I upgraded the Bontrager Comp crankset that came with my bike to the XT - huge improvement. Note
that I also had to replace the bottom bracket, original component being a Shimano BB-LP27, so you
need to add another $30 or so for that, I replaced with a the XT: Shimano ES70.
So weight wise I dropped 110g on the BB and 115g on the crankset - that's half a pound!
Secondly, there's the asthetics of it, way cooler
Third, I switched the crank length from 175mm to 170mm and I'm much happier, my knees feel much
better, and I probably hit rocks slightly less frequently (my BB is quite low on the bike)
And most importantly the XT system has done 200 miles and looks to be in very near to new shape and
shifts very well. The Bontrager on the other hand had only done 390 before I replaced it, twice I
had been forced to take the granny gear off to hammer it flat after bending it while riding, I was
getting awful chain suck from it, and hated the damn thing.
Roland.