If you’re looking for something a bit different and lightweight then the Aerozine X-12 SLs are a top set of cranks. Thanks to their titanium axle they’re substantially lighter than the similarly-priced Shimano Deore XT cranks.
The crank arms are also slimmed down and machined right out to save the grams. Despite this they never feel flexy or twangy on the trail, compared to their beefier rivals.
The combination of machining and the unique grade five titanium axle means the whole set weighs in at 715g compared to the XT’s 811g. Quite a saving. And, in fact, lighter than Shimano XTR's 770g.
The gloss black finish with off-white detailing is good too. Overall, they’re a good-looking set of cranks.
The SLs come with CNC-machined aluminium chainrings and an integrated SKF bearing bottom bracket.
If you’ve not heard the name before we suspect you’re going to hear a lot more of it in years to come. Aerozine was founded by ex-Truvativ engineers and UK distributor Super Star Components is bringing these in with an initial price of £179.95 before a wider range of 2009 components arrives in a few months time.