What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I run this exact crank and chainring combo on my enduro bike, and the cinch design has kept things creak-free for a full season of big days. The direct mount chainring pairs cleanly with the crank arm and holds the chain locked in through chunky, rowdy terrain without a single dropped link."A crankset earns its keep the moment terrain stops cooperating, and the Shimano XT FC-M8120 1x Crankset is built for exactly that moment. Hollowtech+ construction keeps the arms light enough for an all-day cross-country pedal, while the cinch chainring mount does away with the creaks and hassle that used to come with swapping rings between rides. Dynamic Chain Engagement locks the chain onto the direct mount chainring's new tooth profile, so a stronger connection between chain and ring means fewer dropped chains and less chain slap through rough, unpredictable trail. Paired together, the crank arm and chainring bring the same precision Shimano built into its XTR line down into the XT family, without asking riders to pay the XTR price to get it.