Anyone out there using Shimano LX cranks in your SS set up? Or am I gonna have to pull the trigger on some XT's? Any opinions, thoughts, smart a$$ remarks welcomed
From what I hear, the LX is the same crank as the XT...just with slightly different styling. I haven't looked that closely myself though. The BCD is the same though...so SS will not be a problem.
I saw the $79 deal somewhere as well....I forget where though. If I didn't already have too many cranksets, I'd definitely pick one up.
From what I hear, the LX is the same crank as the XT...just with slightly different styling. I haven't looked that closely myself though. The BCD is the same though...so SS will not be a problem.
I saw the $79 deal somewhere as well....I forget where though. If I didn't already have too many cranksets, I'd definitely pick one up.
From the photos, LX is not the same as XT. Looks like different casting/forgings. Also, people say XT is the solution for chainsuck on a Big Mama, I have LX on mine, and get chain suck in certain conditions.
Either way, $79 is a good price for the LX crank.
Chasing bears through the woods drunk with a dull hatchet is strongly not advised
JensonUSA has had the LX crankset on sale for quite some time. Only downside is that you have to get to XT or higher to get 180mm cranks (or go with Trekking setup)
Last edited by alexkraemer; 12-20-2010 at 10:49 AM.
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Originally Posted by one incredible donkey
Is this a matter of weight savings or do other factors become involved?
The overall quality and engineering of Shimano's cranks seem to be better. I've had nothing but problems with Stylo bottom brackets. The seals suck, IMHO. As far as weight, if i had to guess, i'd say the Shimanos are lighter, but that's purely a guess.
The slx is also another good option (and looks better IMO). But for $79, i'd go with the lx.
To further prove my ignorance on singlespeed hacks, in order to accomplish this as I understand it, one would need to do the following:
1. Buy LX triple ring crank set
2. Buy bash guard (optional)
3. Remove small and large chain rings, leaving the middle (32t)
4. Re-attach the middle to the crank spider, using spacers(?) for chain line
Is this correct? Or would a new singlespeed-specific chainring be needed as well?
For a long time I ran a '96 LX crank on my SS. No complaints except for the looks, they were real slim/skinny looking, although I think that look might be making a comeback!
4. Re-attach the middle to the crank spider, using spacers(?) for chain line....
What hub are you running, what chainline do you need?
The LX is a 68mm/73mm bb, there's three 2.5mm spacers that allow you tweek the chainline. I'm running an LX crank with Surly chainring and e13 bash guard with 47mm chainline. (No spacers on the chainring bolts.)
I just ordered a set of the lx's from jenson today. Now to figure out whether I want to remove my powerspline crap and install the new bb or have a shop do it.
The LX can be used SS I actually have a set that will be setup SS this winter (waiting for frame). I do have a set of Stylo 1.1 also (looking to sell PM if interested) which is also a great set.
I got the LX because I had an extra set of XT chainrings, and now I have a backup set of LX chainrings (main bike has XT setup SS).
LX w/ XT chainrings(circa ~2008) next to Stylo 3.3 Team
Mr. Krabs: Is it true, Squidward? Is it hilarious?
I had used shimano xt cranks SS without any issues.....(great set up by the way)
can't say that for the 1.1 stylo's....self extracting crank bolt design is fugged up.
truvativ bottom bracket lasted four months.
I fixed that all by going White Industries eno cranks (square taper) with un-54 shimano bb ($20.00?)
I thought I had the deal of the century running new SLX on SIR 9 ( I wanted black) for cheap, but LX is really cool looking. Now I want to sell my STYLO 1.1 too ( XCL $99).
I got a Stylo 3.3 used on Ebay for $68 put on my Raleigh XXIX. I removed the rings and put on a Surly chainring. No issues yet I've been running since April about 1800 miles and still smooth. I just built a Salsa El Mariachi for my son, got the Jenson LX deal for $79, only used once but seems good. Both seem good and bottom brackets can be replaced easly and are cheap, got a spare new GXP on Ebay for $19.
From the photos, LX is not the same as XT. Looks like different casting/forgings. Also, people say XT is the solution for chainsuck on a Big Mama, I have LX on mine, and get chain suck in certain conditions.
Either way, $79 is a good price for the LX crank.
Based on the XT 760...they look remarkably similar...to the point I think it's just a different casting for styling, but nothing more. I highly doubt they're using different materials between the two, and they look beefy in all the same spots.
Rings are different though, that is more than likely the chainsuck issue rather than the cranks themselves.
What hub are you running, what chainline do you need?
The LX is a 68mm/73mm bb, there's three 2.5mm spacers that allow you tweek the chainline. I'm running an LX crank with Surly chainring and e13 bash guard with 47mm chainline. (No spacers on the chainring bolts.)
I'll be using ZTR hubs. I don't know the chainline. This would go on a Jabberwocky.
I'm feeling less-than confident on this project but I don't want to cheat myself out of a better crank setup due to my own incompetence.
I dont think they have a SS hub so it should just be a cassette body. In that case you will be able to adjust the chainline with spacers to whatever the cranks fit at. Most are at 51mm for external BB cranks.
Mr. Krabs: Is it true, Squidward? Is it hilarious?
I had a late 90's LX crankset that I used on an old GT Timberline that I converted to SS. The LX cranks worked flawlessly; I even used the ramped chainring for a while. IMO - get the LX crank, replace the 32t ramped chainring with a SS specific ring (and removed the other useless rings), add a bashy of your choice, then ride!!! I didn't need spacers for the bash guard - depending on your chain ring and chain width you might need some but you won't know until you install. Happy building!
NON SS CONTENT!!!!
I installed these finally on my Fisticuff and I must say this is a nice looking crank. I think the gunmetal look is even nicer then the matte grey of my XT crankset. Had I even thought about this set initially I would have gotten this set instead and saved some coin to put into other parts.
Mr. Krabs: Is it true, Squidward? Is it hilarious?
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Originally Posted by SteveF
