The Shimano FC-M9000-1 1x11 Race Crank Arm set is the best choice for those who want a super simple trail riding set up that eliminates chain drop. The crank arms and single speed chainrings are sold are sold separately, so you can select the ring (or rings) that best suits your gearing requirements.

Shimano continues to raise the bar with their flagship XTR mountain group. The M9000 series is 11-speed specific and is compatible with 2x11 and this 1x11 drivetrain options, as well as the new XTR Firebolt Di2 electronic shifting. Shimano's decades of experience with hollow-forging and 3D bonding techniques delivers a light, stiff, and resilient crankset design. The Hollowtech II system is simple to install and remove, and incredibly reliable. Despite growing, and worthy, competition, XTR proudly maintains it's status as the industry benchmark for quallity, engineering and performance.

Interestingly enough, the available 1x chainrings are made differently depending on the tooth count. The 36 and 34 rings are hollow aluminum while the 30 and 32 are made from titanium and aluminum and are not hollow. The single ring specific chainrings feature a special tooth profile called Dynamic Chain Engagement, that is both slightly taller and has varied shapes, hooks and widths that hold the chain in place throughout the cassette range, and under any load. A chain guide isn't necessary, though some trail riders will prefer the additional security.

While both the Race and Trail cranksets have a proprietary angled, 96mm outer bolt circle diameter spider, there are differences. Perhaps the most significant difference is with the Q-factor. The Trail crank arms have a 168mm Q for a wider stance, while the Race version features a 158mm. Narrower- hipped racers, with a more aggressive hip/back angle tend to require a the narrower version for maximum pedaling efficiency. Trail riders often favor a wider version for the slightly more upright body position and balance leverage. The Race crank arm design has been stripped to it's essentials, and weights about 30 grams less than its Trail counterpart.

Tech tip: Shimano's single chainrings do require that you remove the crank to swap out rings, and many riders will have multiple ring options for various terrain/course requirements. The supplied (with the crank arms) chainring bolts fasten into the ring structure itself, from the frame facing side. With the Hollowtech II system, crank arm removal/installation is actually quite simple, but commonly performed incorrectly. The left arm features two pinch bolts, and an internal crank arm fixing bolt. This bolt is simply a bearing pre-load device and can be removed and installed with a widely available tool. You loosen the pinch bolts, then back out the fixing bolt. A small, pivoting tab in the open gap will need to be lifted up from the outer bolt, less than a half centimeter. Then you can slide the left arm off, and pull from the driveside to remove the crank. When re-installing, you tighten enough to simply take up the slack on the keyed, splined driveshaft. Pop the small black tab back down on the outer bolt. Then you tighten the two pinch bolts against each other, alternating bolt-to-bolt as you go. Finish to 13-15nm with a torque wrench. It is crucial that you tighten in this way. Don't tighten one bolt all the way, then tighten the opposing bolt. Alternate and final check both bolts with a torque wrench.

While we love the great XC Race drivetrain options available on the market today, we still champion XTR. Could Shimano make it a little lighter- yes. But the engineers also factor in extreme performance and ultimate reliability. The integrated system design is impeccable. Shimano asks you to RideXTR. Great idea.