Shimano Saint Crank

Model Number: FC-M810-1
Series: SAINT
Crank Construction: HOLLOWTECH II
Cassette Compatibility: 9-speed
Chain Compatibility: Super Narrow HG for 9-speed
4-Arm Chainrings: yes
Chainring Sizes: 34/36/38/40/42T
Bolt Circle Diameter: 104mm
Crank Arm Length: 165/170/175mm
Crank Arms: forged aluminum / hollow type
Middle Chainring: aluminum
Chainring Bolts & Nuts: aluminum (bolt), steel (nut)
Chain Guard: Bash Guard
Chaincase Compatible: no
Bottom Bracket: SM-BB80 included
Chain Line: 50.4mm
BB Shell Width: 68/73mm
Average Weight: 1059g including BB (36T) (170mm)

The Shimano Saint crankset was vastly improved over previous models. With a weight savings and claimed stiffness increase of 200%, the Shimano Saint crankset feels great on the trail. Ideally, I do not want to even notice that my crankset is there while riding. The more I do not feel flex, hear creaking or have any other issues…the better, and the Shimano Saint crankset performed incredibly well at speed and under big hits.

I was stoked that Shimano kept their “older style” XT mounting system for the Saint cranks. As you can see by the picture of the left crank arm in the gallery below, they kept the 2 bolt with finger tight outer nut as the mechanism in which the cranks bolt to the bottom bracket. This system is easy to install and trouble free, unlike the new system developed for XTR. The longer they keep this mounting…the better.

The updated graphics and overall look of the Saint crankset is a welcomed change. They are probably the sexiest set of cranks that I have run in awhile and luckily all of those looks do not sacrifice performance. Overall, Shimano hit a home run with the new Saint crankset. They performed on the trail and are lighter and look better for 2009.