Most durable Crankset

[ragincajun]

I am preparing for a tour of just under 1,000 miles.  I am considering which crankset would offer the most durability for me.  I will probable get a Shram chain because I like the Powerlink.  I had been considering Shimano XTR since I want the M960 SHifters on my flat bar set up.  Recently, however I have heard that they are not very robust.  Any suggestions? :confuse:

[wanderingwheel]

Any crank currently on the market should be more than sufficient.  It is not necessary to match your shifters to your crank, so go ahead and pick any crank you like.  The reported problems with the modern XTR were with the left crank arm attachment on model FC-M960 and it was improved for the latest model, FC-M970.  Given my choice, I would probably stick to a simple, square-taper crank rather than any of the various spline systems such as ISIS and Octalink, or any of the new integrated bottom bracket arrangements.  That said, they all still work and should be fine for your use.

Sean

[DaveB]

Absolutely ANYTHING should last 1000 miles unless you ride exclusively through wet sand.  Road cranks last tens of thousands of miles and I've easily gotten 30,000 miles on the same chainrings.

 

[ragincajun]

Thanks guys.  I thought maybe just drop down to Shimano XT.

[RussellSeaton]

"I will probable get a SRAM chain because I like the Powerlink."

The 8 and 9 speed SRAM Powerlinks can be purchased separately and used on any chain from any manufacturer.  Same with the Craig Superlink or Wippermann or IRD or KMC quick link chain connectors.

[ragincajun]

Thanks Russell. Didn't know that.  It's useful to me because I will be doing much more riding this year and I thought I would get a few chains and switch them out every 500 miles or so.

[driftlessregion]

You'll be wasting your money putting a new chain on every 500 miles. With PROPER lubrication, and not lots of rainy, grity miles, a chain should last 3000 miles easy. Proper, means using the correct lube for your weather and most, most importantly wiping off any excess after a few hours of soaking. Excess lube just seems to attract lube.