Description:New XTR features the Hollowtech II® crankset that integrates the bottom bracket and crankset into a single unit. This design reduces the number of parts, significantly cuts down weight, and increases rigidity. The crank is 80-grams lighter than the M950 series crank and bottom bracket combination. The new Hollowtech II® design allows the bottom bracket bearings to be spaced more widely.
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, California USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek Park(24Hrs/Adrenalin Course)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Light, looks very bling, easy to install, high resale value.
Weaknesses:
Finish scratches too easy.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore M542 Hollowtech II, Race Face Diabolus.
Bike Setup:
19-pound Cannondale XC hardtail
Bottom Line:
The XTR M960 crankset is almost too easy, to install. They are very stiff, and you will notice that on the very first turn of the cranks.
I got these because I was not able to use Cannondales' uber-light(620 gram + BB) Hollowgram Si BB30 crankset(need BB30-compatible frameset for that = $2,500+!!!). They work absolutely beautiful for light XC trail riding. Once you come across highly-technical obstacles and steep jumps- you will have problems. The all aluminum chainrings are NOT designed for being bashed around at all. The hollow BB spindle will warp, if you huck around 5 foot drops. If you can simply remember that lightweight bike parts are INCOMPATIBLE for Freeride/Dirt Jump/Downhill.....you will never be dissappointed.
I got mine second-hand, and still paid a premium for them! But they are well worth it, if you ride XC and light All-Mountain. You can mash the cranks all you want uphills, and the chainrings will still deliver. Until SRAM comes out with a better competing MTB crankset......I'm afraid Shimano XTR is still the king!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
smmcpherron
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy, utah, USA Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Light, Strong, Durable. I weigh 205 lbs and I bought this in 2003 when they 1st came out. I have done quite a bit of riding, and they have worked great with no issues. I just had them installed in a new bike, and the bearings are still good, but, I did finally buy a new middle and small chain ring.
Weaknesses:
they are beautiful when new, but, scratch up pretty good.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Saltmontes, and now an IBIS MOJO
Bottom Line:
Strong and light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P
a Cross Country Rider
from Atl Date Reviewed: February 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pinhotti
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
works real good, easy to install
Weaknesses:
rings are weak and shimano replacements are way too high
Similar Products Used:
several
Bike Setup:
XTR 960 on two bikes
Bottom Line:
The rings wear quickly, at least the middle rings. Other than that, such a nice crankset. I roached two Shimano center rings fairly fast (3 months) on both my cranksets. Been using some Blackspire Super Pro for about 3 months and they seem to be holding up alot better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Evans
a
from Anybiketown, USA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The nonwork trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Look great, lightweight, functions perfectly
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Race Face Dues (Junk), Shimano XTR M952, Shimano XT, Truvativ
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Epiphany, Mavic Crossmax SL, SRAM
Bottom Line:
Hands down the best cranks on the market. Worth the extra money (if any). Stiff, look good, lightweight. Function as a $250+ pair of cranks should. You can buy the M960 (older version) for the same price as most of the competitors top of the line models. Do yourself a big favor and do not stray from Shimano or you will be asking for trouble. I replaced a shoddy pair of Race Face Dues cranks with the M960 XTR and could not be happier. The Race Face never worked properly from day one and the Shimano XTR's have worked perfectly from the very beginning.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Racer
from Boulder, CO USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Not Telling
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Part of new bike
Strengths:
Weight Minimal Tinkering Required
Weaknesses:
Outboard Bearings Chainrings wear quickly
Similar Products Used:
Old XT, XTR, Truvativ
Bottom Line:
I've had my bike for 14 months, including a brutal winter that saw my bike shelved for several months, and i'm on the third set of chainrings. Those things are not inexpensive to replace.
My outboard bearings were completely shot, too, and had to be replaced.
