Have been riding XT8000 cranks for a while, 176mm q-factor. Traded in this bike for a Chisel, which came with 178 q-factor Shimano cranks. Am considering a crank upgrade to get a Stages compatible crank arm. I can do XT 8100 (if I can find it) which is 172mm, or I could go all in for XTR and 162mm q factor.
Does anyone have experience going to the narrow XTR and how did you like it?
My other bikes are Shimano 105/GRX at 146/151, and I think this feels better than the wider MTB cranks, just looking for opinions.
ETA: my riding intentions are mostly mtb for fun and endurance, ride dirt roads and paths to local singletrack…and dream of maybe doing leadville or white rim in a day type stuff.
Oh that is interesting thanks. I don’t really want XTR level, XT or SLX is fine, but I am curious about the narrower q factor and if that makes a big difference for anyone.
You can only go so narrow until you start hitting the chainstays with your heels.
I’m on the Cannondale Hollowgram SI cranks and was previously on the M8000. I know the M8000 Q-factor is 176mm but I can’t find the Cannondale specs. Personally, they feel similar.
Yes, 176 is wider than my road bike but it is what it is and it doesn’t bother me