BEST Alu CRANKSETS from Shimano and SRAM! XT/SLX vs GX/ Stylo/ Descendant Review

[@normanmommu1]

My thoughts, SLX cranks with aftermarket chainring are the best bang for buck weight, performance and reliability wise.

[@Shotgoon]

And I’m pretty sure you can get different offsets for the chainrings when you go aftermarket.

[@pauperismarti2226]

100% agree. Im going to get that combo for my hardtail dreambuild. Plus, I think xt look cheap and worst than slx.

[@normanmommu1]

@@pauperismarti2226 Although I must say, I got XT cranks just for the looks/colour matching 😅

[@normanmommu1]

In addition, get an aluminium 10mm allen key preload ring for Shimano cranks from ebay if you want extra ease of installation/adjustment.

[@Jon-ty6bb]

Just added a Blackspire oval to my SLX crank. A weight saving of 33g (about 30%) for 32T.

[@teemu3370]

Always loving the detail and effort that is put in to these videos. Easily best comparisons and reviews around. It is funny, how big channels do not seem to be able to do it, even with more resources etc.

[@spacedoutboy404]

A big fan of shimano cranks. I really like how the preload adjustment is done via the crank bolt looking cap and not a collar. Looks way neater. It's a small detail, but such a nice one.

[@pablocarbajo5545]

Great video! The 24mm spindle has more pros than cons.

[@mkrj2576]

Thanks. Recently started watching your channel and really dig your presentations. I've been riding, building up, and wrenching on mtbs for about thirty years... but have kids and a full time job too. So its hard keeping up with tech/things. Your videos help. I'm building up a new frame and deciding on whether to stay mostly with SRAM 12 speed (except cranks), or go with Shimano. I use higher end cassettes as you save a fair amount of weight that way, and its weight that's far out from center, and high end shifters as they last. But usually go lower tier derailures as their lifespan is much shorter of course. I agree that Shimano cranks are hard to beat and am still running old XTRs I got on sale years ago and neither they nor the BBs will die. And I agree that SLX gives you the best bang for your buck by far. Anyway, do you have any videos comparing higher end Shimano vs SRAM drivetrains? Thanks again.

[@mkrj2576]

@@LoveMTB XO level SRAM except for a gx rd. Shimano usually xtr and an xt rd. Cranks are always Shimano

[@MRLIROCK]

I'm currently running Truvativ Descendant 6K cranks and I am mostly happy with them. The SRAM plastic preload ring which broke on me and I replaced it with the Cane Creek aluminum version. In my opinion Shimano has the superior preload system. I'm also worried about the small DUB bearing balls, but for now they are still fine. BTW: I was running a Deore LX Hollowtech II crankset from 2006 to 2021 on my XC bike. The crankset is still perfectly fine only the BB bearings got a little crispy.

[@sham2613]

Totally agree. Small bearings for large 30 mm spindles are a disaster

[@horvathszovatiandras5959]

Just changed my sram nx 12 speed setup to a shimano deore 12 set. And after a short ride i can say shimano feels by far better.

[@danielgibson5848]

As a Shimano user for decades I currently have 2 bikes with SRAM cranks and DUB BB's. I have to say that the DUB BB's have proven to be incredibly durable. I however don't ride in muddy conditions unless I have to, but my fatbike has survived the last 3 seasons of winter fat biking and remains as smooth as ever. Shimano however I didn't have the same reliability. My trail bike BB would need replacing every season as the non-drive side bearings would always fail... weird. It really got annoying right up until I sold that bike. My current trail bike still has it's original DUB BB and going into it's 4th season.

[@butcherslife2476]

I really like how you give the detailed information it helps a lot. I destroy my slx chain ring I thought my crank is totally useless already but finally its just the chain ring that I need to change

[@showze21]

excellent comparison review, thanks. i was just going to buy sram eagle but the bottom bracket bearings are a deal killer

[@kolomoetsan]

Я езжу на SLX. У меня есть все инструменты, чтобы обслуживать Shimano. Это как произведение искуства! Мне очень нравится!

