Chainset replacement

Yacoby

I have a old mtb that is mostly now a commuting/non serious mtb bike and I need to replace the chainset as the current one (truvativ x-flow) doesn't have replacable chainrings. I was going to replace it with this Alivio crankset however I wanted to check:

That is is compatible with my BB? It is a truvativ square taper. As far as I can make out from this 2006 guide [pdf: page 4] the x-flow chainset requires a 113mm axle (same as the Alivio). Is there anything else that I need to check?

Is there anything better for around that price? Given that the bike doesn't now do anything more than light XC at the most, I want to reduce the amount of cash I spend on it but still have replaceable chainrings.

Stupid question, but I assume chainsets come with both crank arms? They are only pictured with one and having never bought one...

bluechair84

They come with both arms. If you purchase a newer, more expensive model like a Deore, you get the bottom bracket too. The one you've linked to is for 7/8 speed cassettes, check how many gears you have on the back. If you have a 9 speed cassette, I think you'll need different chainrings. Not sure about old style axles though.

Yacoby

Cheers. I assumed they came with both but the photos.... Good to know they do. w.r.t stuff like Delore it is the "more expensive" that I am trying to avoid. But my bike is 8spd so it should be fine with the gearing of that chainset.

supersonic

That square taper Alivio is a bargain - go for it!