Sram GX Carbon Crankset | Rider Review

SRAM GX Eagle Carbon Boost Crankset not on a bike in detail

    Cranksets can often be overlooked on a bike build, and budget options get selected. This was in fact how I approached building my bike. I liked the idea of an aluminum crank that could smash into rocks without care, and save me a few pennies in the process. So when I graduated from GX Aluminum to these new GX Carbon crank arms, I was excited to see if I could feel a difference. Or would my money have been better spent elsewhere?

Features

  • Proprietary carbon layup technology
  • Fully compatible with any 1x drivetrain
  • DUB technology features a uniform approach to bottom bracket fitment, better sealing against contamination and is forward and backward compatible
  • Direct mount ring

Tech Specs

At 170 mm in length, these SRAM Dub Boost cranks slotted right into my drivetrain replacing the aluminum versions. Included is a 32 tooth, 3 mm offset, direct mount chainring that is compatible with all SRAM Eagle Drivetrains; AXS included. For the sake of simplicity, I wanted to compare just the crank arms (sans chainring) on the scale. Here are the results of GX Aluminum vs. GX Carbon:

      • GX Aluminum, 170 mm, no chainring = 540 grams
      • GX Carbon, 170 mm, no chainring = 469 grams

A weight savings of 71 grams, not bad.

The box the SRAM GX Eagle Carbon Boost Crankset  and how they come in the box

    Packaging is typical SRAM Eagle, everything you need with a slight excess of cardboard. The bottom bracket spacer and pedal washers are present as well. The photo above is representative of the contents, but the crank arms do come in plastic sleeves — offering some shipping protection. These are made in Taiwan, if you were wondering. And the exact SRAM part number is 00.6118.607.001. Only one color option, and it’s called “Lunar”.

Value

    At $275 American dollars, this isn’t the most expensive component on your bike. But as mentioned, many aluminum options are preferred to save money. Many bike manufacturer’s will select aluminum cranks over carbon for this very reason. The GX aluminum equivalent retails for $135. 

    So are these worth it? Well, how low is your Bottom Bracket? Are you hitting your pedals on technical climbs?

    This was my biggest concern; I don’t want to sacrifice reliability for a few grams. But the difference was noticeable, for the positive. 71 grams doesn’t seem like much, but I could feel it on the steepest of climbs when I was sitting there just spinning. I do still hit my pedals occasionally, but I added the SRAM crank arm boots to ease my paranoia. 

    Let’s look at the value in another way. This upgrade cost me $2 per gram of weight savings. I also recently spent about $50 on titanium bolts for the brakes, stem, pivot bolts, etc. Which ended up costing me about $5 per gram… yeah. I’d say if you’re trying to decide between oil slicking everything on your bike, or looking for an economical weight savings component, these cranks should be on the shortlist of upgrades.

Final thoughts

With over 150 miles of riding, I can say these were worth it. The weight savings is noticeable, especially when it comes to your drivetrain. Any bit of weight you can take away from the spinning mass on your bike; drivetrain, wheels, tires — you’ll feel it. Carbon is also marketed as providing increased stiffness, but I didn’t notice this. If you like to upgrade your bike over time, starting on a budget like I did, but transforming the bike to a dream build. The SRAM GX Eagle Carbon cranks not only look good, but offer great value. I am very happy with the purchase, and I’m sure you will be too. 

SRAM GX Eagle Carbon Crankset on an Orange Yeti SB 150

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ABOUT THE RIDER/WRITER

NAME AGE HEIGHT LOCATED

Nick Hanson

31

5'11"

Boulder, CO

Current Bikes: 2019 Yeti SB150, also seeking an additional short travel companion.

Bike Size: Large

Favorite Trails: Hall Ranch, Trestle Bike Park, Free Lunch, Hangover Trail

About Me: Been riding bikes my whole life. But feel I've only been a true Mountain Biker since 2012. Currently trying to take my bike wherever I can ride in conjunction with car road trips. Engaged, and living in Boulder with our 2 dogs.