Shimano SLX FC-M670 Crankset

Always on the hunt for a deal I came across the Shimano SLX FC-M670 on Merlin Cycles for a little over $100.  There's lots of solid recommendations and reviews for the crankset online.  The SRAM X7 crankset I had been running had been on the bike since new and had not had a particularly had an easy life from me, therefore I couldn't resist switching it out.  Shimano sells the Crankset in 170mm or 175mm options and there is a double or triple version available I went for the triple as I would be running it with a single Race Face Narrow Wide up front and the triple option would allow me to get the best chainline possible.  The main features of this crankset are:

• Dyna-Sys 10 speed compatible
• Triple - 24-32-42 t chainrings
• Includes Hollowtech 2 bottom bracket to fit 68 and 73mm shell widths

The crankset comes pretty well packaged in a neat and well thought out box. 

Out of the packaging

 Once out of the packaging its clear this is a quality item, everything comes pretty much assembled and includes drive side crank arm and chain rings, left crank arm, bottom bracket, spacers and tension cap.

Oddly Shimano uses torx bolts to hold the chainrings in place.  I didn't have the right size torx head so thought I would be stumped, however, found that a 4mm hex key works just as well.

I installed the Race Face ring in place of the middle chainring to get the best chainline possible.  My Niner EMD has a 73mm BB shell so this required one spacer to be placed on the drive side of the BB and there's just enough frame clearance to run the 32t ring.

All installed and ready to ride, I actually took it out for a blast on my local trails and found it to be incredibly smooth, stiff and responsive.  I'm not at weight weenie stage yet so unsure if I've saved a few grams by switching it out however tellingly I set a few new PRs on Strava so initially it does seem like a change for the better.