Shimano Cranks XT M8100 vs SLX M7100 - Worth it??? Side-by-side Crankset Review

[@Jacob99174]

Certainly SLX crankset over XT. Only XT upgrade from SLX groupo would be the shifter, and possibly derailleur

[@hendrikvh]

I’ll choose whatever is in stock these days! Thanks for the great comparison as always.

[@Jacob99174]

Guess you’ll be purchasing an Advent X 10-speed cassette, 9-speed X5 derailleur, a 12-speed NX crankset, with a Shimano Alivio shifter integrated with V-brake handle.....on a XXL carbon S-works Epic frame

[@High5ballooning]

SLX is my sweetspot in quality, weight and budget. And it came stock on my bike. As an average and older rider the weight of an good alloy fully with SLX and very decent Rockshox suspension is more than sufficient to keep myself fit an having fun.

[@heyg7819]

I had my SLX 175mm with Absolute Black 32 at 574 grams versus the Deore and original chainring at 797 grams. After selling the Deore, a $25 upgrade saved 8oz of weight. Not bad!

[@xtianva5250]

Same dilemma before. Went with 7100 slx set for my giant talon2. I dont really race so cant say im missing out so much with the shifter difference. But that is me. Btw i used your guide on installing shimano 12s. Keep em nice videos coming sir.

[@alexli3505]

I'll go for SLX, again, looks better to me, and save a lot budget! Might installed a XTR chainring later.

[@Jacob99174]

Why XTR chainring as opposed to Absolute Black, for example?

[@silver_c1oud]

@@Jacob99174 Ab Oval chainring sometimes causes the shimano 12 speed derailluer to sqeak and also lessen the longevity of shimanos clutch derailleur.

[@Jacob99174]

@@silver_c1oud lessening the life of derailleur, is that mainly attributed to oval shape? And not AB specifically? For me, I prefer steel teeth rings for longevity anyhow, don’t care too much about 50 gram savings and having to replace more frequently

[@silver_c1oud]

@@Jacob99174 Yep

[@silver_c1oud]

@@bthomas518 Hmm is that so?? as for me if XTR is not compatible, i might use XT 36T chainring.. since SLX only provide upto 34T max

[@benjaminschuldt6211]

My 2022 Trek Fuel EX8 came with an XT drivetrain except for the cranks which were SLX. At first I was a little annoyed but after your video am actually quite pleased they made that choice. The extra cost of the XT cranks wouldn't have gotten me anything worthwhile - especially once its all covered in mud!

[@kevinclark9176]

I converted my old bike to 1x10 about 5 years ago. I chose the SLX M7000 crank set over the XT. For decently less money it weighed the same and IMO looked better. Plus XT was known to rub away and look even worse. Couldn’t see a reason to go XT other than to brag it’s XT.

[@anthonyhum8739]

I stripped my Ripmo AF Deore and replaced it with SLX cranks, XT shifter, XT derailuer, XT chain and cassette and blackspire chain ring. Saved atleast a pound overall

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Awesome comparison! I'm betting the 15g comes mainly from the protective film and the balance from normal deviations. I'm a DUB guy, but if I were still on Shimano it would be the XTs simply because I like the finish better..... that sounds so shallow! lol

[@TheExactlyatmidnight]

I have XT' 8100 im really disappointed how easily the finish comes off. My Deore 6100 are holding up much better.

[@RuiSilvaPT]

In all honesty, I prefer the look from SLX reminds me of Shimano SAINT.

[@M1keBLR]

Nice vid! Shimano composite chainring lasts around 8-9k kilometers with wax chain lube (Smoove) or 6k km on oil lube. So it's mostly like SRAM XX1 chainring but with lower price.

[@fra93ilgrande]

My bike has a full XT M8100 groupset, absolutely perfect 👌🏻🔝

[@LoveMTB]

Great Groupset indeed

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​​​ perfect would be XTR

[@iffy_too4289]

I went with XT cranks for three reasons. The first was that it was in stock at 165mm, the second was because of colour and finish. My previous Deore and Raceface cranks got rubbed away and look kinda jank after a while where the protective film keeps my XT's looking awesome, and the really dark colour totally fits my bike colourway. And third was because they were only AU10$ more than the SLX. I LOVE THEM!

