Shimano Zee cranks... good bang for the buck?

[EastCoaster]

Starting a new DH build and am unable to swap a lot of stuff over. Old bike 73mm and 135.... New 83 and 150.
Trying to save $ but don't want to have it be a total budget build.

Anyone have any experience with the Zee since they were released?

Couldn't find much on published weights vs Saints.

Or, should I just save the dough and go with Saint M815s? They're going for a pretty good price over on Chain Reaction with free shipping.

[daisycutter]

I went through the same issue. I am sticking with saint 9 speed(810-815) on my build because the parts are so much cheaper.

[norbar]

Arent they just rebadged deore cranks?

[Sandwich]

Man, if you can afford them, saint 810s are great cranks. I got comments from multiple people on how stiff my cranks were on an 8" travel sunday. Never had any problem with them except for the ano wearing off. The big fat tabs take some patience on setup, but once you're in...

[EastCoaster]

Yeah... am edging toward the M815s (need 83mm BB). Been still beating on sets of Hones on both the trail and DH bikes for a WHILE with zero issues.
To tell you the truth, the "cheap" look of the Zee model is putting me off. Hadn't heard that they were rebadged Deores before but then again, I don't think that I ever bothered to take even a quick glance at a Deore crank. Could very well be.

[kidwoo]

Buy whatever is NOT 6000 series aluminum. That makes a bigger difference than however shimano wants to brand their stuff.

[bizutch]

My only input (cause I can) is the Shimano rep himself said he'd build his rig up with all Zee, except cranks. But his only reason was the weight of the Zee's was massive.

[banj]

From what I have read and can see the zee cranks seem to be deore with pedal inserts and steel axle. No idea whether they use the same material for the crank arms or not. The shape looks very similar.

[Sandwich]

Buy whatever is NOT 6000 series aluminum. That makes a bigger difference than however shimano wants to brand their stuff.

there's got to be a joke about dorados and no skidmarks in there somewhere.

[kidwoo]

there's got to be a joke about dorados and no skidmarks in there somewhere.

There are jokes about dorados and no skidmarks everywhere.

Don't limit yourself.

[EastCoaster]

From what I have read and can see the zee cranks seem to be deore with pedal inserts and steel axle. No idea whether they use the same material for the crank arms or not. The shape looks very similar.

Which is kindof like my Hones were/are anyway.... And I've had no issues with them on either bike. The Zees definitely look chintzy compared to the Saints.... but with the $ saved.... I could buy the cassette, etc....
Those weight photos kind of have me convinced. I expected the Zee to be a boat anchor compared to the Saints... If I trash the Zees... So what?

[RayB]

Made in Malaysia (and not Japan)...

edit: but for the price, you can't complain.

[ZoRo]

And it's a shimano crank. No worries about it exploding halfway down the mountain. Peace of mind for sure.

[kidwoo]

And it's a shimano crank. No worries about it exploding halfway down the mountain. Peace of mind for sure.

Should I mention how many pairs of shimano cranks I've bent?

[Jim Mac]

Is that a cue for us to ask?