MTB XTR Question

[Rob C]

I have XTR cranks and Chainrings on my MTB. Are there alternative and cheaper replacements for the cranks that will fit my XTR chain rings?

[Sylv]

[quote="Rob C"]I have XTR cranks and Chainrings on my MTB. Are there alternative and cheaper replacements for the cranks that will fit my XTR chain rings?

[Rob C]

Cheers Sylv,

I replaced the middle and large chain rings this year so I'm hoping there's still some life in those. I went to change the BB today and noticed that there's a fair bit of rust on the spindle (?) between the two cranks hence wanting to change the cranks only. I'm assuming that the spindle is attached in such a way that I can't replace it without replacing both cranks as well.

[Sylv]

I don't know - I guess the rust would've come from water running down your seat-tube, but are you sure it could affect the movement of the cranks? I would think the only friction would be within the bearing cartridges, and the rust on the steel spindle if it's not too bad might not affect the performance or solidity of the crankset - it's a big expense after all to replace the whole crankset (don't think you can buy the cranks only either).

THe spindle is press-fit into the right arm so you're right you wouldn't be able to replace that bit only.

[stu23]

i dont beleive you can chnage the axle!

neither do i beleive there are any other cranks using chainrings of that BCD or design, hence you'd have to get identical XTR cranks or scrap the lot and get something else.

any ideas on what you'd get? although its a step down merlina re doin xt's cheap! £80 cheap instead of £130 last week

also, if youre scrapping them xtrs can i relieve you of them?

[Rob C]

The rust isn't that bad, I think I'll just give them a really good clean and see how I get on. The BB was shagged, do you have any tips for fitting them. I replaced it with the chainrings in summer and water has got into the bearing on both sides already. I don't think hosing the bike down with the jet hose was such a great idea but there was quite a lot of crap btween the cranks and BB cups(?). Is there a way to make them more water/mud proof without them being useless?

Stu - nice try, but surprisingly enough the answer's no.

[stu23]

worth a go

Hollowtech II's BBs are always sh1t, try a company called superstar components, they retail at £20 a pop, and use slightly larger bearings than the Shimano ones, hence last longer, as for the jet wash......baaaaad idea...bye bye bearings!! to stop rust... dont ride int the wet or give the axle a good grease before putting them in, and then after every ride take the seat tube out and let the inside of the frame dry out, ideally at house temperature!