Some components are jewels. The XTR 960 crank is one such component. Even though it’s mad expensive, the cost is justified by the beauty experienced when eyeing it—whether underneath you or on your roof rack (parked close to your office or kitchen window)--so much you can stand to have lesser parts surrounding it.

Sorry to report the following to those who have XTR 960 cranksets. The 970 is even better. For one thing, it can take non-XTR replacement rings. And another, it’s 27g lighter and even stiffer. For the sheer coolness of it, the middle ring has a titanium skeleton and teeth and carbon support. And, the fixing system joining the axle to the left arm is no longer the two pinch bolts at the end of the crankarm. The new design is easier to work with, and leaves the left arm that much stronger and lighter. We think it's the best high-performance crankset on the market. Period.

The FC-M970 XTR Hollowtech II crankset comes in 165-180mm lengths in 2.5mm increments. The right crank is permanently affixed to the oversized bb spindle. It works with the Shimano Hollowtech II external bottom bracket, which is included. The chainrings supplied are 44-32-22 or 44-32-24 in the 104/64mm bolt circle diameter, and the pinned rings are designed to work with a nine-speed chain. The four chainring and two crank arms are hollow and forged from duraluminum. The outer ring, inner ring, and bolts are all made of 7075 aluminum. The middle ring is made from Ti/Carbon Fiber. 770g. MSRP $549.99.