Xtr m95x crank questions

[ishaw]

I like m95x stuff, more the 9 speed but cranks were either m950 or m951 iirc with m950 or m952 bbs.

Rings, especially for the integrated spider/outer ring versions aren't easy to come by these days. I'm fortunate to have a nos set for when needed, but I've also got a TA 104 BCD spider and rings I could use so my questions are:

Will the m95x front mech work with say a 44t outer ring? Originals were either 48 or 46t iirc. Will the 2t make much difference? Will the smaller granny ring also?

Would you use the TA spider over the standard as 104ncd rings are plentiful or stick with the original?

Bbs are also a challenge. I've seen somewhere online a converted m950 BB with sealed bearings, maybe even an m952. Is this, or any other option open to mere mortals to keep these bbs going?

Lastly, what is the correct middle ring for the 110bcd version? I've a nos outer and granny but would like a middle in the spares collection.

Any other questions I've not asked but you have answers for, I'm all ears too.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I didn't know the TA spider was the same fit - is it dimensionally perfect or just ok?

It's unusual for one manufacturer to directly copy another's standard due to copyright issues - hence the end of shimano headsets with the arrival of Ahead.

 

[ishaw]

The TA one is specific for the cranks, after market. Middleburn did them too, as did Forge and Hershey racing to name a few. AC also did a crank using the same spider and v1 bottom bracket, Cannondale too. Maybe there are more?

 

[FluffyChicken]

Shimano ones too

Anyway,
Middle ring is just a normal sg-x ring
5arm 110/74middle ring, 48/36/26

4arm (112/64) integrated 46/34/24
4 arm (112) DH was 46 in steps up to 54

But just use any that fit

Not sure what you are asking with the BB, just get either in the 112.5mm as standard or the 116mm length if needed.


Front mech, I think has a 22T capacity, but they also specified a minimum for top to middle, which is about half, so probably 12T to keep it even. I have no idea why, probably ramps and pins and profile to work properly.

I'd stretch the 22T and run 24/36/48 (110) personally, or with standard (104) BCD 4 arm adaptor , 22/32(4)/46(4)
Check on si.shimano.com

 

[ishaw]

Cheers fluffy.

BB wise I was asking if there are alternative options to either the xtr v1 in 112.5 or 116, or the road v1 in 109.5 and 118, though I think these are 68mm shell width only.

I was kind of hoping someone had found a way to put sealed bearings in a shell, or a way to use the axle in another shell or something I guess.

 

[bikeworkshop]

You could measure the axle outside diameter and the cup internal diameter and see if there's a cartridge bearing that would fit in there... but I'd be surprised

 

[FluffyChicken]

You could measure the axle outside diameter and the cup internal diameter and see if there's a cartridge bearing that would fit in there... but I'd be surprised

The original M950 used needle bearing, so no real chance there, for the ball bearing parts maybe? I can't remember.
But you can take them apart and refurb them anyway, unlike the cartilage M952 version.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I think you can buy the roller bearings new - it's the races that might be impossible