[@dannoir2867]

Au$..? Who's got the 165s in stock at a good price down here at the moment? Thanks

[@iffy_too4289]

@@dannoir2867 I did that a year ago. Good luck

[@Pogo69]

I'll be doing the same at some stage, for all of the same reasons. My partner and I went to Race Face Aeffect (and Aeffect R for me) cranks on our previous bikes. Both have worn quite considerably. New bike has full SLX drivetrain, which is functionally fine. But want to move to 165mm cranks and can only find XT in stock, locally. Also like the idea of having crank arms that won't look like crap after a season of riding.

[@wilkinsonlee9278]

hey, mate. nice watching your videos as always. do you possibly know if M7100 chainrings and M8100 chainrings are both compatible? M8100 chainrings are more expensive although probably lighter and more durable. if yes, i would go for a M7100 chainring on my M8100 crankset.

[@wilkinsonlee9278]

@@LoveMTB wow, that sounds good, here in Korea, a XT8100 chainring(32T) is about 50 dollars while a SLX7100 chainring(32T) can cost 33 dollars to me. if they are compatible no reason to use a XT8100 chainring. thanks for your response, have a very good day.

[@MrElvean1203]

Well for me practically speaking, I'll choose SLX, budget+weight, what more could you ask for?

[@lstephenson247]

I like the finish on the XT. I am wondering if either of these 12sp cranks Can be used with a 11 spd xt cassette?

[@bathg1]

For anyone who is considering buying those cranks.. me and my friends have 3 bikes with same problem Chainring for them ... if you're buying shimano chainrings The bolts that hold the spider "i dont know how it is called but there is i guess 8 bolt that hold the chainring together as shown in 4:44 " They snapped If you have weird sounds coming from your bike while pedeling hard go cheak and see if all the bolts are healthy .. I couldnt find replacement bolts you will probably have to buy yourself a new chainring I know this video is about cranks but i just wanted to share my experience I bought the xt crank set with xt chainring and after 4 months i heared weird noise which i couldnt know where it came from until a friend found out it was from the chainrings

[@bennyp411]

Had this happen as well. Ended up replacing with a wolf tooth chain ring which is one piece.

[@jeffreydzialo]

This is surprising! Thanks, for the video. I always go for slx vs xt, or gx vs xx1, but i never would have guessed there is weight penalty when going to a higher price spec, within a product range. I get that xt is the durable work horse, but perhaps they should have machined a chamfer or a cutout to justify the upsell. I guess the marketing department was left off the project. Is xtr 30 grams heavier than xt?

[@pioroon13]

From my very own experience: XT 32t chainring is a bit lighter than SLX 30t chainring (there would be propably even bigger difference in same teeth count). So best budget Shimano combo IMO is SLX cranks + XT chainring. If you like the SLX look, I do.

[@JaimeJamesJaume]

great video, but do you have info between deore and slx?

[@JaimeJamesJaume]

@@LoveMTB so according to your answer and vids slx y good option,. I was thinking about getting slx or deore, but the rest of my group is slx

[@kevinborovsky3558]

Great video as always my friend and informative. I like the XT, and I have them on one of my bikes. Would like to see a comparison with Deore against the upper food chain cranks and see they compare.

[@NM4500]

How much are Deore and MT511 different? Would be interesting to see as Budget Bikes often come with these.

[@lambo79]

thx for the comparison! I got the m71xx a few months back... glad to know the slx is lighter, wow...

[@TeamCykelhold]

I have both types. Both are great. If you have the option to choose between them, go for SLX unless you are bothered by the looks - but these days just get whatever you can get your hands on.

[@leonardomanuelhernandez1494]

Help me out i can't decide which one I'm going to buy.. I currently using mt300 but i converted it to 1x and im planning to upgrade it to SLX or XT? XC rider here

[@Aaron-nh1ml]

Quality uploads. Always. Thank you!♥️

[@dimimtb]

My Optic came with a Deore 6100 crank and to be honest, other than changing the ring to an AB oval, cranks are the set and forget things unless it breaks somehow. The only crank I would consider upgrading too, and purely for looks are the CC eeWing. I feel the Shimano has done such a good job from a functionality perspective that you can't go wrong from XTR down to SLX/Deore and weight is usually the major difference between ranges.

[@Calincillo]

Shimano 11s cranksets/chainrings are compatible with 12s drivetrains?

[@sandy_knight]

How does the Zee crankset compare?

[@LoveMTB]

Strong, old, heavier

[@LoveMTB]

Strong, old, heavier

[@catg9196]

Ive got Race face Turbines. Curious the weight difference. My buddy got the Xt. The protective tape is almost off.

[@joriz5869]

Do they have 165mm version? My Trance came with praxis cranks and it's now battered, so I need new ones...thanks

[@Mark_Tishman]

Is the slx better than deore?

