SLX or XT Chainset.

wilkij1975

Simple really. Is the XT worth the extra over the SLX chainset?

Chunkers1980

I think it is - that's why I bought them, others have bought an SLX...

submityournentries

as far as i know the only difference is weight, but i am happy to be proved wrong

i asked myself the same question, and then decided the deore ive got at the moment isnt really that bad, and ill change it when the rings have worn too much.

Chunkers1980

Dpends on the SLX version too.

I take it you're weanting to compare 3 ring to 3 ring.

SLX comes in double with steel peddle inserts - so depends what you're looking for from them too.

Eyon

i say buy the new XTR cos its bike porn!



Then again, you could just buy SLX because it works, its a good weight, looks great and is strong. I hear if you change to alu chainring bolts you can get it to near XT weight too

Dirtydog11

wilkij1975 wrote:

Simple really. Is the XT worth the extra over the SLX chainset?

No.

Which do you prefer the look of? In a blind test I doubt anyone would be able tell the difference between the two.

wilkij1975

Eyon wrote:

i say buy the new XTR cos its bike porn!



Then again, you could just buy SLX because it works, its a good weight, looks great and is strong. I hear if you change to alu chainring bolts you can get it to near XT weight too

Would love the new XTR. If only I had money to burn!

From looking at the specs, it does seem hard to see where the extra money goes for the XT over the SLX. I think the XT looks better and for a tart like me that may sway it I think i'll have to have a look side by side and see whats what.

The BB that comes with is the same for both I assume?

bennett_346

Eyon wrote:

the new XTR cos its bike porn!

Indeed it is, shame its hard to justify the cost

Shaggy_Dog

In terms of functionality there is very little between the two, the shifting is good on both of them, they are both plenty stiff, the weight difference is negligible. The XT looks a lot nicer in my opinion. The thinking man buys SLX and spends the remainder of the money on something that will make a bigger difference.

XTR is another matter. LOADS better shifting (like it's a cassette, not a chainset), super light and mental stiff.

cooldad

It works out at about £1 per gram of weight saved between the two, and the same between Deore and SLX, hence why I bought Deore

I was going to get SLX but I found the Deore for £57, and for my Enduro, I couldn't see the point of saving 50 grams or so.

If you can get XTR then go for it, otherwise SLX is the best compromise IMHO.

supersonic

DIfferences are, apart from price and 30g weight... for the triple

XT has a stiffer outer ring. This is designed for XC riders who mash that gear. The middle ring uses a different composite on the middle ring, and a alu inner. Same bearings it seems.

Is it worth it? Like most things, diminishing returns. It is lighter, it seems to be a little stiffer. Some say the rings last longer.

williambowland

I had to make the same choice... and went for SLX.

Up close, XT certainly looks a lot nicer, is lighter and I bet it shifts better BUT I think SLX is tougher which, to me at least, is important. The amount of times I smash my cranks on rocks and so on I am glad I went for the more cost effective option.

To answer the question, in my opinion no - XT is not worth the extra. XT is nice and I'd buy it if toughness and cost effectiveness were not issues... but, to me, they are.

My advice is DO NOT LOOK AT AN XT CHAINSET IN THE SHOP! The more you look the harder it is to say no!