[@jasonlewis6914]

When I 1st got the SRAM gx aluminum crank. I was stun how awesome the quality was

[@seanhornchek6440]

Bsa dub has no reliability issues and I am always quite amazed on their performance. However the bb you showed that failed (pf41 pf92) should not be used with dub or 30mm spindles in my opinion. This bb standard was created by shimano for 24mm spindles

[@dtj9923]

Great comparison! I'm currently building a Salsa Blackthorn and I think I'm just going with a full XT build. I've used XT hollowtech cranks on a few bikes now and been extremely happy with the durability of the cranks, chain rings, and bottom brackets. The weight advantage of the SRAM carbon cranks is compelling, but for the 150 grams or so they're at bit expensive. From a long term perspective I have SRAM X0-1 carbon cranks on my 2016 Salsa X0-1 Bucksaw. That bike has taken an absolute beating since it came out if the box. BEATING!!! I haven't had any bottom bracket, crank or chainring issues.

[@dtj9923]

@@LoveMTB Funny how many times we find ourselves saying "Almost as good as Shimano". At the very least it becomes the baseline for most bike part comparisons.

[@Mo.Jo.MTB_101]

I am somewhat of a Shimano Fanboy... ;-) And I do love the SLX Cranks for price, quality and weight... I did upgrade with some Garbaruk Components... (Deore rear Mac, XT Shifter, SLX Cranks, Cassette, Chainring and Pully Wheels are from Garbaruk oh and and any Shimano Chain thats not XTR and is on discount... ;-)

[@martinmbae2688]

Thanks a lot for helping us understand more about these cranks. I run a mix-match setup and was wondering which cranks to go for between SLX and GX, since I have an XT cassette, XX1 chain and a GX derailleur, and now I've decided to go with SLX mostly because of the BB. Thanks!

[@LoveMTB]

You're welcome

[@TheNationalTrails]

Have never faced weather issues such as your race. I have X01 carbon crankset with 0mm offset oval chainring for my SB+ Salsa Blackthorn. In other words, standard non-boost/boost cranksets, which weigh less, work on Superboost spacing too. For me, it makes it easier to buy/sell and continue using XO1... Plus, they are light.

[@MikeinCC]

It would be interesting to get your comparison of Shimano cranks vs Raceface. RF has really stepped up their game in recent years and makes (what I think) are quality cranksets and BBs at very reasonable prices. Just a thought.

[@hece35]

@@LoveMTB RF Aeffect cranks use the same 24 mm spindle as Shimano unlike the more expensive models.

[@shabapotata]

Went back to shimano aluminum after too many carbon crank failures. You can beat the hell out of them and not have to worry. I picked up two used ones, xtr for my A bike and SLX for my hardtail B bike. I think they look better too

[@shabapotata]

@@LoveMTB yea just those crappy raceface ones!

[@johnkem2630]

The weight of the Shimano steel spindle & Centerlock mounting ring brings both cranksets to the 5 gram difference in total weight vs just the individual arms. The Decendent Stylo cranksets are made by Sram and are generally supplied as an OEM part on complete bicycles.

[@tinshield]

I go XT for my bikes just because they look better but we have other bikes in the house with SLX. I find the Shimano cranks better quality than aluminum SRAM cranks and I won’t use carbon cranks. But, biggest reason is the larger bearings of Shimano BB’s. I think that’s the most significant reason.

[@tinshield]

I want a silver XT group again!

[@GokkunGuru]

Great comparison. I love the SRAM GX cranks but don’t like the aesthetics of their aluminum chainrings. SRAM’s NX chainrings look better by far but much heavier. I’ve mated my XX1 cranks with WolfTooth’s aluminum chainring, which IMO looks better.

[@gzzzup1]

I prefer riding Redline 3 piece flight cranks FTW 😂👍🏻

[@LoveMTB]

Fair enough!

[@dadama66]

3rd party rings and hubs pretty much level the playing field. Replaceable spindles would be welcome on shimano cranks so you can move your cranks to bikes with different rear hubs sizes and chain lines.

[@pacosenderos]

Muy buen video, como siempre. Mucha información y muy util. Enhorabuena !!!

[@jamlee344]

Pros and cons to each. Shimano's chainring spider will break with a good pedal strike. Never had that with Sram and many pedal strikes. A friend also experienced this. And the requirement for special tools to replace said chainring or adjust preload puts Sram in front. Shimano wins in the bearings and their price though. Currently on XT with Burgtec chainring.