[@jevgeniardassov]

Have run my full SLX build on my Specialized and see no point of upgrading. Shifts are crisp, cranks are good and 4-pot brakes are superb at stopping. If You need to get down the weight go XTR, otherwise see no point.

[@mytzam]

Good that you use metric units not the "special" ones. :)))

[@tomm7029]

I have a new Scott Spark 960 with the Shimano FC-MT512-1 crankset. I understand this is equivalent to a Deore but I can’t find out much else. Which model number crankset should I upgrade to if I wanted to go to SLX, and would I need to buy a new chainring as well? Thx.

[@tomm7029]

@@LoveMTB shouldn’t I stick with the 55mm CL, so the 7120? Or are you suggesting to run a 52mm 7100 chainline if I can get away with it? The bike currently struggles with the extreme chain angle in the lowest gear, as your linked video shows at 6:42. Also do I need to order a new 32T chainring, or is the old one detachable? I understand that the chainrings do not vary across the range but I don’t know if the mounting system changes for my non-series cranks, i.e. the chain ring is not able to be kept and used with SLX cranks.

[@holgaholic]

have you tried garbaruk chainrings?

[@abrahamchairez8699]

Are all Shimano cranks interchangeable? For example I have Deore m6100 will XTR m9100 bolt right on?

[@abrahamchairez8699]

So it won’t work?

[@rickschock4642]

I upgraded from a Shimano MT510-1 crankset to the SLX M7100 over the winter. Keen to get out and ride it soon. During my research, I used another of your videos to help me choose. One thing I did notice, is the XT allows for a greater chainring choice; 28, 30, 32, 34 & 36. SLX only allows 30, 32, & 34, according to my Shimano catalogue. That same catalogue states the weight difference between XT and SLX is 11 grams, in favour of the XT crankset.

[@gdamjan]

I have the FC-MT510-1 too (34t) and seems quite enough of cranksets to me :) (and they were some 30% cheaper than the M7100) did you notice any improvements with the M7100 ?

[@wavedave9503]

I can’t decide really. On one bike I’m running the deore and on the other the XT 12s. They bith are a staple in reliability. I’d go with either of them and be glad to have them. I am curious about ghe new GX in comparison with the XT and if the increased range in percentage has Shimano come up with something new as well. Cheers for the great comparison👌

[@christeschke9844]

Im more of a Value person, I would pick the SLX crankset. Still running the SLX m675 brakes you showed many years ago :)

[@froggy0162]

I went full Deore everything except for an XT shifter for the double down shift. It’s awesome, and on an Orange Five Evo enduro/trail bike ridden by a middle aged fairly broken me, I’m not concerned with being a weight weenie :) It’s a great system.

[@GeorgeFrideric71]

Interesting. I've got a full Deore on a new bike and had brought the XT shifter as the only upgrade. I'd only really used SRAM before. However, in honesty, I find the Deore shifter/shifting fine and am considering just sending the XT shifter back. I know the performance advantages of it though: how do you find it? Worth the upgrade, would you say?

[@froggy0162]

@@GeorgeFrideric71 XT had the double up shift function - that’s the main reason for upgrading the shifter. It’s a little thing to some, but i always missed it on my SRAM bike!

[@mikelafferty5253]

Will this crankset work with my 11spd cassette? Deore 11spd 11 to 51T. Thx

[@mikelafferty5253]

@@LoveMTB I bought the SLX, it works great on my 11spd, Thx!!

[@flowbike4487]

Have youn knowlage what's the material of preload adjust nut in xtr 9100 crank ?

[@LoveMTB]

I'm sorry I do not know but if I had to guess I would say Steel since they need that 40-50Nm tightening torque.

[@flowbike4487]

@@LoveMTB preload ring is on left arm. What you taking about 40-50NM !!

[@LoveMTB]

Brain fart?🙂@@flowbike4487

[@abkvandrd]

For my taste Slx looks cooler. The most beautifu crankset is Xtr, but for that price i prefer carbon one

[@konradpsiuk5349]

I pulled the pedal thread on the heavy landing from my SLX cranks, I wonder if XT are any stronger.

[@martinkoren3122]

The same here. Now I am running the XT cranks.

[@MrStingraybernard]

Wonder if this will work on a 11 speed ?

