XT m735 any good? Is the better for less? Cranks and rings.

[Janners BJJ Clunker Rider]

Really as it says.
I have a 1992 Marin Eldridge Grade frame and a box of random bits, which are mainly XT (brakes, rear mech, shifters), DX front mech. The cranks and front rings are one piece good knows what and weigh a tonne!
So I need cranks and front rings. Do I keep my eyes open for some XT kit or is there a good period alternative at similar cost. My recall of the early 90s is a rather hazy!

Janners

 

[MR OX]

Re:

I'd go for an M730 Xt or MT60 Dx crank myself, period correct & I'd have thought best value, although I could be wrong.

 

[66 triumph daytona]

Re: Re:

I'd go for an M730 Xt or MT60 Dx crank myself, period correct & I'd have thought best value, although I could be wrong.

Is there a difference between the 2 other than the XT one has Shimano and DX has Deore stamped on them?Ive had a few of both over the years and they appear identical.

 

[mynchiboy]

Re:

If you want to go correct spec you will need a Deore/MT-60 chainset as mentioned. Fortunately they're a bit cheaper to source and there's plenty out there. The M735 would also be fine of course and is a better quality crankset overall, but may be pricier (unless you're lucky).

Difference wise the MT60 are cast as opposed to forged like the M735. The XT also have a nicer polished finish and etched logo, as opposed to a raw finish and printed logo on the Deore.

Something like A Sugino Fuse 500 chainset (OEM on some '93 Kona) or Ritchey Logic might also be a nice alternative. As far as I know should also still be able to use the same 122.5 bottom bracket length. The Sugino are a bit harder to come by though and Ritchey will be a bit more £££.

Hope this helps

 

[Janners BJJ Clunker Rider]

Every day is a school day. Deore / DX / MT 60 - I wondered what the difference was. Now I know. I like the idea of more around and a bit cheaper.

Cheers for the ideas and info.

Janners

 

[66 triumph daytona]

I always thought the DX was forged like XT,that clears that up.

 

[Tootyred]

The material is also not exactly the same. It can be seen when polished up. This may be an effect of the casting / forging process. Xt will polish to a better, finer finish.

 

[hamster]

XT rings are machined, DX are stamped.
Shimano rings are softer than the alternatives and so last less long. People seem to pay good money for them, but I prefer Stronglight Zicral or TA rings which are machined and made of harder-wearing alloy.