[@Rodrigo207-e4i]

Very detailed explanation, as usual!!! Quick question.. which bottom bracket should I use on a PF30 frame (73mm) if I were to run an SLX crakset? Or am I stuck to using "reduction cups" to go from 39mm to 24mm?

[@LoveMTB]

@@Rodrigo207-e4i unfortunately reduction cups for that frame /bb

[@ПростоАнатолий-в5в]

Как всегда отличное видео! В данном случае, я выбрал Shimano SLX.

[@andrewperry2569]

But sram you have to worry about offset for the chainring Shimano is king.

[@fra93ilgrande]

Why not XTR cranks? I know them are crazy expensive but worth it

[@LoveMTB]

The "worth it" part tends ro be very subjective...

[@alexmalone1642]

I like transmission XO but shifters no way 😮

[@Silkl4sh]

Though i prefer sram drivetrain over Shimano i gotta say Sram cranks are garbage. I weight 95 kilos and my Descendant 7k was flexing really hard. After switching to SLX no flexing and bending at all. Dub is also terrible to remove.

[@robertzaldivar71]

I go for carbon for light weight so go sram.But for durability I choose shimano that’s why it’s hard to pick between this two.

[@netposerx]

Broke 2 of those SLX chain rings in the past 2 years. I cranked hard on the pedals and it broke and the next time it broke pedaling down a jump line. Both time Shimano replaced them.

[@alexmalone1642]

Do it a video from cuvets fork bike please 😇

[@alessandrouk2]

The steel chainring is much better, longevity, and especially in chains, in aluminum chainrings, the chain will always make noise, the chainring is worn out. steel chainring, you change the chain without noise, or use the old chain until the end. Shimano's big problem is the Offset to use in HG hubs, it is 3mm even in HG Boost hub. Cool that I found a direct Mount adapter SLX for BCD 104, the annoying thing is that the chainring only starts with 32t. Sram already has chainrings with 30 and 32t of steel. only bad thing are the 03 screws, they always dust. My Chainline was perfect with the adapter and crown having an offset of 5 to 6mm even in a boost frame (with 2mm spacers) and using a sunrace 10s 11/51 cassette.

[@garydetaeye7081]

what about race face

[@laggypedals]

I have SRAM Dub cranks and 28T steel chainring on my bike. Where do I find 24T STEEL chainring? I will change the crankset and bottom bracket to accommodate 24T STEEL chainring. I had aluminum chainrings and they didn’t last long. Love to climb but getting weak/old and limited budget. Thank you and I appreciate the advice.

[@laggypedals]

@@LoveMTB I've never paid attention to cadence, and I'm not sure I understand it fully to be honest. I'm just slow, period :) On my MTB, I have Shimano steel 10-51 cassette with SRAM shifter and derailleur. SRAM Dub cranks, chain and 28T steel chainring. I try to climb at least 100 feet per mile. I don't know what components to buy to accommodate the 24T Steel chainring, such as this one SHIMANO SLX M660 10 SPD CHAINRING 24/32/42 on JensonUSA Thanks for your help.

[@wildman9364]

both MTB's hardtail and FS are Sram GX and gravel bike is Shimano GRX. both work well for me. havent used Shimano mtb cranks yet Cheers

[@wildman9364]

@@LoveMTB great to hear others experience. I know you are more race focused I just have fun but I did this season do my 1st gravel race 1st race in 12 years. always great videos from you man Cheers from Michigan

[@wildman9364]

@@LoveMTB hey man what's going on with the Meta? love to see an update on it. I still need to post mine and my build. out of my 3 bikes I seem to ride that one the most haha Cheers

[@wildman9364]

@@LoveMTB did not know that I did know you got a Yeti Arc. mine is just my trail bike I didnt build it for speed mine is a few pounds heavier then yours but I went a full 2.8 tires on 40mm rims but for pedals/bottle cage/bar end multi tool 29lbs 4oz is not bad in my book

[@tbcyable]

You doesn't mention the difficulties of disassemble the sram crank. Just for that I switch sram for shimano. And for poor quality of the bearings bottom bracket.

[@ronikanics5228]

I choose SRAM GX for bigger spindle and i used it for a year combined with my cogs RD and chain from Shimano XT 8100

[@juanhidalgo7043]

Good video! Do you have any experience with Chris King BB with SRAM Dub cranksets? And also for the shimano with Chris King BB?

