before you tightend the pinch bolts.] That said, the crank has performed flawlessly. The only thing negative I've heard is that the bearings aren't sealed well. The good news is that RF's cups are, and can be used with the the Saint crank. So if my bearing start to fail, I'll switch them to RF.
..(one more thing, like I said the bash guard holds up well under abuse and from what I hear is cheap to replace. When I first put this crankset on, I was going to replace the BG right away.. but I soon found out there's no reason to.)..
Weaknesses:
Expensive, but $230 new was pretty cheap.
Bottom Line:
Solid, stiff crankset. It holds up to abuse.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josiah Songer
a Downhiller
from Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fire Range
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Beefy arms yet lighter wieght than cromo 3-piece, out-board bearings, steel eyelet, super stiff and smooth!
Weaknesses:
needed to modify my E.13 bashgaurd
Similar Products Used:
Profile Race, FSA Nasty Boys, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
'03 Evil Imperial. Marz '03 DJ1 with 100mm travel. Cane Creek Double Xc headset. Easton Mg60 stem and Monkeylite DH cabon bar. ODI S&M lock-on grips. Hayes HFX-Mag's with 6" rotor. 24" Arrow Racing Launch tires and DHX rims on Hadley Racing 36 spoke hubs. 20mm front & 10mm rear with 108 point engagement. 16t Gussett single-speed kit. Shimano XT chain. Shimano Saint crankset with 34t and E.thirteen bashgaurd. Azonic A-frame pedals. Diabolus seatpost. Salsa Flip-lock. Azonic Big Drop saddle.
Bottom Line:
These things are bomb proof. I have had ZERO problems with these things! I had a creaking noise, but grease packed my A-frame pedals and the noise went away. I have done +5 foot drops on my hardtail and they held up great. I race 4X at the local track and hit the huge jumps with no problem. I have bent profiles and have shattered old XT's. I even broke a BB axle on FSA Nasty Boys. If you are hard on cranks these will hold up to anything! I want to get another pair for my new DH rig!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cole
a
from Ft Lauderdale FL Date Reviewed: August 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
its in BC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
atlantic bicycle
Strengths:
super heavy and strong...can take a beating
Weaknesses:
Well...on one of my trips to BC...after 3 days of serious DH...crank arm fell off..wallo'd itself off due to the plastic cap that screws into the center of crank arm... ? I was at the crankworx fest so there was plenty of experience around...couple other guys told me they'd seen that happen just recently as well...lucky for me the shimano reps were there and were able to replace the cap for me....otherwise i woulda been screwed.. he said it was from not putting correct tension on pinch bolts...but there were several people willing to argue that theory... the suggestion from the rep was too get the alum cap made for the xt cranks and replace plastic one with it....stronger obviously. Other than that I love em ! lets hope that does the trick
Great crank....I still recommend them...I would think shimano would put an alum cap in there due to the heavy duty purpose they were made for...not plastic..maybe the'll fix that
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BURN
a Downhiller
from LOS ANGELES Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
MY TRAIL
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Given to me by the maker
Strengths:
the saint is one killer set up . i mean it kills the mountain hands down no prb. i cant vertually stop anywhere with those huge 203mm or 8 inch disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
none i dont care what anyone says they rock
Similar Products Used:
magura hydraulic brake,topline cranks
Bike Setup:
AN6 Freeride Custom,Manitou Sherman Breakout front fork,Manitou 4way SPV rearshock,FULL SAINT componentry,
Bottom Line:
THE bottom line is the Shimano SAINT gear ROCKs if you want to go fast and go crazy then this is the componentry for you. if you like to drop ledges and cliff faces.you need beefy equip. and the Shimano SAINT is it hands down
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Isaac Guerrero
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
THe Bike Lane
Strengths:
Stiff, strong, reliable
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
Heckler, saint group, Z-1 FR.
Bottom Line:
These cranks rock, I have bashes the hell out of them, and already gone through a set of pedals and the craks are still going strong. I expect them to last for a very long time. I am no longer worried about breaking cranks when I am going to drop off anything. Price is a little high, but for peace of mind when I am on the trail, it is worth every dime.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl Friedrich
a Downhiller
from St. Paul, MN Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004
KHS FR1500, Jr T., Hayes, Thomson, etc... for big drops and DHing
Bottom Line:
Buy these cranks, if you're in the market, you can't beat the price as it includes the sweet x-type BB. Get the saint
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damage
a
from Lower Hutt, New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Maidstone Max
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Price in NZ dollars
Strengths:
They look BEEFY, Weight or lack of, ease of instilation, strength
Weaknesses:
They creaked a little, just got my BB faced and it fixed the problem!
Similar Products Used:
FSA X-drive bash, Raceface, Truvativ
Bike Setup:
03' Big Hit comp, Z1 Freeride 20mm, Hugi FR hubs, King headset, D521, dmr rear. IRC tyres, saint cranks, XT drivetrain, FSA carbon bar, Azonic stem/pedals
Bottom Line:
I cracked my FSA X-drives (no warrenty as the supplier in NZ sucks!) and replaced them with the saints, saved 1.7kg! These cranks are the best on the market, full stop, BUT THEM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
che guevara
a Weekend Warrior
from corona,california,amreica Date Reviewed: June 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
old temescal
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
gt cycles davao city
Strengths:
looks really tough and it's tough like its name sake you just have to have faith on it and it will deliver you from evil
Weaknesses:
i'm afraid that somebody might steal it from my bike esp the way those guys looked at my crankset
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
haro extreme x1 hope hubs xtr rear derr dj1 fork
Bottom Line:
it a cool crank gives me the same confidence with a 3pc bmx crankset and i dont think i have the skills to break this crankset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Connor Gillan
a Downhiller
from Burnaby, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Merch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Caps..
Strengths:
giganto sized bb axle
Weaknesses:
everybody wants it..
Bike Setup:
BB7, Boxxer WCs,
Bottom Line:
I picked this up at Caps, June 16th, for $335 CAD!!!! Dual ring w/bash.. oooh yeah... This thing looks awesome, and you can't beat that price. now if they'd only finish that roadgap on the right of the Boneyard...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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