Weight: 1010 Grams (complete with bottom bracket)
Buy Drivetrain onAt A Glance
The M665 Double Chainset is one of the most popular double and bash set-ups on the market. It offers excellent value considering the entire chainset including the BB bearings and cranks can be bought for less than some other brands sell a bash ring and a chain guide! Although not super light, the SLX gear is no fatty, weighing in at just 1010grams. However the SLX range is built to be stronger and more durable than the XT kit. So this should stand the test of time and there are hardly any reports of failures. The whole kit is very easy to fit, just ensure you have the right tool for removing the old external bearings from your bottom bracket.
On The Trail
Stamping on the pedals produces a solid response from the crankset, the cranks are stiff and you feel the power heading into the drivetrain instantly. You’ll also notice the shifting is excellent even with a standard front derailleur, just ensure you adjust the limit screw to avoid over shifting to the bash ring. You might find you get a little chain rub with a standard derailleur, especially at the extremes of the gears. The 36-tooth ring provides plenty of power and we have still not managed to find a hill off road where we have spun out. For sure we have been close, but so far we haven’t missed the big ring. The bash ring is solid and should stand the test of time and plenty of impacts. It certainly survived the rocks of the Peak District with flying colours!
Overall
Excellent quality and great value considering you get the bearings as well with the package. Looks great and is really easy to fit.
Buy Drivetrain onThis review was in Issue 5 of IMB.
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By Rou Chater
Rou Chater is the Publishing Editor of IMB Magazine; he’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but his passion for bikes knows no bounds. His first mountain bike was a Trek 820, which he bought in 1990. It didn’t take him long to earn himself a trip to the hospital on it, and he’s never looked back since. These days he’s keeping it rubber side down, riding locally and overseas as much as possible.