[@baralidasan1487]

Deore m6100 crankset vs Xt m8100 for enduro/freeride? 🤔

[@baralidasan1487]

@@LoveMTB i mean in terms of durability? 😅

[@baralidasan1487]

@@LoveMTB nicee thank you. i guess im gonna go for m6100 deore then 😁

[@baralidasan1487]

@@LoveMTB ok 😁

[@onewheeldrive2645]

I have SLX drivetrain and want the SLX cranks to complete it. SLX is good bang for buck for sure.

[@princeT-369]

can i use SLX shifter and FD on my 10 speed mtb?

[@stanger5283]

Man you saved my Money thx Greetings from germany

[@John_D2]

Do they make a chain ring allowing me to run the 10 speed microshift advent group , on the slx M1700 ? Thanks

[@John_D2]

@@LoveMTB ok thanks.

[@KnjazGromowladny]

Hi my friend. Tell me one thing, who in 2022/23 look at weight? 15g is less pack of crisps.

[@Bloodraw83]

Can we run those in 11 spd groupsets?

[@donnovicki9771]

JMO but I never thought XT was worth it, even back in the 80's when I started MTB. Good review as always....

[@OMPONG777]

Still go with the XT. been using the group since the 90s

[@didsadventures7926]

Hi dude. I got a question. My stock crank has the spindle type bb sram sx. I plan to get a 170 crank sx arm with dub bb. Would it work with my chain ring which is boost? Any incompatibilities? Thank you

[@didsadventures7926]

@@LoveMTB Hi. My current BB is actually the truvativ powerspline. there shouldn't be any problems changing the BB to dub bsa and the crankarms, right?

[@didsadventures7926]

@@LoveMTB thank you. I will checkout the item from ali express then. More power to your channel 💪👍

[@wekitralph]

i currently want to upgrade my 2021 giant trance 29 3. it comes with praxis cadets but i want to do a full xt groupset. what bottom bracket do i need? its a pressfit. do i meature the bottom bracket? i see BB-MT800-P 89.2/92 MM

[@phenofinder9145]

I went with the slx and a aftermarket chainring. A good chunk lighter than stock xt with Shimano XT ring

[@zdravo4]

Hello there and thank you for this fine and honest video as usual. I would say I will go with Deore M6100, that is the best thing for money shimano makes. I am using M6000 crankst converted to 1x with SunRace steel chainring and that’s all I need. BTW What material they use for XTR? I suppose Titanium or something similar.

[@zdravo4]

@@LoveMTB About XTR I meant on axle. Yes Deore is fine but a bit heavider than this two, but also much cheaper too.

[@zdravo4]

@@LoveMTB WOW 200g is something considerable

[@froggy0162]

@@zdravo4 It’s not really… You’d get that much in mud on the bike riding muddy trails. It’s 200mls of water in your bottle.

[@robertzaldivar71]

I love the xt but slx is lighter and cheaper so I probably just gonna love them both.

[@omercicekk]

I've watched similar videos of this comparison. I can safely say Slx is better option on paper and you might think slx as a better option just by the video. Apart from weight, there is another important difference. Slx is painted and XT is anodized. Slx will worn out in 3-5 rides horribly. How do I know? Because i picked SLX crank and it looks old after couple rides. If look doesn't mean anything go for SLX. XT should be considerably more durable plus the protecting film. I haven't used XT but i think i would choose XT if i knew this difference. Price is 50% more on the XT.

[@ivanteo1973]

are the cranks hollow? or casted?

[@ivanteo1973]

@@LoveMTB i can' see any seams at all. amazing craftsmanship.

[@manoloman2000]

Buen vídeo como los que sueles hacer. Es un análisis que está fenomenal y es necesario bajo mi punto de vista porque se tiene en cuenta a la hora de elegir por unas bielas. Con pesos e imágenes que son de utilidad. Enhorabuena.

[@Ruben.C.C.]

Sorprendente!!! Yo SLX sin dudarlo. Saludos desde España.

[@mioutdoors426]

I love my slx cranks, with my Garbaruk chainring they come in at 558 grams.

[@kountification]

I'd be happy with the SLX!

[@MB-ek1ub]

Recently saw a longevity test. No marked difference between deore up to XTR. For crank, slx is the clear winner. For cassettes, there is a clear difference. The cheaper the heavier.

[@MB-ek1ub]

@@LoveMTB published in a leading cycling magazine (fiets) in the Netherlands. No online publication unfortunately. Most interesting fact: SRAM was extremely poor in longevity. With the only exception being XX1. A deore chain and cassette last double or even quadruple as long as compared to GX.