I really do like this crankset's performance when everything is functioning, but it's turning into a money pit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phantomtracer
a Cross Country Rider
from Philly, PA Date Reviewed: June 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$279.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycles
Strengths:
Weight, Shifting, Design, High Quality
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Race Face Next LF
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer, 100mm travel
Bottom Line:
I have put sever hundred miles on this crankset and have not had to adjust it once. It spins as smooth as the first day I put it on. I can't say the same for the Race Face that I used for a few seasons. I'm not sure why these have such a low score. Compared to the Race Face this crankset is AWESOME. I guess they are stiff, I really cannot tell. No complaints, just smiles. 5 chilis for value at the great price I bought them for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
p
a Cross Country Rider
from ATL Date Reviewed: May 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
light, strong, durable and I think it is much easier to service the external bearing style cranks than the old style.
Weaknesses:
I would complain about the weak finish but its a Mt Bike drive chain part. Your a nut if you expect it to stay perfect.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager crap, Deor, XT, XTR 950
Bike Setup:
07 El Saltamontes, size XL. Pushed Talas and Float R, X9 shifters and rDr
Bottom Line:
I was really concerned about installing this crankset, considering what the rest of the folks here had to say. I'm a 6-4, 200lb, agressive trail rider and have trashed many lesser cranks. After thinking it through, I decided to take a chace on the 960 as the 2007 models were too high. So far, so good! I'm careful to clean my bike well, especially the drivechain, after every ride. I will completely tear down the drive chain after muddy rides or every couple of weeks. I never wash my bike with a hose but use multiple sized brushes and damp shop rags instead. I was very mindful of the chain line when setting it up. The combination of these things has allowed almost no sign of visible wear (other than the pewter colored finish of the arm) after 6 months of hard bashing. The BB is still smooth as the 1st day it was installed. For me, propper instillation, regular maintenance and smart cleaning techniques have proven this to be a 1st class crankset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
sikeworld-alamoheights
Strengths:
rigid, lightweight, flashy
Weaknesses:
pricey
Similar Products Used:
xtr, xt
Bike Setup:
custom litespeed with a bunch of pricey parts hanging off it
Bottom Line:
bought these when they first cam out have had zero problems with them, the finish is fine, nothing has ever broken
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: January 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
This is one light crankset that looks sharp on the bike. Performance is great very stiff and spins like butter. If you have high end XC or All Mtn setup you can get a pretty good deal on these now.
Weaknesses:
Chain rings are made out of tin or something not quite as hard. Mine looked lke they had been through a shredder after about 6 months of mostly singletrack riding. I noticed that the drive train would ghost shift when climbing in a lowere gear. Now granted I am no lightweight but my last bike had XT and zero issues with the chain rings. I also lube my chain at least every other ride and change it twice a year. I also use a park chain cleaner whenever the drive train starts to get dirty... SO bottom line it aint a maintenance issue
Similar Products Used:
XT, FSA Carbon, Dura Ace, Ultegra, 105, Etc
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Epiphany, Rockshock Pike 454 dual, Fox RP23, Mavic Crossmax UST, SRAM XO w/Twist Grip Shifters, SRAM 990 Cassett w/991 chain, Formula Puro DIsk (200 MM front - 180 rear), Kore IBeam Seat Post/Seat, Maxis UST Tires
Bottom Line:
Well.... After you trash the stock chain rings which won't take long order you a set of Blackspire chain rings and you will be set. The difference in quality between the Blackspire and stock XTR rings is night and day and the Blackspires are about half the price...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: December 31, 2006
Full XTR drive train and brakes on 4.5" dual sus mtn bike
Bottom Line:
This is an update from my August 2004 review.
I've since moved to Denver. The rides have gotten longer and more technical. I have demanded more of my bike and the XTR setup then ever. I'm happy to report that everything still performs admirably. There have been no problems whatsoever with this 2004 XTR setup. The shifts are still smooth and crisp. The crank arms still feel solid and flex-free. XTR has really lived up the hype for me. Solid cranks through and through.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris O
a Weekend Warrior
from Brookline Date Reviewed: December 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
South Cottonwood Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
stiff, light and pretty
Weaknesses:
none yet, and so far no chainsuck
Similar Products Used:
XTR 952, Cook Bros.
