Shimano XT HT II Crankset (Shimano)

Member Name: Trengot

Product:	Shimano
Date:	01/04/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Light, Stiff, Looks good

Disadvantages: More expensive than some available

I bought this crankset as a replacment for the Truvativ OEM one that comes on the standard Specialized Hardrock (or did in 2004 anyway). The difference was stunning. Fair enough it costs a fair bit more (£120 fitted instead of ~£50) but it is more than made up for by the increase in performance. It is much lighter (about 900g instead of 'lots' ) and the external BB is so smooth. There is very little flex and they have only needed adjusting once or twice in the two years I have had them.

When they eventually do need adjusting, or moving from one bike to another, it is a fairly straight forward process once you have the HT II tool (~ £10 from any local bike shop or internet supplier). It is fitted in much the same way as a threadless headset. There is an end cap that pulls the non-driveside crankarm onto the hollow axle and then two clamp bolts that hold it there.

The chain rings that come as standard don't last as long as some but do offer fast shifting and weigh very little.

I have had no problems at all with this and would recommend it to anyone who wants an increase in performance that is good value at the same time.

Summary: The benchmark for all MTB cranksets.