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Shimano ZEE?
Has anyone used a Shimano Zee crank set yet? How are they different to the other Shimano range of cranks? I'm thinking of putting a set on my single speed to replace my existing one. Anyone tried this yet?
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I did a fair amount of research on Zee before buying a derailleur a while back so may be able to give you a partial answer.
The only difference to other Shimano offerings is that it is single ring specific, designed mainly for the gravity market as a cheaper alternative to Saint. Just like buying a triple or a double, it will come with differing bottom bracket or chainring sizes to suit your bike.
I remember reviewers commenting that it looked identical to the Deore crankset (before the recent facelift) and was similar in performance. Of course, depending on your needs, you could probably source a brand new, older model Deore triple for a lot less money and just transfer your existing ring? I did that about 4-5 years ago on my HT and it is still going with about 12,000ks on the clock. Not a single issue.
Pretty sure they are just a slightly heavier version of the Saint made from a different/cheaper alloy. Good enough for most DH bikes so a SS bike should be fine, Deore cranks are ok but I think you'd feel them flexing on a SSer.
Not sure about the cranks but I've been happy with the zee derailleur on my 1x10 setup. I had bought a second hand slx crank before the zee range was released. Removed the 3 rings and bought a ss specific chain ring. I think the zee crank would work really well.
I've been running the M640 crankset with a narrow wide chainring, 1x10 for about 3 months now, and I've really been impressed with them. Maybe it's my level of riding but there's no noticeable flex at all and the weight also isn't as noticeable as you would think, I have no problem punching out short sprints or pedalling for long stretches. I haven't tried SLX cranks before but I reckon the Zee cranks are up there with XT cranks despite there being 80g difference. I'd probably get the Zee crankset again just because it's a dedicated 1x crankset and the possible extra strength due to the weight increase.
That's great information.....I'm going to get a set once my Bontrager cranks are done for .....which isn't going too take long!
What is your Bottom Bracket size. I have a new set still in a box Zee M645 which fits 83mm BB. I should have ordered the M640. Let me know if they will work for you