SRAM bought Truvativ a few years back but some of their cranksets, notably the heavier duty ones, still bear the Truvativ tag. This is essentially SRAM’s X9 unit made compatible with 2x10 drivetrains but with a tough aluminium bash guard (£34) instead of an outer chainring to deflect log and rock hopping damage.
As with most 2x10-ready cranksets, it'll work with nine-speed chains too. It’s a lightweight option compared to most bash guard setups, which makes it more suitable for those who ride with finesse but still prefer a precautionary guard rather than having the bigger gear ratios of an outer ring.
It’s not built for heavy landings from jumps, but the 22-tooth inner ring will be welcome on the sort of long steep climbs where a lot of riders on 2x10 will be cursing. The cranks are hollow forged, very light and very stiff. Ring options include 38/24t, 39/26t and various larger setups without a bash guard. Colour and BB30 options are available too.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
