I'm looking to replace the crank on my Stooge and have narrowed it down to two options: the fully blinged-out Middleburn RS-7 X-Type and the tried-and-tested Shimano XT 8100.
I've never used a direct mount chainset before. Aside from needing a specific tool to install the chainring, are there any other practical considerations when choosing one over the other? Ignoring cost for now (the Middleburn is £280, the XT is £150).
I know Shimano is easy to maintain, but how does the Middleburn compare in that regard?
For me, it would come down to aftermarket chainrings.
Whilst hope cranks, to take an example of a small share of the crank world, seem to have a couple of alternatives (I think), middleburn have middleburn.
I'd have middleburn for looks, but only with a spider, not direct mount.
For me, it would come down to aftermarket chainrings.
Whilst hope cranks, to take an example of a small share of the crank world, seem to have a couple of alternatives (I think), middleburn have middleburn.
I'd have middleburn for looks, but only with a spider, not direct mount.
Thanks for that, that’s a great shout. I see that there’s plenty of options for Shimano but as you say just one for Middleburn. With that said, I’m rarely likely to ever want to change the chainring but something to keep in mind for sure.
With that said, I’m rarely likely to ever want to change the chainring but something to keep in mind for sure.
Eventually, the chain ring is gonna wear out and you'll need to source a replacement.
Out of interest, do you specifically NEED a direct mount chainset? If so, why?
Absolutely not a need but I do like the look of them and I’d like to give one a go. I’ve had a number of cranks over the years and they’ve all been some form of spider. Nothing wrong with them, just fancy something else.
SLX with a United chainring - remember that Shimano chain line is in the crank so make sure you get the correct version for your frame.
Got a couple of tabs open currently with an XT crank and a united ring. Basically half the cost of the Middleburn but less bling.
I suppose it’s much of a muchness really. They both do the same thing. I just wondered if I was missing anything in terms of fitting, maintenance, etc
The XT is £70 at Merlin isn't it?
I use that with the Shimano BB at £8.50 (Merlin again).
I also use a Works Comp ring for SRAM at £36.
But if not, the std ring is fine if a little heavy.
Less than £80 is a steel at that level of ease of installation, weight and longevity.
Aside from needing a specific tool to install the chainring...
The Shimano fitting uses the XT size bottom bracket size tool. I managed it using a strap wrench around a plastic adapter rather than buy another tool.
Yes those are the ones.
Bought them in the end, I had a Unite 20% off code which bought the ring down to £31. £108 all told - not too shabby.
Eventually, the chain ring is gonna wear out and you'll need to source a replacement.
To be fair Middleburn rings last a long time.
And it's made in the UK and niche. If you want Middleburn cranks then you want Middleburn cranks, there isn't really a "Middleburn or ....." question, you're into other niche stuff like eeWings. Even the cranks are 'good value' if you consider them to be timeless, XT will look old in 4 years when another XT comes out and they become dated and scruffy, the fact that middleburn won't release a new model (and TBH if they did, it'd probably look like the already 25+ year old RS7) means you could still be transferring them to a new bike in anbother 20 years time.
Having said all that I really want to put some RS8's on my Ti road bike, so would really like them to adopt a more common standard so it would take a power meter.
I'd buy Middleburn for the look, Shimano are cheaper usually after shopping around, use the same tool as some centrelock rotors too i think, or if wanting to go bling, maybe Unite cranks and ring?
Middleburn every time
I had some Middleburn RO2 (same sort of fitting as X Type) and they bolt straight onto axle in same way SRAM do so need washers and faffing about to not get the cranks too tight on the bearings as the need to be torqued up a lot. Compared to Shimano with a simple preload and then two Allen bolts that just works straight away they seem a bit flawed...