Bottom Line:
These are very sharp looking cranks with a really cool design. Oh, yeah, they work great, too; they're very stiff and very responsive. But if you’re trying to decide between these and XT, save your money. My old 952’s were totally worth the premium because they had the bigger chain rings I prefer; I always thought that the micro drive rings spec'ed in the past on everything up to XT were cheesy. Now that XT and XTR have the same gearing and bottom bracket design, the performance difference, whatever it is, probably isn’t worth the price increase. But I love these and have had no problems with them after one season. If you're going to drop the kind of cash these babies require, be sure to get them installed right.
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:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Stiff, and of course... **BLING!**
Weaknesses:
chainrings wear out quickly
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
Heckler, 36's, X.0 (gripshift is back!)
Bottom Line:
Nice cranks. The most expensive, coolest and by far the tightest/snappiest I've tried yet. Light too. Pity the chainrings are made of cheese. If I remember correctly, I think the 'dudes' at my LBS said Blackspire make a superior aftermarket replacement, so I'll be looking out for them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glen
a Weekend Warrior
from Lower Hutt, New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Pylon 29, Cheviet road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Avanti Plus, Lower Hutt
Strengths:
Look superb! Super stiff, shift perfectly everytime! Super light
Weaknesses:
The finish tends to scratch easy, but hey, who cares?
Similar Products Used:
XT hollowtech II, raceface, saint, fsa, truvativ
Bike Setup:
Avanti Aggressor, full XTR inc wheels, fox vanilla RLC
Bottom Line:
Basicly all the people who have had problems, most likley, haven't spent the time to set these cranks up properly. First of all you NEED to get your bb shell faced! Also the chain line needs to set up correctly. The bolts need to be tightened to the specified torqe, i tend go a little bit tighter, but only slightly. I'm a big guy, on the wrong side of 100kgs, and i ride agresivly, and i've had no problems. yes, the chain rings are expensive, but what do expect when buying XTR?
To sum up, these cranks are brillant. If you can afford them, buy them. But make sure you get a decent mechanic to install them and get the BB faced!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blacky Bokich
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA USA Date Reviewed: February 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Sullivan Canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with used frame
Strengths:
Stiff. Pretty.
Weaknesses:
None now. (See review below)
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager.
Bike Setup:
2003 Fisher Team. Front: Marzocchi Bomber. Rear: Cane Creek Cloud 9. XTR cranks, shifters, levers, deraileurs. Avid Black Ops Ultimate V-brakes. Easton Monkeybar riseers. Thompson stem and post. Eggbeaters. Terry saddle. Cane Creek WAM wheels. Kenda Nevagal 2.3's with Stan's. Incredibell.
Bottom Line:
I bought my bike on EBay about a year ago as a project bike. It was two years old, and came from Minnesota, which, of course, meant it got wet, which, of course meant the crank bearings were already noisy and rough. Plus the two inner rings showed replaceable wear. I started my research here, saw all the horror stories about bearings lasting three months and exclusive rings lasting seven months, and initially decided to replace the crank. I’m glad I did a little more research, because both problems are relatively easily solved, and it’s really a nice crankset, stiff, light and beautiful, and trouble-free when properly set up.
1. The problem with the Shimano bearings is inadequate seals, and their placement—at the very outside of the bottom bracket, totally exposed. If they get wet, they will probably fail. The solution is to send the bearing cups to Phil Wood (philwood.com). He’ll install a set of his bearings for about $46, less than a replacement set of Shimano bearings. Phil Wood bearing sets not only use vastly superior bearings and lubricant, but the seals are marine grade. In other words, the bearings are submersible. I have one of his bottom brackets on my road bike with over 40,000 miles on it, and it is as tight and smooth as new. And they turned my bearing cups around in one day. I mailed them on a Saturday and had them back on Wednesday. 2. Regarding the rings, both Boone Titanium (http://www.boonerings.com/cr/cr.html), and Cycle Dynamics (http://www.cycle-dynamics.com/) make rings for the XTR 960 crankset. They cost about the same as stock Shimano rings, but should last at least four or five times longer, making them roughly as expensive as regular replacement alloy rings. I have about a thousand miles on a Boone granny and middle, with no visible wear. Two caveats: plan ahead—they’re custom made, I was quoted 6 weeks, but it took 8—and be sure to specify that your rings are cut from 4mm stock to match the thickness of the original Shimano rings. Jenson also sells a steel granny they say will fit the XTR 960.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Hart
a Racer
from California Date Reviewed: February 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very stiff. They also serve very well as a decoration in the garrage work bench
Weaknesses:
The rings only lasted 5 months, like we have not heard this one before. When you go to buy new ones you have to get a second mortgage on your house.
