Another crank topic. The bike I'm getting will come with M552 triple crankset. Now, the plan is to go on a 2x10 drivetrain, removing the big ring from the triple. I'm also looking to replace the M552 triple with the newer 2013 SLX M670 crank. Again, will remove the big ring. Reason I'm not going to a specific dual crank is because I'm going to fit a bashguard (plus the 32-22 rings seem to be ok for me, dual cranks have larger rings/more teeth and I might find it more difficult to pedal with that).
However, after making some research, I found out that the M552 isn't Hollowtech, makes use of solid crankarms, and is basically the Deore triple. SLX M670 uses Hollowtech.
Questions are:
1) Is it worth the money to replace the M552 triple crankset with the SLX M670 triple?
2) How much weight difference is there between the M552 triple and M670 triple?
If the weight savings to be had is negligible, and if the M552 triple is tough enough for AMing, I might just retain it to save some money for other upgrades (e.g. shifters, rims, etc)
I kind of have the same question. I currently have the m552's as stock on my bike. I was thinking of switching to the new SLX or XT with the same 3x10 drivetrain. There is nothing wrong with the 552's, I was just wondering if it is worth the money to switch to SLX or XT if I found them for a good price. Also, will the BB from my 552's work with the SLX and/or XT's? Thanks.
Well, I got the 552s when I purchased my complete Blur LTc bike. Seemed a bit low end for such a fancy frame, but worked fine while it was on. I did notice that it showed rub marks very quickly (heal rubbing on the "Shimano" label).
I did "upgrade" to a XT crank--purely for vanity. I am certain the 552 is strong enough, but just looked out of place. I guess the 552 is heavier, but then I didn't notice it. I think the middle ring was the same (that composite mix), but the inner is steel as opposed to the alum on the XT? And the big ring was different.
It was worth the extra money for me, but I wanted an all black crank on my all black bike (the 552 is silver). Pure vanity. And all the Shimano BBs should work for the SLX and XT cranks (I mix and match Shimano, Race Face, and King).
Thanks Clyde. My 552's are black (stock on my Trek Fuel EX8). Although my "upgrade" wouldn't be 100% vanity, it's more of the hope to get somewhat better performance, more stiffness, less weight at a good price. I found the XT's for just under 2 bills and some SLX for under 100 (but w/o a BB and w/o original packaging). My bike is all stock now, so just trying to figure out what to change first...but for some reason I want to change the cranks, even though mine seem to work fine.
You will lose weight going to SLX, whether it's worth the cost is up to you. I have both and they shift 100% identical. The difference is approximately 100 grams and some bling. If you google (site:forums.mtbr) for M532, M542, M552 or M590 (since they are very much similar) you'll get many hits. Here is 1 I found: http://forums.mtbr.com/29er-bikes/anthem29-x3-cranks-shimano-m552-678012.html
For a little food for thought, when bikes are ballasted because they're too light, they're ballasted at the bottom bracket. When people use bottle cages, the preferred location is in the main triangle, relatively close to the bottom bracket.
If you're going to do it for weight, pull off the crank you've got and throw it on a scale. Click around the 'net and find some reported weights for the one you're thinking of. Decide if that number of grams is worth it.
Thanks Sabarese...I searched threads before posting on this one and found quite a few including one that discussed whether 552's were just older or leftover XT's that had been rebranded as 552's. Like I said, I found some XT's for under 2 bills and some SLX for under 100 (without a bottom bracket), so I may get one or the other since the price seems good on both.
Yes AndrwSwitch, they do work fine...just trying to determine if I want to switch now or ride the 552's into the ground. I was a bummed that the '12 Fuel EX 8 didn't come stock with at least SLX as earlier versions of the 8 did.
SRAM X5 crankset, and my first thought was that would be the first upgrade (X9 or XO 2x10). But after whacking a few rocks with the crank arms, I decided to leave that one on until it needs to be replaced.
Also, after a month on the new bike, I like the idea of a 22/32/bash over a standard double, since I never use the big ring on the trails, and also the 32t feels just right with an 11-36t cassette, and the 22t is only there as a granny. BUT, I ride 2-3 miles to my trails on the road, and I like the 42t for the road, especially since the way to the park is downhill mostly.
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