Skip to main content

SRAM X01 crankset


SRAM DESERVE A ton of credit for freeing the MTB world from front shifters, mechs and chain guides. Unfortunately their carbon crank arms are off-pace compared to the best in the category.

The 30mm axle option (510$) adds stiffness but there’s still noticeable arm flex when you press the pedals hard. That’s despite the fact they’re significantly heavier than the carbon competition from Race Face and FSA. They’re slightly cheaper though, and SRAM’s X-SYNC chainrings are among the quietest and most secure around. Spiders are interchangeable if you decide to double up on rings, or you can lose weight and tune gearing with their vast range (26-40t) of direct-mount rings. The X0s last well cosmetically too, especially now you get rubber tip protectors as standard.

WEIGHT: 614g
ARMS 170, 175mm

Price 472$

Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

Sam Reynolds' Polygon Collosus N9

WHO IS SAM REYNOLDS? Hailing from South East England, Sam Reynolds is one of the UK's top freeriders, specialising in dirt jumping and slopestyle. But with mates like World Cup downhiller Brendan Fairclough, he also likes to get up to speed in the hills, where he's been introducing the Collosus to some colossal jumps, gaps and drops.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

SPECIALIZED P.STREET 2

S pecialized’s P.Series bikes have been much loved hardcore/ jump hybrid contenders for years and this 2014 nugget is no exception. If you’re after a really well priced and well sorted complete bike package for jump, street and even better-groomed trail centre action then the P.Street is outstanding. Its rock solid responsiveness and short-stroke fork make it seriously unforgiving on rougher trails though.

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.