Upgrade crankset from Truvativ firex

Big dave 3

I am looking to upgrade my crankset from my existing one-a truvativ firex on a Cube LTd team.

The general census seems to be that a Shimano XT or Deore LX seem to be the best bet.

I personally fancy the lighter XT M770 crankset.

What I want to know though, is it worth getting an upgraded new bottom bracket as well?

I was thinking of a HOPE ceramic bearing bottom bracket or maybe a TOKEN one. These seem to be around teh £60-80 mark.

Is it worthwhile getting one of these as I am upgrading the crank anyway, or is the Shimano XT btttom bracket good enough?

Any advice gratefully received

nicklouse

well as the shimano crankset come with the bb cups included you will have more than you need.

Have a look at the SLX.

which ever you get wait till you need to replace the bearings before upgrading.

Big dave 3

OK, thanks for the quick reply!

OK, so it's best to wait till the BB needs replacing before I buy a ceramic one. My greedy plan was to buy the ceramic one as well & fit it & keep the original shimano one as spare or flog on e-bay.

I have found a XT chainset with larger rings which to me is an added bonus & its only £125. I know the LX can be had for £100, but I might as well pay the extra £25 for the Deore XT crankset hadnt I? :? If it was a big difference in price I'd have the cheaper LX, but there isn't

nicklouse

well it does depend on what you are actually looking at.

XT chain rings are a bit soft.
LX is now a touring group
SLX is the MTB version of the new LX (so the old LX)

Big dave 3

OK sorry I was comparing SLX & XT.

I find that all a bit confusing with the shimano brands.

Would the XT/SLX be a noticeable improvement in crankset in comparison with the Truvativ?