[@ToddNZMTB]

No mention of price in here? This new tool required sounds a bit off-putting too but I suppose we all have so many specialist tools another one won't hurt eh!

[@ToddNZMTB]

@@LoveMTB oh it comes with it, got it.

[@greggalmonte2632]

@@LoveMTB Just mounted XT cranks last night. No tool in the box, not sure they're including it anymore.

[@Silkl4sh]

I have never had an XT crankset. They always looked worse than SLX and unlike SLX paintjob wore off.

[@alifallah1954]

in my op slx look even better thank you for comparison

[@sselh]

my 165mm xt m8100 with the 32t wolftooth ring weighs 578 grams if anything

[@silver_c1oud]

Thank Goodness. My Giant XTC SLR 1 came with SLX Crankset. been planning to upgrade it to XT.. but after seeing this Video it made me think its not worthit.

[@rydelatorre21]

I choose the SLX, better value for money!

[@agungagumy21]

I love both. But now my groupset shimano deore XT 🤟

[@lvirag8401]

slx is such a screaming deal. grab it & go. if u want 2 take mote time, an xt/slx/deore mix costs about the same in order 2 maximize performance.

[@rafa6311]

no deberías de a ver pesado las bielas sin los platos ? por separado .

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

I've chosen SLX with permanent spider, as it's more eco friendly and cheaper to run. Unless offcourse, someone regularly chooses to perform some fatality stunts on their bikes, and break crankset spider.

[@_systemd]

@@LoveMTB I guess he means standard old type cranks w integrated 4arm spider

[@viniciovieirajr.]

SLX for sure!!!

[@vts413]

Shimano SLX M7100 this is my choice!!!

[@vts413]

@@LoveMTB Thanks) And I like the design of the M7100

[@fattie2550]

After watching this video i would choose SLX

[@kolomoetsan]

I have slx. It's super!

[@timshanemelton]

I like both

[@hope2someday691]

So I guess the actual prices were discussed in a previous video and that’s why they’re not covered here…

[@LoveMTB]

Actually I rarely talk prices since they vary so much depending on the source, geography, retail vs grey market etc.

[@lollol2283]

@@LoveMTB hi, thanks for the vid! I wanted to ask you, is it possible to unstick that protective film from the the xt cranks?

[@LoveMTB]

@@lollol2283 yes you can peel it off but the surface wears off very easily that’s why they installed it

[@rule3036]

Shit....just gone XT all round on a new hardtail build, should have gone Slx, and lost weight! And saved money😤

[@elenamenda]

Friends i need a set from the bolts of the exact chainring on the 1x12, 3 of 8 are missing, I guess they weren't tightent enough. So I'm writing this if some of you can guide me and help me find the exact bolts on internet so i can order them.... please help!!!!!🆘🆘

[@GokkunGuru]

Looks and finish wise, Deore XT is nicer.

[@dastreak2152]

I have XT but it seem the same to me

[@rickymarumade]

slx looks better in my opinion

[@RalphIvanDelaTonga]

Slx all the way

[@vojvoda9060]

Slx ofcourse.....I will put stickers XT.🙈🙈

[@ArmaniFlyHigh]

Saint all the way for me.....

[@jamble7k]

I would definitely use xt chainrings over the slx even if the cranks are the same, seen multiple where the bolts fall out of the shimano direct mount slx ones (including one of mine) same with xt chains - they last a lot longer.

[@vojvoda9060]

@@LoveMTB 🙈🙈🙈😂😂😂

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Not extra 50% price of XT

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

Went with the deckas, lol

[@kisilvan]

Been using an SLX as got a good deal on it last year, almost 50% cheaper than XT at the time. Got a Deore 6100 initially but when felt the extra weight I sent it back and got the SLX, Its been excellent and with an XT chain very durable. I also prefer the look of the SLX chainset.

[@piciu256]

I was hoping for an April fool's video

[@wills4343]

I bought the non branded XT's with an XTR chainring on closeout for $139. These were sold with the XTR groupsets when they couldn't supply the XTR cranks a few years ago. I probably wouldn't buy the XT's for full price. Cranks take a beating and a pretty finish is not worth it. I used to run the 12 speed SLX chainring but ended up dropping the chain too much so went with a blackspire ring which has performed much better.

[@sznib]

Shimano cranks - nice design, good looking, shitty, easy wearing paint. Cranks quickly start looking like shit.

[@krustytutos]

slx

[@dazmtb]

SLX M7100 all day long…. It’s not worth the money for it to look shiny and look tatty within weeks.