In the market for a new crank and bb as i am fed up with the clunking and loosening of the truvative huss that came on the bike ( Spec SX trail for freeride/alpine trips)
Was wondering does anyone have any strong opinions on which to buy. Raceface has 1 yr guarantee on BB and lifetime on cranks, have got xtype on my other bike and is OK.
Shimano lighter, cheaper but dont know about warranty. Also suggests to be fitted by LBS first time?
The RF are supposed to be practically indestructible and stiffer but the BB bearings aren't quite as long lasting as the Shimano (but both are interchangeable as far as I know). Both are good cranks for hard hitting stuff just depends on how pimpy you want to go.
I'd go with Saint. Tried and tested by downhillers all over the world, I don't think I've ever heard of any breaking. I've used some Diabolous stuff in the past, stems and seatposts, and they seemed a bit heavy and overbuilt. You don't really see a lot of Diabolous stuff around, it's mostly Thomson for stems and posts and Saints for cranks.
FWIW I was about to switch to XT for downhill until I changed to a bike with an 83mm BB and they wouldn't fit, plenty strong enough tho'.
simply because they dont ever break, i've heard if the bearings / BB wearing..but you dont pedal under power as much on FR bike, not like XC. i have not found it an issue. BB in my demo is 3 yrs old... it's fine. the stiffness the diabolous confers is immense.
weight is more, but does it really matter? you want solid!
keeps the big S of you bike as well, if you're so inclined.
the cost is more i accept.
both systems recommend a 1st time LBS fitting, to ensure frame edges are even.
i've fitted both myself, it's not beyond the wit of normal man.
