atlas fr

[scotter]

Hey Everyone,

I'm in need of a new set of cranks for my SX Trail and am leaning toward a set of raceface atlas fr. the sx is my regular ride for the shore, but i ride the bike park on it, as well. weight isn't so much of a concern, but i'm not looking for the heaviest crank i can find. my main priorities are durability, longevity, and low maintenance. the other main option, of course, is saint, but i've read that these have compatibility issues with some guides and chain rings, etc., which is why i'm leaning toward atlas FRs. anybody have any time on these? thoughts or comments?

any others i should really consider? i haven't paid too much attention to gear in a while, so i'm a little out of the loop as to what I should be looking for. any feedback is appreciated.

thanks,
--Scott

[Bryce]

is the new Atlas the same as the old Atlas FR? And Turbine replaced Atlas AM?

you should consider SLX too. I can't comment on the FR's but my SLX cranks are noticeably stiffer than the AM's they replaced. Lotsa deals on SLX these days too.

[trail worker]

My SLX cranks have been solid for the past 2 seasons and I really like the 22-36t chainring spread. I rad the older style Atlas cranks before and the SLX are noticably stiffer (and cheaper)

[morgman]

There are two levels of SLX crank, a light and a heavy duty. The heavier one is being replaced by Zee this year.

Nothing wrong with Atlas though!

[clarklewis]

Nice feature of atlas FR is the spindle is an extra 6mm long, so chain line can be fine-tuned with spacers, a huge bonus in setting up a guide easily. They are strong, stiff, and weight is reasonable.

[JonnyFrancais]

another vote for the SLX, had mine for almost 4 years now on my freeride bike. Still on the original bb too but it does start to have some play in it and that's riding 4 days a week in average.

[DirtySanchez]

Atlas on my SXC90 - 4 years later, ZERO issues.

[Spinach]

The Atlas FR stuff is great, but I'd swing towards shimano simply because of the easier installation. It's nice to not need a gargantuan allen key to remove your cranks. Shimano BB's are also significantly better. Zee is also another good option obviously. Both Atlas and Saint supposedly have "quirks" as far as fitting chainrings and guides/bashes. I've owned and run both with multiple different guide/ring set ups. I've also set both up for customers with various guides/rings...The only issue I've run into is shimano bashes dont like Atlas cranks and Straitline guides are a tight fit on Atlas cranks aswell. But, it all works if you want it to badly enough.

[semaj]

I've had a Straitline guide with Atlas FR cranks on my Glory without issue, but the bash was a tight fit.

I'm running SLX now, so simple and easy and light. Can't go wrong.

[milkman]

The new Atlas cranks (2012) are just as easy to install as Shimano stuff. The "EXI" interface is easier to install/remove than the older x-Type. I have the older Atlas FR cranks and have had 0 issues in 3 years as well. Also keep in mind Atlas cranks are made right here in BC and have lifetime warranty if that means anything to you. The 6mm of chainline adjustment is a nice bonus too. SLX are also nice but Atlas will be able to take more of a beating than the SLX if that's a concern (it's full on FR/DH)and they weigh about the same. Also, the comment above about Shimano BB's being better was correct 4+ years ago, but RF BB's are now just as good and in my experience last just as long as anyone else out there.