Similar Products Used:
XT Shimano, Race Face, Truvative
Bike Setup:
2005 Cannondale Scalpel 3000, mostly Sram drivetrain till I can replace all other Shimano parts
Bottom Line:
So, yeah the cranks are really stiff. So freaking what! Where does Shimano get off charging so much to replace a set of rings? I will never buy anything Shimano again. I'm in the process of getting rid of all my Shimano parts on all my bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerr
a Cross Country Rider
from Atl, Ga + Denver, Co Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail Everywhere
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Light, stiff and purdy.
Weaknesses:
Proprietary BCD 64/102 (No one makes replacements. Middle ring wore out quickly (possibly due to chain line and using a Pc99 chain ?) Anyway. Very dissapointed when trying to find a new middle ring. Also, I wanted to put a 42 big ring on to spend more time there and save the middle. But, no one makes one for XTR 960. So, I'll go with a thru axle crank with outboard bearing next time that is standard 64/104.
Similar Products Used:
Many years of XT, XTR, etc.
Bike Setup:
S.C. Blur http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/xc_full_suspension/product_123141.shtml Search on "Gerr"
Bottom Line:
I have not had any bearing problems. I guess reading these reviews I will pack them regular and have to baby them. Anyway, the biggest Disappointment is the non standard BCD gimick. So you are very limited on what size chainrings you can use. (And you can't use Blackspire, FSA, Raceface etc. cause far as I know they don't make the 102/63 to fit XTR 960 Crankset. Also It states 64 for granny but I tried and standard 64 and there was about a 1/2 millimeter size difference.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete Hall
a
from Caledonia Mi Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
stiff, looks nice when new, shifts well when chain rings are brand new
Weaknesses:
looks like crap after a season chain rings wear out extremely quickly (4-5 months) bb needs replacement yearly after a season on the norba circut very minimal chainline adjustment
Similar Products Used:
Race Face Dues XC (what i replaced the xtr with)
Bike Setup:
hardtail, sram chain, xtr cassette, sram ders.
Bottom Line:
These were great when i got them on a new bike when they came out, looked flashy and shifted well and were really stiff. Well i rode them for a while and was happy with them, but then 5 months into the race season the middle/big chainring are worn out, these rings are as expensive as hell. thank god i've got a lbs employee discount, holy crap sorry for anyone who has to pay retail. Well, as well after a few dusty races the bbs squeaked like nothing else. Then i raced at snowshoe, wv (lots of rain) and the squeaking would not stop whatso ever and would barely spin, they had let so much mud into them that they needed replacement. Well to make a long story short, it came to 3 ring replacments and two xtr bbs later (even tried a dura ace one, which didnt do anything) and shimano still is making horrible chainrings out of butter and bbs that keep water out as well as bush can run a country (terribly). So fed up, i finaly switched and got a set of Race Face Dues Xc cranks and am loving them for the 3 months i've had em. So stay away from these cranks, the bbs and rings suck and the finish just rubs away worse than a $60 crank. And these things cost way to much to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Sebastopol, CA Date Reviewed: September 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
McCurty
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light and stiff
Weaknesses:
STRIPPED LEFT CRANKARM, expensive chainrings
Similar Products Used:
XT, RF
Bike Setup:
5-spot, xtr, fox, SRAM
Bottom Line:
I had my left crank strip and it cracked at the pinch bolts. It had only been romoved once to replace the chainrings and I used a torque wrench when I put it back on. Gotta agree with the poster below.....this will eventually strip if you ride hard. Hello...Shimano? Any help here?!?!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Mt Cobb, PA, USA Date Reviewed: July 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Merli LSP Propton
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stiff
Weaknesses:
OK this is weird... A guy I ride with has this crankset also and about two months ago the left crankarm stripped (very fine teeth compaird to other designs). I was worried because I have the same so I checked my bolt torque as I always do. Not a bit loose. Then a few weeks ago mine stripped also (new left crank arm and bearing set while I was at it). Now just this Sunday another rider I ride with stripped his lft crank arm. This is three different riders, three different bike shops, and three different bikes! Why has nobody else had this problem? Oh yeah... I got burned on a new ring set six months ago too.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
All Shimano cranksets with the fine tooth splines will eventually strip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
not happy
a Weekend Warrior
from Melborne, VIC, Australia Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
beautifull made and quality and functionality
Weaknesses:
chainrings wear out quickly and very expensive to replace. The cost for a set of chainrings you could buy a new XT or another brand crankset.
