Shimano XT & LX Hollowtech Cranksets

There are many cranksets available but the Shimano Hollowtech are our favourites due to: ease of fitting, ease of servicing, ease of bottom bracket bearing replacement together with widespread availability at approximately 1/3 off the recommended retail prices.

I have used XT version on full suspension bikes since March 2004 and the LX on my hardtail winter bike since June 2006. In my opinion there is zero difference in the ‘feel’ of the XT and LT cranksets when pedalling, both are very stiff and the fitting procedure and replacement bearings are the same for each. In each case the original Shimano chainrings last approximately 3 months of my riding while the bearings last 6 months in the summer and 3 months in the winter. We strongly recommend replacing worn chainrings with Middleburn Hardcote as soon as there is any sign of wear. Hardcote chainrings change almost as smoothly as Shimano but they last approximately 9-12 months. Both XT and LX use the same bearing replacement kit and the tools and procedure is the same for each. The printing on the crank arms wears off each pretty quickly but this doesn’t bother us. Both XT and LX are suited to our riding (nothing too extreme nor pottering along bridleways).

In our experience the main difference is a practical one, the XT rings have less metal and therefore it is easier to clean the mud from between the rings with a stick or narrow brush. This is very handy after muddy winter rides. XT is a few grams lighter in weight than LX but this is irrelevant to us when we weigh in at 13 stones and our lightest bike is 28 lbs.

So which is our favourite? I like the look of XT while my buddy prefers the look of LX, both are widely available at approximately £100.0 and £70.0 respectively. Our advice would be to go for LX (and put the £30.0 towards a bearing replacement kit) unless you really like the look of XT. Whichever you prefer we recommend removing the crankset from the frame and taking the chainrings off for thorough cleaning every couple of weeks. Always re-grease the bolts every couple of weeks to prevent them seizing.

The photos show my XT and LX Cranksets with a bash guard replacing the outer chainring.