[@jonathanwilliams5976]

Awesome video.

[@Ruben.C.C.]

Excelente vídeo; felicidades. Feliz navidad desde Spain.

[@catg9196]

Im sticking with Raceface Turbines with Wolf tooth ovals the pass few bikes I owned. Love them 👍. Super stiff with 30mm axle and imo better looking than Shimano Xt. But the rest is Shimano drivetrain.

[@catg9196]

@@LoveMTB I never had a issues with the small BB bearings, but then again I dont ride when its muddy. I pack it with more grease before i install it too.

[@kkkwwwaaakkk]

Running a FC-MT900 crank from when Shimano was struggling to make enough XTR 12sp cranks after the fire at their factory. XTR-level component in stealth black color. The spider is an 8-bolt Sigeyi Axo power meter. Disassembled an XT chainring and put the steel part on the power meter spider

[@HelplmAlive]

What is the actual length of the cranks from the spindle to the very bottom of the crank. I know some crank manufacturers just change the location of the pedal threads and generally keep the same overall length.

[@anthonycordero5733]

Sram all. The way gx eagle is just better lasts longer if you clean em right..

[@LoveMTB]

Good cranks, for me the DUB is meh...

[@twosix_00]

So Shimano chainrings last longer because they are made of steel? That is my question... if not, what aluminum chainring do you recommend I put that is similar to the durability of a Shimano?

[@lolandypanda]

Can you maybe explain about compatibility with 3rd party chainrings? Looking for a new cranks for a new bike, and faced an issue shimano does not provide 34T neither to 5100 nor to 6100

[@marcelberthold4922]

SRAM bottom brackets are the worst thing SRAM offers. They last around 4 weeks if it is quite wet... Had already problems ins 2011, my dads bike is equipt with their stuff and it still horrible...

[@LoveMTB]

The old GXP threaded was as good as Shimano, the new DUB...you saw it in the video

[@marcelberthold4922]

@@LoveMTB Had the pressfit version.. thats the weak point for sure. With selling new brackets sram is generating some safe cashflow ;) I´m looking forward how long my SRAM road BB will last.

[@LoveMTB]

@@marcelberthold4922 They know their interests well, might be German engineering but it is American leadership and marketing.

[@raymundcresencia1359]

Hello, can you do a review on deore xt FC-T8000 crankset? Thanks

[@jalbrecht55]

Are you aware of any 49mm chainring options for the shimano 12sp? (I’ve looked all over and haven’t found one.)

[@lukaslewandowski5756]

Nice video I'm thinking about getting Deore Crankset. Do u think it's worth spending more on SLX one? 🤔

[@lukaslewandowski5756]

@@LoveMTB thank you U just convinced me 🙂

[@Silkl4sh]

Slx is hands down best bargain on the market

[@silver_c1oud]

is XT Bottom bracket worth-it? or go for kogel ceramic?

[@christianabendan1734]

Can you mixed? Shimano BB then Crankset of sram

[@LoveMTB]

Actually no, and I would recommend you check this video for more info - kzbin.info/www/bejne/raPaZnWjqtKHY68

[@christianabendan1734]

How about if i will use sram dub crankset with shimano XT Drivetrain it will work?

[@christianabendan1734]

Can you recommend any short cranks from shimano its hard to find😢

[@guzzisan21]

​​@@christianabendan1734 I know this is a late reply but I am actually using sram gx 165mm cranks with dub BB and rest of drivetrain is deore. For chainring I'm using a wolftooth oval specifically made for Shimano chains but uses sram 3 bolt mounting. 👍

[@trailfork7815]

own 2 xt cranks but still think slx is pretty much the same for a lower price

[@phenofinder9145]

Shimano SLX cranks!

[@iffy_too4289]

XT because they look better than SLX and have that rub/scratch protector on it to keep them looking good.

[@jhayzeemtb]

Hi. Will the gx crank work with shimano deore 12s rd and 11s xt cogs?