Similar Products Used:
XT,LX, DEORE, RACEFACE, TRUVATIV etc..
Bike Setup:
standard
Bottom Line:
If your racing and have plenty of money and need light weight and want to look good, go for it, otherwise you dont need it.
Beautifull made and quality and functionality
chainrings wear out quickly and very expensive to replace. The cost for a set of chainrings you could buy a new XT or another brand crankset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris V
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing MI USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fort Custer
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At:
River Front Cycle
Strengths:
Light, Looks Great, Very Stiff
Weaknesses:
Chain line is not adjustible, and the with out board bearings the cranks are moved out, creating the WORST chain line EVER (for a Jekyll, cant be better on other frames)
Similar Products Used:
Deore, FSA, Tru-Vativ
Bike Setup:
Jekyll '04 Lefty 25.5 lb X-0 Rear/shifters, x-gen F. El Camino Sram PG-990/PC990 Chris King Rear w/ Mavic XM 819, C-dale Omega F hub Thompson post w/ Rocket V Team Easton Monkey Light riser
Bottom Line:
Very hard to adjust Chain line, i cant even hit the top cog in the middle ring, and the the 2nd cog is sketchy. Very expensive for a set of cranks. I had some extra $ for some cranks and wanted to stay away from carbon, but i am now thinking about selling these and getting some truvativ stylo carbons. I think that shimano should quit trying to be all about trying to give gimmicks and come out with a real improvement, if you can get you chain line right...then great, but for me...didnt happen, i will be happy to have no shimano on my bike...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Racer
from Hollywood, FL. USA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
MarkHam Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Family Bicycle
Strengths:
Super Stiff, Light, kewl looking
Weaknesses:
Bearings & Chainrings are total junk, Price is hefty!
Similar Products Used:
2005 FSA V Drive Crankset
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur, Everything Sram X9, custom Chris King wheelset, Fox FX100 and RP3 suspension.
Bottom Line:
Where do I start... I order these when they first came out. I have gone through 3 sets of bearings and 4 sets of rings. They are like butter!! However, recently I hooked up with Phil Wood out in San Jose. Anybody who rides alot knows who he is. You can get him to replaced the bearing with his and it has made a huge difference. Just wish someone else would make some really nice CNC Chainrings, 200 bucks for a complete set of rings is totally nuts!! I recently bought a 2005 FSA V Drive Crankset, It is very similiar to the XTR and can be picked up for around 175 bucks new. However FSA chainrings and bearings seem to be of a higher quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A J
a Cross Country Rider
from Princeton, NJ USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$429.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Simple installation, very stiff, maintenance free bottom bracket.
Weaknesses:
Finish wears off and scratches easily. Too much money!
Similar Products Used:
XT and previous XTR model
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel
Bottom Line:
I love these cranks, they are so easy to install - great design. I have had no issues with the bearings wearing out - 2,000 plus miles on them and never a problem. Replaced the middle chainring twice - chainrings are a bit expensive as are these cranks. The only real beef I have with these cranks is that the finish wears off and scratches easily, my cranks look like crap after a year of riding. I know its a MTB but for the money I would have expected a finish that is a little more durable. Having said that though, these are the best cranks that I have ever owned - I will buy another set for my new frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Xc rider
a Racer
from Chester Date Reviewed: March 11, 2005