Offering almost the same performance but at a fraction of the cost of SRAM’s top-end offerings, the SRAM Truvativ X9 2×10 chainset delivers excellent shifting, stiff pedalling and impressive durability.

SRAM offer the Truvativ X9 2×10 in a raft of chainring ratio combinations, including 22-36, 24-38, 26-39 and 28-42. We tested a 22-36 set and with a 11-36 10-speed cassette out back we found we could scale pretty much every hill on our local loop without too much trouble. A triple 22-33-44 is available if you’re not ready to commit to 2×10 just yet.

The cranks feature hollow forged 7075 aluminium arms with a pair of aluminium chainrings and aluminium bolts, giving a weight, including a GXP bottom bracket, of 885g. That’s only 191g heavier than SRAM’s top-end XX chainset but less than half the price, making them remarkably good value.

Crucially, it’s very stiff crankset, and is noticeably better in this respect than cheaper cranks. Hard hitters will welcome their solid platform under extreme riding making it as good a choice for trail bikes as it is for racers on a budget. The Truvativ X9 2×10 cranks are tough and don’t budge.

Quality of the shifting is vital and with SRAM’s X-Glide shifting technology (pick-up rivets that align to the chain pivot pin) it is excellent. It’s not quite as crisp as an equivalent Shimano crankset but it’s easily comparable to SRAM’s more expensive models. It’s really a matter of splitting hairs, you won’t find the X9 chainset lacking.

We opted for a GXP bottom bracket and it has so far stood up to over six months of solid use. And abuse, with the occasional jet wash causing little concern; the Gutter Seal Technology in the bottom bracket does a sterling job of keeping crap out. Press-Fit and BB30 spindle options are available for those modern frames adopting the larger bottom bracket shells.

X9 makes 2×10 accessible to a greater number of riders. The greatest advantage of 2×10 is that it narrows the choice of gears making the riding experience simpler and thus more enjoyable. You spend less time shifting gears and more time enjoying the ride. The range of gears works well across a variety of terrain and with the ratio options on offer all abilities are catered for.

We’ve been running this crankset for quite a while now and it’s been absolutely solid, utterly dependable and shifting is crisp and sharp still.

Verdict

Tough, solid, excellent shifting and looks good.

Pros

Stiff
Shift performance
Looks good
Tough
Durable

Cons

Still a bit pricey, X5 and X7 offer same great performance at less money

More information: Truvativ X9 10-Speed Crankset
UK importer: Fisher Outdoor
Price: £199.99

What SRAM says about the Truvativ X9 2×10 chainset

• Hollow Forged AL crank arms for lightweight super stiff durability

• X-Glide 2X10 and 3X10 shifting technology, 26-39, 28-42 and 22-33-44 gearing 
• New 36-22 and 38-24 chainring options
• New GXP Bottom Bracket System featuring Gutter Seal Technology
• Available in the following bottom bracket configurations: PF30, BB30, GXP and GXP PF