[@LoveMTB]

Yes if you use a 11s chain

[@jhayzeemtb]

@@LoveMTB thank you. My frame is non-boost. What gx crank should I get? Non-boost as well? How bout the offset? Thank you for your response

[@LoveMTB]

There's no "non-Boost", actually watch my latest video for details on this! You need 6mm offset chainring@@jhayzeemtb

[@jhayzeemtb]

@@LoveMTB thank you. I already watched it before but im going to watch it again. 😃

[@LoveMTB]

Good😃@@jhayzeemtb

[@ssmtb]

I was really impressed with my RF Affect R crankset I swapped to it from a Deore, mainly in order to go from 170mm to 165mm The Affect was noticeably lighter, and the machining on it looks really nice

[@wallyedmonds8199]

I got the 165 turbine cranks .

[@and30ers]

Great review. I use SLX 71xx cranks with Alugear (Poland) chainrings, or if carbon I use XX1 SL or X01 cranks with Alugear chainrings. Alugear offers different offset chainrings for both Sram and Shimano DM cranks, so you have the option to run 49 mm chainline with your SLX 7100 crank, for your old mtb or new gravel rig with 12x142 mm rear.

[@Jacob99174]

Incorrect Was just on Alugear’s website, and Shimano combo only goes down to 52, not 49 Anders is playing a fast one…

[@msagoo29]

What exactly are the technical differences between SLX and XT cranks? It seems the XT cranks and chainrings have some kind of surface coating on them or some different Alu series. I do wonder if Shimano will be releasing new group sets next year, as the current MTB sets are nearly 5 years old since they were announced. XCO World Cup should show new prototypes

[@anthonycortes1706]

For me it's Shimano slx

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

I use deckas set of cranks lol cheap and good enough

[@gregstinson5725]

I've seen several sets of Shimano cranks (Deore, SLX, and XT) fall off bikes due to a poor design of how the NDside threads on. Fine for chill stuff, but NO WAY would i take them on long backcountry rides or anything technical or jump related. XTR is much better, but the price is just too high. For a few grams more, you can just run GX (only $100now on sale) on your Shimano set and use a Sram/Shimano conversion chainring from AB or Wolftooth. GX is Best of both worlds - stout design like XTR, and super inexpensive.

[@ShahnewazYT]

Shimano cranksets would have been the ultimate choice had they not forced yet another Direct Mount standard on us. 🙄

[@ssmtb]

Ew not sure how I feel about those SLX cranks if it's the same kind of technology Shimano has used in the Ultegra cranks, with the alleged splitting issue reported by some

[@wallyedmonds8199]

Raceface for me 😇 it’s kind of like dub buuuuuut it’s not 🙂

[@LoveMTB]

Yeah true 30mm spindle and one of the reasons why I never considered their carbon cranks...

[@wallyedmonds8199]

@@LoveMTB ohhhh why is 30mm bad

[@LoveMTB]

@@wallyedmonds8199 Quite a few reasons starting with the BB bearings.

[@wallyedmonds8199]

@@LoveMTB oh the bearing balls are smaller , may fail . I’m thinking . I can make any bb fail lol

[@wbasht]

I bought a carbon descendant and just ride ;)

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

That's easy! SLX CRUSHES GX, everybody gets to go home early! 😅😂🤣 True though, and what I chose.

[@johnnyweekend]

Applebee's or Chilli's

[@junesebastian392]

well, according to your cap, it's SRAM!🤣 anyway, crankset wise, if I'm using Shimano, I'l go for XT all the way same as Sram, I'l go for GX, both groupset are value for money..

[@Apexxx_HVAC]

Only shimano, slx m7100!

[@adamcoppock5018]

Only Popeye can remove SRAM cranks LOL. Shimano takes it every time for me. 👍

[@joejoeshmoe]

Sram is garbage. The Shimano chainring interface is superior to sram. If you're doing your repairs at home buying one more small tool isn't going to matter. Shimano doesn't make carbon cranks because carbon cranks are unreliable and lighter bike parts just means they're going to be weaker.

[@DiegoP.Escouto]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🤙🏻

[@chubscoi]

:o

[@mortlow6688]

The special bb and general Quality standart from Sram kills all their other good (weight saving) inventions ...

[@sonnyfung5135]

Neither is the best. Cane Creek eeWings cranks are the best.

[@merkel2750]

Could anyone tell me if I could convert my Marin bobcat trail 4 to a 11-12 speed shimano cassette, derailleur, bottoms bracket and hollow tech crank? It’s a non boost dropout axle

[@merkel2750]

@@LoveMTB thanks mate, you’re a legend!