Crankset/Derailleur Tradeoff?

[SteveM]

A two part question for an upcoming bike build:

1) I’ve got a budget of ~$350 and am in the market for a crank set, shifters and a rear derailleur. Should I spend more for the crank set and less on the shifters and rear derailleur, or vice-versa? One possible scenario: Better crank set option = Shimano M660 SLX for ~$215 with SRAM X7 shifters and rear derailleur for ~$105; or Better shifter/derailleur option = Truvative Stylo 3.3 crank set for ~$140 with SRAM X9 shifters and rear derailleur for ~$190.

2) Each of these crank sets come either as a 3-ring setup (22-32-44) or as a dedicated 2-ring setup (22-36 for the SLX, 24-36 for the Stylo) with an integrated bashguard. I rarely use the big ring on my current bike except when, due to an amazing lack of skill, I smash it into logs. Does a dedicated bashguard on a two-ring cranskset make sense, or is it better to buy the 3-ring setup and replace the outer ring with an aftermarket bash ring (thereby retaining the option for 3-rings)?

Some data: Frame = FS 29er. Rider = ~165 pounds XC rider (not a pedal masher).

No fair offering suggestions that significantly break the ~$350 budget!

Thanks.

SteveM

[tsunayoshi]

On craigslist, last night there was a new-in-box XTR crankset w/ BB for $200. It was a 2007 or 2008 model. If I'd had the money, I would have called. Might still be there.

I'd link to it but I am at work and don't want to be logged as hitting CL during working hours...

[DKEG]

I would go the X-9/ Tru Vativ. I think better shifting is more important.

That said I think the X-7 & X-9 stuff is fairly close to being the same. X-9 is a bit nicer (at least it used to be)

I used to run X-9 componets for several years and loved it.

[rciracing]

How about SLX and X9 stuff for $350? PM sent.

[jabberwocky]

I'd go with an X9 shifter/derailleur combo and then buy the best Shimano crank you can afford (LX or XT).

[rizetech]

^ to that.
or even just run x7 shifters and an x9 rear D.

also, my preference would be for aftermarket bash guard, like the e.thirteen supercharger (i love mine, plus it comes in COLORS!)
http://www.e13components.com/product_supercharger.html
I tend to think that the integrated bash guards are a little too wimpy compared to the beefiness of that. The only downside is you'll want to then up your 2nd chainring to a 36t probably if you're a speed demon. so it probably ends up costing more (like 40 for the supercharger and around the same for a nice chainring)

p.s. SLX is sexy looking.

[fausto]

1: chainreactioncycles.com in the UK has many/most shimano parts for less than half what you'd pay in the states, with free shipping if you spend over $300. SLX crank there is <$100 - in other words you can have both the better crank and better shifting. If it really were a debate on choosing better shifters, derailleurs or crank, my prefrence would be shifters as first priority, then crank, then derailleur. But be aware that cable installation affects shifting more than the difference between x7 and x9 will (and most shops don't do a great job on this front).

2: The bash guard on SLX cranks is not integrated - it bolts on just like an aftermarket model. If you decide at a later date you want a big ring, all you have to do is remove the BG and bolt it on. I like the shimano bash guards a lot, as they are decently strong and weigh <1/3 of the e13s (yeah they are tough, but they weigh a ton, weight vs strength is a fact of life).

[jabberwocky]

2: The bash guard on SLX cranks is not integrated - it bolts on just like an aftermarket model. If you decide at a later date you want a big ring, all you have to do is remove the BG and bolt it on. I like the shimano bash guards a lot, as they are decently strong and weigh <1/3 of the e13s (yeah they are tough, but they weigh a ton, weight vs strength is a fact of life).Is it the same bash that comes on the Saints? Because the ones that came on both of my Saint cranks are complete jokes. I seriously thought it was just a shipping spacer or something until someone told me it was Shimanos idea of a bashring.

They are light though, I'll give you that. :)

[rizetech]

Yeah, the reason i suggest an ethirteen is because I also love to smash my bash guard into logs, because i'm just that lazy... and it really looks brand new still. after 3 months of log-smashing.

[SteveM]

Thanks for sharing your MORE-wisdom!

I've not yet decided on the crankset, but I will go with the X9 shifters/derailleurs (I was leaning towards those already as clean shifting is definitely a goal with this build).

I'll also go with a 3-ring crank and buy a separate bashguard.

Thanks again.

SteveM.