Evolve XC X TYPE Cranks

From the forged in logos and post finish machining on the crank arms and chainrings to the high end features usually reserved for cranks twice the price, the Evolve XC finally brings some drool factor to the budget oriented, performance crankset market. For 2005, our Evolve XC has been upgraded to our X-Type external bottom bracket system.

FEATURES

The evolution of our Evolve XC crank – now featuring our X-Type external bottom bracket system
Manufactured from 6066-T6 aluminum, this material is over 30% stronger than 6061
Evolve chainrings are built from 7050 aluminum for increased stiffness and impact strength
Evolve chainrings feature our patented S.H.I.F.T technology for lighting quick up-shifts
Lightweight CrMo spindle

SPECS

• BUILT FOR: Cross Country
• SIZE: 170, 175mm
• BB SHELL SIZE: 68/73
• WEIGHT: 925g (175mm with rings & BB)
• WARRANTY: One Year
• COLOURS: Bad Ass Black and Shiny Silver

Going head-to-head with XT on price is always a risky business, but Race Face may have pulled it off. In direct comparison, the forged 6066 Evolve XC cranks are 60g heavier and fractionally more flexible than the Shimano XT, but the integrated cromo axle still puts them in a different stiffnes league to conventional setups. Evolve also gets the same full complement, double-sealed bottom bracket bearings as Deus and Atlas, which means you'll be cranking for much longer than XT. Heat treated 7075 S.H.I.F.T. chainrings are slightly slower across the gears than Shimano, but again last significantly longer. The machine faced Race Face logos and tough, long-lasting anodised finish does its appeal no harm either. All-in-all, a great Shimano alternative for hard riders.

Canadian Charm and strength at a good price.

What Mountain Bike January 2005, Performance 8 Value 8